Josh Lugg, North Allegheny
Year: Senior, Height: 6-7, Weight: 290, Pos: LT-NG
THE SCOOP
Lugg had never even started a varsity game before last season, but earned his spot on an offensive line that helped the Tigers go 9-2 and score 37.3 points per game. He towers over his teammates at practice, but is also a mobile big man who’s young for his grade and good in the classroom.
COLLEGE TALK
Despite his relative lack of experience, Lugg committed to Notre Dame this time a year ago. Since then, he has turned his attention to trying to lure other WPIAL standouts to the Irish, who also have pledges from Central Catholic’s David Adams and Kurt Hinish in Lugg’s class, as well as Pine-Richland’s Phil Jurkovec in 2018.
OUR QUESTIONS, HIS ANSWERS
Do you think you proved yourself in your first year as a starter? I think I had a good year for starting my first year. I still watch my tape from last year as much as I can and I see things I can improve on each day in practice.
Is it kind of boring that you’ve had your college choice made for so long? It’s not boring at all. It’s awesome being part of a great group of guys who are committed, getting to know the coaches even better and visiting Notre Dame.
Toughest player you’ve had to block? Kurt Hinish. He gave me a challenge last year because he’s fast, he’s strong. You think he’s going outside, then he bull-rushes you.
What are your thoughts on your school getting a video board, the only one in the WPIAL? It’s awesome, we love it. We’re very thankful for all the donors who pitched in so this could be possible.
Are you going to catch yourself watching replays now during games? The replay screen’s going to be pretty nice. Especially for the fans, too, just being able to see the replays. I’m going to have to make some sacks this year just to get my face up there.
If someone asks you to make them breakfast, what are you making? Four fried eggs, two pieces of toast, yogurt, bananas, maybe some peanut butter. I eat so much.
Kennywood or Sandcastle? I don’t fit on either of the rides, so I don’t know [laugh]. Ah, Kennywood. My body doesn’t look too good at Sandcastle.
AND FINALLY …
Do you think North Allegheny is ever viewed like the ‘evil empire’ of the WPIAL? Yeah, all the time. They always look at us like we’re the rich district, we get everything handed to us. And yeah, we have donors that are very much a blessing to us, and we get a lot from them. We’re very fortunate for that, but we work hard here. We’re not a bunch of rich snobs.
People calling you guys ‘The U,’ does that bother you at all? I don’t like being called ‘The U’ to be honest. We’re just another high school that comes here every day just like them, puts our pants on the same way.
Brian Batko: bbatko@post-gazette.com and Twitter @BrianBatko.
First Published: August 17, 2016, 4:00 a.m.