Many say to be the best, you have to beat the best. Much before one has the ability to do that, future stars figure out how to incorporate different pieces of superstars' games and use it to excel in their own right. For Monte Vista-Danville junior Jack Endries, this is exactly what he has done.
“I have two favorite tight ends, one is Gronk (Rob Gronkowski) and the other one is (George) Kittle,” explained Endries. “Watching Gronk is so fun, he’s so physical, yet catches so many balls. He is also pretty funny and lovable. Kittle is also fun to watch, his yards after catch makes his game so much better, and he is incredible. I try to incorporate Gronk's physicality, with Kittle's speed and yards after catch.”
Endries has already shown some of his own explosive abilities after being named the Tight End MVP of the National Preps Collegiate Showcase at Vacaville Christian in Vacaville last month. Jack had a few goals in mind when attending the showcase, and he did nothing but impress all day.
“I went to the National Preps Showcase in Vacaville to show off my skills to the National Preps recruits and also Brandon Huffman the 247 editor," he said. "I also went to get my stats measured. I improved my 40 from 4.76 at the opening to a 4.68, which I thought was a lot more accurate. I wanted to prove I am a fast slot, with great hands.”
Huffman was watching, and the 247Sports National Recruiting Editor liked what he saw from Endries.
"Jack is a player who's flashed at some camps and has shown some good athleticism and measurables,” said Huffman. “I'm eager to see him this season in pads, and showing his ability to block as well as at receiver."
With all the trials and tribulations the COVID-19 pandemic has brought, Jack has been motivated to keep improving his game. Even with the challenges, Endries was determined to find his own ways to train.
“It’s been difficult to find gyms during COVID but right before everything was shut down, I bought a weight rack so I can bench and squat and lift,” described Endries. “I’ve also been doing speed training with coach Victor James from BTA, and he helped a lot with my speed.”
For Jack, football is more than a game but also an escape. The sport allows him to get away from everything and showcase his skills.
“Football is a way to relieve stress and show everything that I’ve worked for. Blocking people and making catches takes my mind of a lot of things, such as school,” said Endries. “I want to prove how much faster, and more physical I have become. I also want to show that my routes have gotten cleaner and hands have gotten so much better.”
His love for the game is evident, and he knows to have the ability to continue playing the sport he loves, he has to stay on his grind.
“My main motivation is playing at the next level, I love playing football and it’s very physical. I can also talk a lot of trash," Endries said. "I know the only way to continue playing football is to play it at the next level, so that’s been my inspiration for getting bigger and faster”
