Recruiting Report: Nick Hand (2021)

2021 Totino-Grace S/WR Nick Hand just finished his second year starting for one of the best football programs in the state of Minnesota. Starting for the Eagles as a sophomore is an impressive feat in itself, but once I found out he had 82 tackles, three FF's, and one int I knew that Hand would be a player to watch out for come the 2021 recruiting cycle. Hand stands at 6'3 and weighs 185 pounds with a frame that can add a lot more weight. I was fortunate enough to see Hand and his TG teammates play Metro-North rival Champlin Park in early October and came away impressed with Hand's physicality and instincts in the defensive backfield. Prior to that game he had already been named to the Metro Athletes of the Week team presented by MNFootballHub after a three interception performance versus Cretin Derham Hall that also included 14 tackles. Hand has also been selected as the Old Dutch high school athlete of the week this season. I was fortunate enough to represent Northstar Football News for an interview with the junior just a couple days before their matchup with Shakopee, and it was an interesting discussion in which we talked about how he began playing football, what it's like representing TG, and his recruitment. Check it out below. NFN: Hello, Nick! Start by telling our readers a little bit about yourself as well as what you love about the game of football. Hand: "I live in Rogers and started playing football here in second grade. Football has always been my favorite sport. There is a feeling in football that just can't be matched by any other sport which makes it so much fun. I am 6'3, 185 lbs, and my 40 is 4.74. Last year I had 82 tackles with one int and three FF's. Football requires so much hard work and attention to detail to do well. It is such a competitive sport and I love that about it." NFN: Describe to us Totino-Grace's 2018 season and your personal play as well. Hand: "Last year was a rough season for us but it helped me realize what needed to change for the next year. I saw what can happen when everyone isn't all in. Personally I had a pretty good season as a sophomore and it helped me become comfortable in those situations. Our whole team is focused on finishing the season the best way possible and that's winning state. For me I want to continue to help my team however I can and keep playing faster as well." NFN: That's a great transition into my next question: What were your personal expectations for yourself and the squad going into this season and what is it like playing football at Totino? Hand: "We all realized at the beginning of the year that we must be different than last season and so far that's what we've been doing. I focused on getting myself stronger and faster this past offseason because those are such important parts in football. Playing football at TG is great because of how important it is to the community. So many people tune into the games and follow along with our season and that's great. This season has been great for us and we have been playing well as a team. The regular season has been great personally as well as I led the team in tackles and was second in interceptions. Playing in the Cretin game was my favorite because it was on a college field (St. Thomas). [caption id="attachment_14726" align="alignright" width="300"] Nick Hand.[/caption] The Centennial game was also a blast because of the long rivalry we have with them. Getting the 1-seed was great because it was exactly what we were working for since the beginning of the season. Shakopee is our next game. If we meet Lakeville North it will be a huge game for us because the winner will go to the Bank." NFN: How's recruiting going so far? Who are you interested in and who have you been in contact with? Hand: "I am interested in the U, SDSU, NDSU, and UNI currently but am interested in any division right now. I went to the Iowa State and U of M camp this summer and both were great. I've received game days from the U, NDSU, SDSU, and UNI. I am open to any college and would love to check out as many as possible." You'll be hearing more on Hand and the Eagles very shortly Northstar faithful! 2019 Hudl: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/9946308/5daa3ffc5b47220e34bbc97a">http://www.hudl.com/video/3/9946308/5daa3ffc5b47220e34bbc97a</a>