Speed and quickness. Sure, TJ Harland has those skills in spades like any prototypical tailback.

But what really excites the Yorkville senior?

It’s blocking.

“I love the physicality,” Harland said. “I’d rather go down in the box and hit somebody than stand there in the pocket. I like the contact.”

That enthusiasm to take on contact and sacrifice for the greater good doesn’t surprise Yorkville coach Dan McGuire.

Harland didn’t blink when he was moved from quarterback, where he played at Mount Carmel as a freshman, to running back. He blocked for Luke Zook last season when Yorkville’s fullbacks went down with injuries.

And now Harland is clearly the lead back, and a versatile one at that, as the Foxes look to return to the playoffs after a 4-5 2024 season.

“He doesn’t back down from

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