It might be hard to blame Columbus North’s opponents if they get tired of seeing Harley Huser on the football field.
The senior has made big plays all over the field for Bull Dogs this season. His prowess on offense, defense and special teams has been a big reason why they are 6-0 and ranked No. 5 in the state in Class 6A.
“Harley is a very dynamic playmaker,” North coach Tim Bless said. “He has great measurables. He’s pound-for-pound maybe the strongest football player that we have and is among our fastest players. Then, with his competitive instincts, we need to utilize him as much as we can.”
Huser has been nothing short of a human highlight reel the past two weeks. He returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown and caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Triston Perry in the Bull Dogs’ 54-0 win at Terre Haute South.
Then on Friday, Huser returned a punt 72 yards for a score in a 59-13 rout of Terre Haute North.
“It’s a lot of fun, and I wouldn’t change anything about (playing so much),” Huser said. “Wherever the coaches need me to play, that’s where I’m going to play, and I’m going to do my best in that position.”
Safety is Huser’s primary position. The 6-foot, 170-pounder is tied for the team lead with three interceptions.
Huser’s 41 tackles are just six off the team high.
“I think it’s a position that kind of fits me pretty well,” Huser said. “I just play where the coaches need me to play, and it’s happened to work for me so far. Everything has been clicking defensively, so we just have to keep it together as a team.”
Although he sees only spot duty on offense, Huser has eight receptions for 111 yards and a score.
Huser’s touchdown catch at Terre Haute South was a work of art. He leaped in the corner of the end zone and just got a foot down inbounds to complete the catch.
“It’s definitely a lot different than defense,” Huser said. “I have to say I like defense a little more because there’s a chance to make plays every play, and on offense, it’s either your play or it’s not. I definitely love being on that (defensive) side of the ball and helping my team out.”
This season, Huser has returned 10 punts for 260 yards and two scores. He also has returned two kickoffs for 34 yards.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Huser said. “I have to say it’s one of the more nerve racking parts of the game, but I definitely love doing it, and it’s been a good opportunity for me.”
In the spring, Huser was a regional track and field qualifier in the high jump. He also ran for part of the season on North’s 4×100-meter relay team that qualified for state.
Huser is hoping to continue his football career in college. Although he does not yet have any scholarship offers, he has been talking to coaches at Indiana University, Rose-Hulman, Indiana State, Hanover.
Bless has been happy with the production Huser has given the Bull Dogs so far this season.
“It’s lived up to billing,” Bless said. “We had great expectations for him this season, and he’s certainly lived up to them, and we have high hopes of what he’ll do throughout the rest of the year.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Harley Huser” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Harley Huser
School: Columbus North
Year: Senior
Height: 6-foot
Weight: 170
Position: Wide reciever/safety/kick returner
Sports: Football, track and field
Favorite sport: Football
Other activities: Student Assembly, Homecoming Court; has been involved with Sidekicks
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