Oct. 20--During the off-season, Hinsdale Central senior Christian Bobak spent many days moonlighting as a linebacker.
His "second job" might soon become his college position.
A running back by trade, Bobak leads the No. 8 Red Devils with 944 yards rushing and nine touchdowns in seven games. Bobak, who missed a game this season, rushed for 236 yards and two touchdowns in Friday's 45-38 overtime victory against Hinsdale South. Bobak's 10-yard touchdown run on the first play of overtime secured the victory for the Red Devils.
Bobak said he played safety his freshman year. Despite his combination of athleticism and speed, he's become solely an offensive player out of necessity, Hinsdale Central coach Dan Hartman said.
"Christian's a pretty versatile player," Hartman said. "He has made himself very versatile throughout the spring by working out at linebacker. He's fast and athletic enough to play on either side of the ball. If we had another tailback as good as him, he might have ended up on the other side of the ball, but he just happens to be the best guy we've got. He's embraced that role."
Bobak's play at linebacker during 7-on-7s in the summer enhanced his profile for colleges.
"I think I'm capable of playing defense," Bobak said. "My team needs me at running back. In high school, I just want to do what the team needs me to do. In recruiting, I'll play any position at the next level whether that is slotback, running back, safety, cornerback or linebacker. I only played on defense in 7-on-7s, never on offense. I feel I'm well-rounded and am capable of and open to playing any position at the next level."
Dayton, Lafayette and Valparaiso have offered roster spots to Bobak. Dayton and Valparaiso are members of the Pioneer Football League and do not offer athletic scholarships despite being part of the Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA).
Bobak said the Crusaders were unaware of Bobak's ability to play defense until his summer camp visit.
"I was on Valpo's list as a running back, and I played linebacker at their camp," he said. "They were surprised, but it definitely opened up some windows. They want me to play outside linebacker or safety."
Whether Bobak decides to select a college based on offense or defense remains uncertain, but he prepared for his senior season by redeveloping his body. Bobak competed in track as a junior after sitting out as a sophomore and qualified for the Class 3A state meet in the 800-meter relay. Bobak lost 10 pounds during the offseason to drop to his current stature of 6-foot, 190 pounds.
"I'm a lot stronger and lighter with a better combination of power and speed that I didn't have last year," Bobak said.
A slimmer Bobak and Hinsdale Central's talented offensive line have been a good combination this season. The Red Devils (7-1) are off to their best start since 2008, when they reached the Class 8A state final and finished 11-3.
"Christian was concerned about his weight at first, but he realized it was more about his speed, strength and agility than just his sheer weight and size," Hartman said. "He leaned out a bit and got stronger. He's more elusive and stronger as the game goes on at the lower playing weight."
Graham awaiting first offer: Just imagine what Rayshawn Graham can do with some more seasoning.
Playing running back for just his second season, the Eisenhower senior leads his team with more than 1,250 yards rushing through eight games.
Graham's sample size at running back dwindles further considering that he missed four games last season because of an injury, plus he has sat out most of the second half in five of Eisenhower's eight games due to blowouts.
"Last year was my first time actually starting on offense," Graham said. "I started on defense before and didn't play on offense."
Graham has yet to receive an offer but said Southern Illinois is interested in him. The 5-11, 200-pounder visited Southern Illinois earlier this month.
Eisenhower coach Travis Moore said Graham's combination of size and speed should intrigue colleges seeking a hard-nosed running back.
"Rayshawn is a tough runner, equivalent to a running back with a defensive mentality," Moore said. "He's also fast and been timed at 10.9 (seconds) in the 100 (yard dash)."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
