2024 PFN Player Profile: Getting to Know Schuylkill Haven’s Leyden Hertz
Tagged under: District 11, News, Player Previews
Karlee Feger | July 3, 2024
Leyden Hertz
Schuylkill Haven Area High School
DB/WR
#1
6’2 180lbs
Other Sports: Basketball
All County 1st Team, All Area 1st Team, All State 1st Team, All Eastern Honorable Mention, 2x Defensive Player of the Game
Twitter: @LeydenHertz1
Coach says, “Long athletic DB/WR @ 6’2″ 180 lbs with 65″ wing span. Has great ball instincts at DB. Leyden has confidence in his football abilities. Will always cover opponents best WR. National Honor Society student. Plays basketball and football (4 yr starter in football).”
LET’S GET TO KNOW LEYDEN
How long have you been playing football?
Since I was 5.
How does it feel to represent Schuylkill Haven as a student-athlete?
It feels fantastic. Our school is big on sports and not just our school, our town is too. It feels amazing, playing in front of fans that truly care and a town that supports you. It also feels great to have coaches that truly care about your success and facilities provided by our school that make you feel like a pro athlete. It comes with a feeling of responsibility too because you don’t want to let your team, family, friends, and fans down, given the history of success at our school.
What is a personal goal you’d like to accomplish this season?
Win a District Championship and finish the season with 10 interceptions.
What skill do you hope to improve on this upcoming season?
My zone coverage skills.
What do you hope to mentally improve on this upcoming season?
Not be too worried to make big plays rather than make the right play. Sometimes I get too caught up in getting that pick 6 when the better option is just to play solid defense.
What was your favorite moment of last season?
Getting the game-winning interception against Minersville.
What stadium (besides your own) is your favorite to play in?
North Schuylkill because their turf is very nice and I like the layout of the field.
Who is a teammate you have a special connection with?
I wouldn’t say I have one teammate, but multiple that I have a special connection with and those are the teammates who have similar goals to me.
What game are you looking forward to playing the most this upcoming season?
The District Championship Game. We came up short last year and we can’t let that happen again.
What is a memorable play from your high school career that you still think about?
Freshman year against Marian. It was my fist high school game ever and I dropped a wide open pick 6 and I still think about me dropping it to this day.
How would you describe the atmosphere at Rotary Field for a game?
There’s no way to fully describe it. The only way to ever understand would be for you to be a player on the field. Nonetheless, it is so special because everyone in the town comes to watch and the support is amazing. It gets so loud in the stadium. In my opinion, there’s no better feeling than going out with your best friends and playing the game you love. You feel like you’re on a big screen and you’re a star.
How has Schuylkill Haven Football positively impacted the community?
We hold many events and try to help out the community. United Way, The Salvation Army, Borough Day, and many others. Most importantly, we provide a show every Friday night during the season.
Who is your favorite sports star?
I wouldn’t say my favorite, but a sports star I admire is Tom Brady because everyone told him he couldn’t and he turned out to be undoubtedly the greatest football player ever.
Favorite sports movie:
Southpaw
Favorite practice drill, least favorite:
1v1 is my favorite, my least favorite is suicide sprints
Favorite pregame song:
First Day Out by Tee Grizzley
When you’re not playing football, what are your hobbies?
Being outdoors, lifting, being with family and friends
What are your plans after high school?
To attend a D1 college to play football while getting my degree.
The best Gatorade flavor is…
Lemon Lime
Dream vacation spot:
Bora Bora
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Yes
Sheetz or Wawa?
Sheetz
What college has been your favorite to visit so far?
Lafayette or Colgate
How do you plan to be a leader to your team in your last season?
First off, I want to make sure we have a successful season and accomplish our goals as a team. I also want to hold my players accountable for their actions, but cheer them on for their accomplishments too. Most importantly, I want to show my teammates and other kids in the county that anything is possible. All my life, I’ve heard, “Yeah, you’re a good athlete, but you live in Schuylkill County; don’t get your hopes up,” “Make sure you have a plan B,” or “There’s 100s of kids just like you.” I want to prove that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you play, or where you’re from. If you work harder than anyone else and stay focused on your goals, anything can come true.
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