I got to know Hinsdale South’s 2018 QB Justin Kolzow. We talked his impeccable work ethic to ready himself to handle a new offense after transferring to Hinsdale South, schools he’s kept in touch with the most and his teammates flying under the radar.

You can find Justin on Twitter @j_kolzow.

Justin Kolzow

Quarterback
Hinsdale South
Darien, IL

Ht: 6’3″
Wt: 190 lbs
Class: 2018

Commitment status: Undecided

LPI: What were the most important things you did this offseason and are now doing in practice so you can improve this season?

JK: This off-season I really focused on improving accuracy on my short throws, and then worked on improving my football IQ by watching not only my high school film, but also college/pro film. The main things I’m working on in practice are adjusting to a new offense with my transfer to Hinsdale South and improving timing on throws.

LPI: You currently don’t have any offers, but are trying to prove to schools you have what it takes to play at the next level. What are your greatest strengths or why should a school offer you?

JK: My greatest strengths are my abilities as a leader on and off the field. I have very strong grades in the classroom (3.80 GPA) and I’m not afraid to stand up for what’s right. On top of that, I feel like I possess the size, strength and pocket presence needed to play at the next level.

LPI: Offer or not, which schools have you kept in contact with the most? Or which schools have shown interest in you?

JK: I talk fairly often with Coach Perish from Indiana State and Coach Diersen from Northern Illinois and I exchange messages fairly often.

LPI: Where have you visited most recently and do you have any visits coming up?

JK: My most recent visits have been Central Michigan and Indiana State, and I have some visits to smaller schools soon (Olivet Nazarene and University of Chicago), as well as a visit to Northern Illinois in a couple weeks.

LPI: After starting 0-3 the Hornets have won 3 of their last 4 games to put you guys at 3-4 and back in playoff contention. What are you team goals for the rest of this year and what are you guys going to do to achieve them?

JK: Our main team focus is to play strong for 4 full quarters, which is something we’ve struggled to do this season. Either we start slow and then we heat up toward the end, or we start hot and then slow down at the end. We’ve struggled remaining hot throughout a full game. One of the things our coaches emphasize is playing for the guy next to you. When we played Glenbard West, they used the analogy of how rock climbers rely on their partners to “Hold the Rope” and keep them up, so that’s something we’ve really focused on; keeping our teammates up and being the strongest link in the chain.

LPI: Who are some of your other teammates that you believe have a chance to play at the next level, but may be getting overlooked by college coaches?

JK:

Deontae Curry: The first name that comes to mind. He’s a little undersized height wise but he makes up for it with his strength, work ethic, tackling ability and leadership. He’s truly one of the most gifted players I’ve met in my 10+ years of playing.

Aaron Woods: He’s a fantastic lineman that in the beginning of the year played both OL and DT, but now focuses solely on DT. For his size, his speed is impeccable, and there really aren’t a whole lot of offensive lineman that can keep up with him.

Diamond (DJ) Anderson: plays Corner and has been learning a little receiver. He’s a basketball/track athlete but his speed and athleticism easily transfer over to the game of football. His coverage is great and his football IQ is surprisingly good for only having played for a short period of time.

Steve Farina: is a talented sophomore starting at slot receiver for us. His hands have definitely improved as the season’s progressed, and he’s not afraid to go nose to nose with a blitzing line backer and put him on his back.

Destin Talbert: is a starting receiver whose speed and hands are truly unstoppable. He can play any position on the field and I truly believe he is the best receiver in the conference.

Shawn Wimberly: is our starting running back. He’s not the fastest but he runs harder than most if not all running backs in the conference. He sees the field extremely well, and breaks arm tackles extremely well.