Deerfield’s Jack Berger started summer camp as a tight end, and that made sense to him.
Berger had already earned a reputation as a physical blocker and reliable chains-moving receiving target for senior quarterback Mac Jones.
“I’ve always had the brain of a tight end,” Berger said.
But the 6-foot-4, 235-pound Berger got an inkling that some snaps at defensive end may be coming this season, and by the time camp ended, he had assumed a two-way workload that keeps him on the field.
Playing defense wasn’t entirely new to Berger, but he hadn’t played on the line since his freshman year, and that was in a part-time role.
“It’s not what I imagined my year looking like when summer camp started,” Berger said. “It was a compliment to me that they wanted me out there so much, which is nice. But it was definitely a challenge getting adjusted to it.”
So much so that Berger wasn’t able to answer the bell for the second half of Deerfield’s season-opening loss against DePaul. He suffered severe cramping. That was probably the low point for him.
“My effort in that game was unacceptable, and I had a conversation with myself and coach (Steve Winiecki),” Berger said. “Since then, I’ve been playing the best football I’ve ever played.”
Berger made the physical adjustments necessary for him to not only be available for entire games but also be extremely productive on both sides of the ball. Heading into the regular-season finale against New Trier, a Central Suburban South game the Warriors (4-4, 2-2) must win to become playoff-eligible, Berger has 39 catches for 524 yards and five touchdowns on offense and two sacks, three tackles for loss, an interception and a fumble recovery on defense.
“One of the reasons we’ve been so good on defense is that Jack has totally bought into his conditioning,” Winiecki said. “When we ask him if he needs a break now, he says ‘no.’”
Winiecki said Berger has been particularly effective at batting down passes. Berger has the height for that, but he has also played volleyball since fourth grade, which gives him an edge when he tries to time the ball coming out of the quarterback’s hand.
Berger has come to realize he does that at his own peril, though.
“It’s a horrible feeling when you leave your feet and you get hit,” Berger said. “But it’s a great feeling when the ball hits your hand. It’s a risk I’m willing to take because the reward is worth it. It really helps the defensive backs and brings a good momentum swing.”
Playing on both sides of the ball also meant Berger had to make a mental adjustment. He doesn’t have time to think after an offensive possession.
“Especially if you make a mistake, it’s nice to come off and be able to think about it so you can correct it next time,” Berger said. “Sometimes I also wish I could talk to the team as a whole. Now it’s just ‘next play.’ It’s funny how football works out.”
It also worked out that Berger’s offensive workload changed, largely due to the loss of senior wide receiver Zach Friedman, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 4. Berger splits out wide more often.
“It’s a big difference having someone in press compared to having a safety further back on you,” Berger said. “I’m not the type of guy who can outrun a guy 50 yards downfield.
“Overall, I know my role in the offense, and I’ve been up for the challenge.”
Friedman agrees and sees how that influences their teammates.
“It’s a lot about his contagious energy, which rubs off on other people in a positive way,” Friedman said. “He has a super-high motor on defense, and when he gets going, it seems like everybody else gets going too.”
Berger intends to continue his football career in college — as a tight end, of course, the same position his father, Ron, played at Brown.
But Berger has set aside consideration of his college choice until after the season.
“People say that high school football is the best part of any football career, so I want to enjoy every last day I have,” he said. “I have so many options. I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
