2023 Player Spotlight/interview with Jonathan Wiczen from (Garrettsville) James A Garfield High School

[LICKING COUNTY FAN]

Name Jonathan Wiczen

School James A Garfield High School (OH)

Positions played I played Center my Sophomore year and Offensive Tackle my Junior Year

Class 2024

How long have you played football, along with the reason or reasons you continue to play?
I have played football since I was in first grade, I continue to play because I truly love the game and I love that the work you put into the offseason reflects how you play during the season.

Where on the offensive line do you prefer to play? Explain.
I prefer to play on the exterior of the Offensive line as I am good at my craft in the run-and-pass game and I’m very aggressive at setting the edge; I am very versatile on the Offensive Line and I can truly play anywhere.

What must you improve on the most to get more college coaches looking at you?
I must improve on my pad level to get more coaches looking at me.

What is the toughest part of a Garfield two-a-day practice?
the toughest part of a Garfield two-a-day practice is the conditioning at the very end of practice for sure.

The G-Men had a good season in 2022, going 9-3 overall, including a playoff win. What will the team have to do better to make 2023 even better?
I believe we will have to be better at communicating to make this season even better.

Which type of weather is the hardest for you to play in?
there’s no weather that is really difficult for me to play in.

Who has been the best player you have ever gone up against, along with the team he played for?
Connor Heater from the Brookfield Warriors.

After the season is over, what would it mean to you to have earned an invite to the North vs. South game?
After the season is over it would mean a lot for me to represent my team, my town, and my family at the North Vs. South Game.

What are your thoughts on 16 teams from each region earning a playoff bid?
I think that the 16 teams from each region earning a playoff bid is a little much but I think it makes great for more underdog matchups later in the season.

Which game are you looking forward to the most?
I am looking forward to the Normandy game week 3 and the Brookfield game week 10.

With this being your final high school football season, have you prepared any differently than you have in the past?
With this being my last high school football season I have prepared a little differently by training position-based drills every day improving my craft while also consistently lifting and conditioning to outwork my opponents.

What is your favorite class or subject?
My favorite subject is Science.

What toppings and crust make your perfect pizza?
Pepperoni, sausage, and extra cheese on stuffed crust make my perfect pizza.

Which pro team do you enjoy seeing lose the most?
A pro team I enjoy watching lose the most would be the Steelers.