Richmond-Burton's Dalton Wood named Northwest Herald Football Player of the Year

Richmond-Burton senior Dalton Wood had such a dominant football season that Kishwaukee River Conference coaches voted him not only as Offensive Player of the Year, but Defensive Player of the Year, as well.

Wood was all over the field for the Rockets, who won the Class 4A state championship and finished 14-0. He rushed for an area-best 1,723 yards and 34 touchdowns. On defense, he led R-B with 94 tackles, had six tackles for loss, three interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.

Wood, who got to experience R-B’s magical season with his father, Steve, (R-B’s defensive coordinator) and sophomore brother, Brock (a Rockets linebacker), is the Northwest Herald Football Player of the Year, selected by the sports staff with input from area coaches. Prairie Ridge’s Kyle Koelblinger, a standout on defense and special teams all season, and on offense in the playoffs, also was considered for the honor.

Wood, who is looking at several NCAA Division III schools to play football, fielded some questions about school, TV and what people may not know about him (but will now) from sports writer Joe Stevenson.

What will you remember most about your season?

Wood: The obvious answer would be winning state, but I think I will remember how close our team was and how any one of them would do anything for anyone.

You were battling an ankle injury late in the season. How worried were you that it might not get better?

Wood: I was a little nervous about it during the week, but once I played on Friday and it felt OK, I wasn't worried at all.

You play football in the fall and are wrestling now. Do you find time in the winter to get some swings in and prepare for baseball this spring?

Wood: I try my best to find time toward the end of the season to get into the batting cages, but it doesn't happen as much as I would like or need.

Is there any significance to wearing No. 43 in football?

Wood: My dad wore the No. 43, and I wanted to carry on that tradition.

You and your sophomore brother, Brock, hung around your father, Steve’s, practices when he was coach at Grayslake North. Who were your favorite former Knights players?

Wood: The most exciting players to watch were AJ Fish and Titus Booker. They both had outstanding high school careers, and I looked up to them a lot.

Who are three of your favorite NFL players?

Wood: Baker Mayfield, Troy Polamalu and Ray Lewis. Troy and Ray were just players that played hard, and I admired that. And Baker Mayfield, I just like his attitude.

What is something about you that most people don’t know?

Wood: I like to listen to Johnny Cash.

How would you describe the moment celebrating with your family the night you won the state championship?

Wood: It was a moment I will never forget and something – I wish all of my teammates could have experienced that.

What was your favorite TV show as a kid?

Wood: One of my favorite shows growing up was "Wizards of Waverly Place." Once Disney Plus came out, I have been binge-watching that show.

What is your favorite subject in high school?

Wood: My favorite subject is Foods II because it has one of my favorite teachers, Miss (Suzanne) Johnson. Plus, I get to eat in the class, which is always good.

What is your dream vehicle?

Wood: My dream car would be a 1969 Ford Mustang. I like the old-car look.

If you could play football for any college program, which one would it be?

Wood: I would play at Iowa because it has always been my favorite Big Ten school.

What sport are you not good at?

Wood: I would like to think I'm good at basketball, but I'm really not.

Who is the most famous person you have taken a picture with?

Wood: Mickey Mouse. When I was younger, we went to Disney World, and he is pretty famous, I would say.

If you were a superhero, what would be your power and what would you be called?

Wood: Mulletman. I just recently got a mullet, and I would have the power to make anyone have a really good-looking mullet.

Check out full Northwest Herald All-Area team here.