A Q&A With Bartlett OL Bubba Howard
Bartlett sophomore Thomas Hubbard Thomas Hubbard 6'4" | 260 lbs | OL Bartlett | 2022 State IL has blossomed into one of the premier offensive lineman in all of Illinois in the 2022 class. He’s got great size for a…
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Continue ReadingBartlett sophomore Thomas Hubbard Thomas Hubbard 6'4" | 260 lbs | OL Bartlett | 2022 State IL has blossomed into one of the premier offensive lineman in all of Illinois in the 2022 class. He’s got great size for a center, standing at 6’4, 250 and plays with a great base. He’s a high effort kid with great turnover on his knee drive and will do whatever you ask. His size and athletic ability are not common for a center, and I think it’s what could make him a very intriguing prospect for college coaches. Hubbard’s only going to continue to add size and strength, and that could help him land multiple offers in the coming months. I caught up with Hubbard and talked about a little bit of everything!
What do you feel are your biggest strengths?
I would say the thing that helped me the most throughout my football career is technique and having a cerebral personality on the field, with some heavy-hitting. I have been working on technique for as long as I could remember.
What do you feel you need to improve on?
I would say I need to improve on overall strength, on and off the field. Strength is always a great thing to have on the field, and if you could translate weight room strength to the field, you will be set.
What was the highlight of your sophomore season on varsity?
For me, being with a great group of guys during the summer and the fall is always the best part of football. But during the season our big win against our rival South Elgin was the highlight of our season. They came in super strong and we brought it to them. Them and us battled it out for 4 quarters, and we came out on top.
How’s your team looking this winter?
Our team is looking very strong this year. From a great wide receiver core, running back and quarterbacks, our defensive line and backers, everyone. We all have been putting in a tremendous amount of hard work this offseason, and I am most excited for the brotherhood upfront this year to show what we can do.
What schools are you currently hearing from?
I have talked to a couple of schools, Oklahoma, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois University, Central Michigan, Kent State, and St. Thomas. All are amazing universities and I appreciate them reaching out.
Do you have a dream school?
Ever since I was a kid I have always imagined what it was like to play in South Bend, Indiana. I’d say my dream school has always been Notre Dame.
Do you have any visit plans post-COVID-19?
I have talked to colleges about visiting. As we all know because of COVID-19, things are pretty tough in the football world, but I plan on visiting Oklahoma, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois University, and Central Michigan will be the very first schools I will be looking forward to visiting.
What’s been the toughest part about not playing football this fall?
For me personally, I really miss being able to work and sweat with my best friends. Being apart of the Bartlett Football program is definitely one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and not being able to see everyone who makes this team great on Friday nights leaves a hole in all of our hearts.
What have you learned during this pandemic?
I have learned that no matter what happens, you still always need to find work. If you don’t have a gym to go to? Do push-ups and sit-ups at home, don’t have practice where you can condition? Run a couple miles.
How ready are you for this football season?
Beyond ready. I have been waiting for my junior year for a while. I knew this group of guys are more than ready for the season.