Jaylen Newkirk Takes Charge as Grayslake North’s Varsity Quarterback

Transitioning to varsity football is a significant moment for any player. For Grayslake North’s quarterback Jaylen Newkirk, this meant stepping up as the successor to standout quarterback Mitchell Hughes. After a large graduating class in 2025, Newkirk took on the role at the start of his sophomore year, shifting from his previous position as wide receiver.

Reflecting on the transition, Newkirk comments, “I look back at last year with a lot of mixed emotions. I didn’t know I had the job until a couple of days before our first scrimmage. I was happy but knew there was going to be a lot of pressure, partly because the quarterback before me was really good. But I took it all in and tried to show everyone what I’m capable of.”

Despite Grayslake North winning only one game, the experience was invaluable for Newkirk. He has become one of Lake County’s standout players during his junior season. This year, the team shows promise with a 2-0 record, already surpassing last year’s scoring by averaging 41 points per game over two nonconference matches. Newkirk has produced eight touchdowns and anticipates the upcoming Northern Lake County Conference schedule, including a game against North Chicago.

Looking back, Newkirk recognizes the learning curve he faced. “There was a lot of guessing last year and not totally knowing what I was going to do with the ball,” he said. “But looking back on it now, especially with these first two wins, it was beneficial going through that.”

Newkirk has learned to leverage his running ability, noting, “About midway through the year, I could see that my running ability was working. I found out that I had the speed and the length in my stride to make plays. I don’t want to be running all the time, but the coaches saw it, and there are now plays we have to help take advantage.”

In a 42-21 season-opening victory over Vernon Hills, Newkirk threw for two touchdowns and ran for two others, amassing 98 rushing yards. He continued to shine against Wheeling, contributing three touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown during their 40-7 win.

Grayslake North coach Brian Johnson appreciates Newkirk’s growth, stating, “Last year, the whole process of being a quarterback was foreign to him. Just getting the snap, calling the play, getting guys out of the huddle, the non-football mechanics. Obviously, the maturity of being a year older helps, and he’s also throwing the ball better now. With a year under his belt, he’s made a huge step forward.”

Newkirk’s recent performance demonstrates his improved abilities with three touchdown passes directed to different receivers, all underclassmen. He also acknowledges the role of his offensive line, saying, “Honestly, a lot of the credit goes to my offensive line. Last year, it seemed like I was being pressured in about two seconds. But I have a lot more time now. They’re doing an outstanding job, and I love them to death for helping protect me.”

One noteworthy member of his offensive line is junior center Alex Danzy, Newkirk’s uncle, who moved into Newkirk’s home during eighth grade. Newkirk mentions, “Things are a lot easier when you live with the captain of your offensive line.”

To improve his skills, Newkirk dedicated his offseason to addressing weaknesses and engaging in extensive film study. He also pursued high jumping for the first time, achieving success by advancing to the 2A state meet. He explains, “I can dunk a basketball really easily, but the high jump was really difficult at first because of the weird way you have to rotate your body. At the start, I wasn’t thinking too much about it. But then I won my first indoor meet and first outdoor meet and started thinking that I was pretty good at it. It brought out the competitor in me.”

Over the summer, Newkirk exhibited accountability, an essential quality for a quarterback. “He’s very accountable, and that’s something that has spread to the whole team,” said junior slotback Lucas Woyat. “During practice, if he sees someone doing something wrong, he’ll explain how to do it without yelling at someone. The message is that by doing it the right way, it will help the team.”

Newkirk recognizes the importance of his performance to the team’s success, stating, “I knew this year would be different and knew I could be a difference-maker. I didn’t want people to think of me as someone running around throwing interceptions and of us being a 1-8 team.”

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.