North Linn’s Austin Hilmer Knows What It Takes To Fill Big Shoes
Austin Hilmer understands what it takes to fill some big shoes at the high school level. Now, he’ll be looked upon to do it once again this fall when North Linn’s football season starts. Hilmer, a member of Class of…
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Continue ReadingAustin Hilmer understands what it takes to fill some big shoes at the high school level.
Now, he’ll be looked upon to do it once again this fall when North Linn’s football season starts.
Hilmer, a member of Class of 2022, is expected to replace Austin Miller at the quarterback position. All Miller did last season was throw for 1,167 yards, run for 1,005 and produce 28 touchdowns.
He also helped the Lynx finish 7-3 and reach the Class 1A playoffs for the first time in a decade.
“It will be tough losing our quarterback from last season, he was an absolute stud and it’ll be tough to fill his shoes but I’m looking forward to it,” Hilmer said. “I would like to play quarterback in college as well if the right opportunity comes up.”
Hilmer hauled in 40 passes for 508 yards with six touchdowns, averaging almost 13 yards per catch. He also ran for 54 yards while making 22 tackles on defense with two interceptions.
“I have really enjoyed North Linn football through the first half of high school,”” said Hilmer, the younger brother of Jake Hilmer, a multi-sport standout who is playing basketball and baseball for Upper Iowa. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this team can do these next two seasons. I am very lucky to play for some great coaches and with some great players. It has definitely meant a lot to play for North Linn football.
“Before my freshman year I was considering not going out and focusing on other sports but I ended up going out and haven’t regretted it once and am looking forward to the next two seasons.”
Like his brother, Hilmer is also a standout on the basketball court and baseball field.
“As of now I haven’t heard from any college coaches for football. Hopefully, I have a good junior season and get some interests rolling in,” Hilmer said. “I have had a few coaches contact me for basketball and have some visits lined up. Even though I’m probably leaning towards basketball in college right now, I’m hoping to get some interests and finding the right fit for me. I was planning on going to some football camps this summer but with COVID that has changed as well.”
North Linn will be breaking in several new faces this season, but Hilmer has taken on the role of preparing for the year.
“Usually at this time we would go to 7-on-7 scrimmages and getting ready for the season but unfortunately with COVID, we haven’t been able to do any of that,” he said. “What I have been doing is getting some wide receivers together and throwing them routes whenever we can find the time.
“I have also been lifting at my house and have stayed active with other sports that are going on as well to stay in shape. It looks like we will be able to use our weight room here shortly which I think will be positive for everyone as you can only do so much at your house.”