Bulked-up linebacker George Litgen poised to step into leadership role on St. Charles North defense

ST. CHARLES – George Litgen’s dietary routine certainly speaks to how he can add 15 pounds in just over a month.

Litgen, St. Charles North’s rising senior linebacker, has at least five meals a day to supplement his workouts and practice schedule. It has helped him bulk up to a cool 197 pounds.

His day starts with five scrambled eggs, a piece of steak, wheat toast and a protein shake afterwards.

“Right now, it’s kind of hard with practice, so I got to fit everything in,” Litgen said.

For lunch, it’ll vary, but Litgen can’t go wrong with a Chipotle burrito with double steak, extra rice, guacamole and chips.

He’ll have another protein shake and later a smaller pre-dinner of a banana or toast before having whatever is planned for the family dinner.

“I’ve been going down to [teammate] Paolo [Gennarelli’s] basement [for workouts]; that’s what’s been helping me. We’ve been lifting heavy down there,” Litgen said.

Despite the weight gain, Litgen who had a team-high 35 tackles and eight for loss during the six-game spring season, “feels the same.” The decision to bulk up came with input from both his high school and college coaches on the recruiting trail.

“I feel good moving around out there,” Litgen said. “It’s nice to get out here and move and see what I can do. I don’t think it’s changed anything so far.”

Litgen, who also works with Legacy Performance’s Bryce Biel, has spent time on his footwork and pass coverage situational movements.

The next step for him as an athlete is to increase his leadership role on the team.

“It’s kind of different stepping up and being the vocal guy having to lead everybody,” Litgen said. “We had great leaders last year that I think really taught me how I can do that.”

Meanwhile, North Stars senior wideout and defensive back Joey Curzon picked up an offer from Loras College on June 29.

“Going across the Midwest going camp to camp, it’s been fun trying to get these coaches to look at me,” Curzon said.

Like many teammates, Curzon has also spent significant time putting on weight getting ready for the season. Since the end of the spring season and balancing lacrosse, the 5-foot-9 Curzon has added 15 pounds and is now up to 175 pounds.

“I’m just training and making strides,” Curzon said. “Just working out with the team and going out there when no one is watching and trying to get better everyday.”

Curzon will pick up freshman quarterback Ethan Plumb out for workouts on the field during their own time.

Plumb is already at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds and could be in the mix for playing time once the season starts.

“He’s a stud for sure,” Curzon said. “…I’m 100% confident with him for sure. We’ve been working at it every day. He’s a great kid.”

Just weeks into the North Stars program, Plumb is acclimating into their culture well.

“It’s exciting getting to know all the guys and to feel how the varsity…runs the show,” Plumb said. “It’s exciting to get out here and have the opportunity to compete because I’m coming in as a freshman…it’s such a great program. To have this opportunity, I just feel so blessed.”

Plumb works outside the program with quarterback guru Jeff Christensen of Throw It Deep and does speed and agility work with Chris Browning at ProForce Sports Performance.

Plumb will try and work with Christensen for a session or two each weekend.

“[Christensen] works with some pretty high-profile guys…He works with [Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick] Mahomes. That’s one of his big guys. Just the amount he’s accomplished and what he’s getting now, so many guys are investing in [Christensen] now because they’re seeing how it’s working. It’s great to be able to go with a guy who gets it.”

Mechanic-wise, it’s paying off for Plumb.

“When there’s gray areas [with mechanics] that can cause a ball to float, can cause a ball to sink and just being able to go there and knowing if I mess up, I’m ok,” Plumb said. “I’m just working on my mechanics…there’s no scouts. There’s no guys watching. You’re just going out and working on [them] and that’s where you get your chance to get better.”