As the football season goes on, and the weather turns a little cooler, Connor Essick might be in line to get a few more carries at running back for Columbus North.
As it is now, Essick is needed on the defensive side of the ball, where he is the Bull Dogs’ middle linebacker. Given the heat and humidity that North played in its first two games, that has made double duty a little difficult.
“We’d like to start getting him some more carries, but it’s been so daggone hot and humid in these games, we have to be really careful about these kids playing double ways,” North coach Tim Bless said. “Hopefully, as this weather breaks a little bit, we want to get the ball on Connor’s hands some because he’s a plenty good running back.”
Essick has three carries for 24 yards this season, including a 19-yard scamper in the season opener at Gibson Southern. Although he played exclusively at linebacker last season, he did have 11 carries for 63 yards as a sophomore.
“I’ve played running back my whole life, and it’s nothing new,” Essick said. “I just run hard, get downfield and secure the ball.”
Last year, Essick moved to defense and was a starter at outside linebacker. With last year’s middle linebacker, Luke Bless, having moved on to University of Indianapolis, Essick moved to the middle this season.
“It’s been a lot of change, but it makes my focus go higher and my determination go higher,” Essick said. “I’m just glad to be out there on the field.”
Not only does the 5-foot-9, 190-pound Essick play nearly every down on defense and see spot duty on offense, he also plays on the Bull Dogs’ punt return, kickoff and kickoff return teams.
“It’s all about mentality,” Essick said. “You have to go out there and think you’re the best on the field, know you’re the best on the field and go 4 to 6 seconds every play.”
Through two games, Essick is tied for second on the team with 13 tackles, four tackles for losses and one sack.
“He kind of got tired (the previous) week a little bit and missed some snaps,” Tim Bless said. “He worked hard (last) week and played a ton of quality snaps. He was definitely the general that our defense needs.”
Tim Bless, who coaches the linebackers in addition to his head coaching duties, praised the leadership that Essick has brought to the team this season.
“In our defense and most defensive schemes, the Mike (middle) linebacker is quarterback of the defense,” Tim Bless said. “So he sets the front, he makes the calls, he does all the communication pre-snap and then obviously, he has to have the best handle of our scouting report and our game plan. I think Connor has stepped into Luke Bless’ shoes admirably and taken command of our defense.”
Essick is hoping to be able to continue his career at the collegiate level next year. He said he has talked to several schools and has visited Wittenberg (Ohio) and Illinois Wesleyan.
For now, though, the focus is on the rest of this season, starting with Friday’s Conference Indiana opener and home opener against Southport.
“My personal goal is to get All-Conference, get All-State and try to go win sectional,” Essick said.
