Rock Island Today

Drew Himmelman’s football priorities are all about winning.

Heading into his sophomore season, the rising Illinois State left tackle barely mentions all of the awards that have come his way for things he’s already achieved or is soon expected to.

The 2015 Geneseo High grad's only focus seems to be having his Redbirds primed for their Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) season, not the attention he has received.

“I don’t really think of it as what makes me unique,” Himmelman told the Geneseo Republic. “I think on the O-line especially it’s more of a group, and we all work together. If one guy misses an assignment, the play is blown. It’s not like one guy is standing out. It’s five guys working together to make the play happen.”

Himmelman and company anchored the Redbirds to the fourth-best rushing offense in the conference last season and even more is expected this year under the guidance of new offensive line coach Harold Etheridge.

Tabbed as an MVFC preseason first-team selection, Himmelman said he likes the group’s energy under Etheridge and he hopes his year of experience at the collegiate level will help him feel like he belongs even more this season.  

“My first game, I was super nervous and it was kind of a blur for a little while,” he said. “I settled in toward the middle and end of the season. Hopefully, when I’m out there I will be able to read the defense easier and kind of be able to see what they are going to do before the play even starts.”

The 2017 MVFC All-Newcomer Team selection knows all about having to go the extra mile. Himmelman was forced to wait two seasons before finally getting his chance at Illinois State last year.

“I think it was very beneficial,” he said. “It’s not necessary for everybody, but for me coming out of high school, as small as I was, it was the best option.”

Following last year’s disappointing 6-5 finish, Himmelman said he has high hopes for the Redbirds this season.

“This year, I think we are really focused on taking it one game at a time and trying to put the best product we can on the field every week,” he said.