Athlete of the Week: 10 questions of JT Killeen, Highland Park football

JT Killeen is a senior defensive end for the Giants who has recorded 10-plus tackles for loss across the past two games. This is his first year playing HPHS football. He also is a first baseman for the school’s baseball team

1. Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?

I like to eat chicken and rice before every game. That’s my pregame meal. And not much else. I just listen to some music to lock in before the game, but that’s about it.

2. What do you hope to do next year?

I’m really looking for a successful freshman year of college, to experiment a bit. I have an older brother in college (Griffin Killeen, Indiana University), so follow his role and take his advice on things. And I’ll see where this path takes me. Everything is really up in the air right now. I’m looking at places to go for ROTC, get four years of military training in college. I’m thinking about walking on wherever I go, but mainly going for ROTC. Then see what happens.

3. Why did you join the football program this year?

I knew in my senior year I’d have to take some risks. I knew I wanted to get ready for college and one big step is trying new things. I had a desire to play from watching football. I am a huge Buffalo Bills fan. People have asked me to play before, but I usually brush it off, but then my dad talked with me and it became a serious conversation. I wanted to be a multi-sport athlete; I knew that.

4. What have been the biggest challenges in your first year?

It’s definitely been a roller coaster of emotions. Everything here is new to me. I did know a couple rules just from watching. After playing some games and getting the hang of it, there are things you don’t think about when watching football. The game is new to me. It’s a whole new mindset and attitude. Compared to many other sports, football is very physical, so I knew I had to come in with a toughness. I’m leaning on my teammates a lot. … This being my first year, it’s more just getting the hang of it, getting some reps in and performing. It’s really just attitude and mindset in my opinion.

5. What is your favorite moment of the season so far?

After our first win, celebrating with the team. I’ve never had the same excitement playing a sport. Even though this is my first year, it’s maybe the most fun. Right after the game that rush of excitement and joy and smiles on everyone’s faces. After that Niles West win, there’s been a whole new attitude among the team.

6. What is your favorite thing to do off the field?

I’m pretty big into lifting. I lift every day with my buddies. I lift with my dad and his friends. Every morning at 5 a.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday and Sunday. It starts the day well and I have that feeling of accomplishment.

7. Who is your favorite athlete?

Football-wise I would say probably Josh Allen (QB — Buffalo Bills). I am a huge Bills fan. I like his attitude. Buffalo is a tough place to live, especially in the winter. Josh Allen has a tough mentality. Some other guys I look up to in the league are Maxx Crosby (DE — Oakland Raiders) and Aidan Hutchinson (DE — Detroit Lions). I like the way they play, but I gotta say Josh Allen.

8. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

I would say first I’m getting an Arizona Iced Tea and a small bag of popcorn. You can never go wrong with a cold Arizona Iced Tea.

9. What is something people don’t know about you?

I would say that although it might not come across, I look up to everyone around me. Even if you’re younger or older, I just look up to people around me — coaches, teammates, friends, my little sister; I look up to my parents. Everyone around me for their support and their actions, I look up to.

10. How do you want to finish this season?

First, I obviously want to finish with a win. This season has been unbelievable for me. There have been many ups and downs. My teammates have been amazing. The offensive and defensive lines have been outstanding. … I’d like to give them credit for our success. This season has just been an insane amount of fun. I have had the most fun I’ve had in high school by far playing football. I didn’t know many of the guys going in but afterward it feels like we’re brothers. Everybody has a great attitude coming into practice. We started 0-6, but the last two (wins) have shown us what we can do as a team. It’s been amazing trying something new with guys I love. It’s been a helluva fun time playing.

I would also like to thank the coaches for getting me into it. With their leadership, they have totally helped me out inside and outside of football.

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