Junior Nicah Pass is returning to the field as a starting wide receiver after not playing his sophomore season. Head coach Michael Holland said he has matured physically since his freshman year, but hopes to see him grow mentally, as well.
“We focus a lot on team culture and being a good teammate,” he said. “I want him to be a guy that everybody else looks up to.”
Pass understands his position and impact as a wide receiver. He wants to encourage other players to make the right decisions and plays. He has a simple, but effective mindset in times of pressure and hopes to pass it along to other players.
“Lock in and catch the ball,” he said. “(I want) to help my team win.”
Pass’s body has changed drastically over the past two years, Holland said.
“He had a hard time holding up to the pounding of a varsity football season,” he said.
Pass played on defense as a freshman and had 23 total tackles.
Now that Pass is taller and faster, said Holland, he will be “a big play threat on both sides of the ball.”
Sophomore Andrew Eberhart will serve as Pass’ backup. Eberhart is new to the team, but Holland said “he’s done an exceptional job learning the offense.”
“He’s picked up on it maybe quicker than anybody,” he said.
Sophomore Hayden Williams and freshman Kaden McDaris will also be wide receivers alongside Pass and Eberhart.