- Name: Declan Hughes
- Position(s): OL/DL
- Height/Weight: 6’2”-295 lbs.
- Jersey #79
- School & Class: Abington 2026
- Awards: Offensive Line Captain
- Hudl Link
- Favorite NFL team? Eagles
- Quote from the head coach: “I’m proud of the off-season work Declan has put in to better himself, and learn a new position. Excited to see his hard work pay off.”
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for Abington this season or in your career?
“One of my proudest moments with my team is right now in practice and how we are working really hard as one unit and executing on our goals to run well and to get set for the season.”
Describe a play where you made a game-changing impact. What was going through your mind?
“A play that I had had made a big impact on would have to be last season against Truman it was the first offensive series of the game and we all wanted one thing just to get in the end zone and score and so I just focused up and went out there and played and we moved the ball very efficiently and we had got the first score of the game.”
What’s the toughest part of playing OL/DL, and how do you prepare for it?
“I would have to say the toughest part of being a lineman whether it’s offense or defense is the mental aspect of it sure strength is an important roll for the trenches but if your mind is not in the right place you won’t perform well bottom line when your on the line you must under stand if a big play happens it’s because you started it off.”
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“A player that I try to be like is Larry Allen I really like the way that he was just fearless and took on anyone who was in front of and I try and have his personalities off of the field he was one of the nicest guys you would ever meet but on the field he would just become a monster on the line and that’s what I try and be like as a player and as a person.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“There are a couple things that I’m touching up on before the season starts mainly the basic stuff like speed and agility and strength I try to hit the weights 5 times a week run every day and go on the field at least 3 times a week I also incorporate core workouts because as a lineman you need a strong core to be able to play physical football for four straight quarters.”
Personal Story
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“My biggest supporter is definitely my mother because she has been by my side ever since the beginning through ups and down wins and losses and also my father for also being there always giving me tips on what to do on the field and how to get better.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“Something that I’ve overcame in football is I am on the autism spectrum so it can be hard for people that are diagnosed to engage in social activities especially a sport a physical sport at that so I’ve been doubted a lot of the time and counted out underestimated really so for me to come really far in this And being diagnosed on the spectrum, I would say it’s really a big goal that has been reached in itself.”
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“I would say playing in the suburban One league has been a pretty big thing for me. There are a lot of good teams in this league and a lot of competition as well so it really gives me many experiences and as well as helping me get better with My game.”
Football Flair
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition to get in the zone?
“My pregame ritual I usually am in the locker room getting fired up with the guys listening to music. It’s really a whole big vibe in there and we all just can’t wait to get out there and go onto the field. Play the game. It’s like a really important game or I’m feeling a little tense. I’ll go outside the locker room. Clear my mind to focus up and such.”
What’s the one song on your pre-game playlist that fires you up, and why?
“One song that really fires me up would have to be in break stuff by Limp Bizkit. It just really gets you in the zone to just wanna go out there and hit somebody as hard as you can just keep doing it over and over for four straight quarters. “
What’s your nickname in the locker room, and how’d you earn it?
“I do have a nickname in the locker room, and it is big Dec It’s pretty self-explanatory I’m one of the bigger guys on the team and everybody calls me dec For short, I didn’t really earn it necessarily. I’ve been called it since day one and I just really caught on by a lot of guys on the team.”
If you could take one teammate’s skill for a game, whose would you pick and why?
“My quarterback Miles Yockus, I’d wanna have his IQ because when I see him do all of 7v7 and in team period I really just like how smart he is on the field and how he’s able to read the defense really well and make quick passes quick decisions. Just a really good thinker and I admire that from him.”
Future and Goals
What’s your biggest goal for this season with Abington?
“I would have to say the biggest goal for the team this year would definitely have to be having a winning season. I know the past few years we Haven’t really met the expectations we’ve set at the beginning of the year so having a winning season would really be big for all of us and the school too because a lot of schools have pride for their football team and so much respect and I know that our schools name and the people that come out and support us on Friday nights are the ones that I do it for and there’s nothing more that I would love then to get a strong name for the school and get them wins and grow the popularity of our team.”
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
“I would absolutely love to play college football. It has been a dream of mine for quite some time now I’ve been thinking about many schools, but my dream school would have to be Notre Dame. I’ve been a big fan since I was six years old and my dad and I watch the fighting Irish all the time And I think it’s absolutely amazing their program and what they strive for is Incredible the school is amazing there too, so I would have to play for my dream school. That would definitely be the one.”
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
“Five years from now, I would see myself probably in college Playing college football not sure where yet also getting my degree in history getting the best education possible and going to a very good school.”
Team and League Pride
What makes playing for The Bing in the Suburban One League special to you?
“Playing for Abington in the suburban one league is definitely a very nice thing because it’s a very big league and I know that it’s very tough competition but I’ve always been a guy that likes competition so I really would say that that’s one of the biggest parts of it and for us to compete in there it means that we’re always in it always in the game we’re gonna step up and we’re gonna play our hearts out.”
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
“I would have to say would be Chris Epps he’s a defensive back. I’ve been with him since freshman year. We’re in the same class and he has just been really phenomenal with what he’s doing this year. He is competitive hard-working always wants to win and he’ll do whatever it takes to get himself and his teammates in the right place to do so.”
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
“A really loud moment from the crowd that I remember is our game against Truman when we won off of the blocked field goal kick everybody making some noise we’re all coming together, trying to crowd up ourselves up so that we can take away any hopes of them winning Would really have to say that was a really memorable moment for me and the guys because everybody was just out there anxious couldn’t wait for the play to start so it was really Something to remember.”