Name: Nate Szydlik
Position(s): Linebacker/Athlete
Height/weight: 6’2 205
Jersey #: 25
School & Class: Council Rock South class of 2026
GPA: 3.8
Key Stats: 101 tackles, 17 TFL, 4 sacks, 425 total yards 4 TDS
Awards: First Team All-State, First Team All-Area, First Team All-League
Favorite NFL team: Philadelphia Eagles
Quote from the head coach: “Nate is a special kid, that lead us in tackles last season with over 100 of them and our jack of all trades on Offense.”
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for CR South this season or in your career?
“My proudest moment was being elected captain this past year, it meant a lot seeing my teammates look at me as a leader.”
Describe a play where you made a game-changing impact. What was going through your mind?
“My sophomore year I had a strip sack on the last play of the game against Quaker town, they were driving on our 20 looking to score and I came up big. All I kept telling myself was go make a play and that’s what I did.”
What’s the toughest part of playing linebacker , and how do you prepare for it?
“The toughest part is making sure everyone on the defense is on the same page. I prepare by watching tons of film and making sure our practices run smooth so in game we’re ready to go.”
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“Luke Kuechly, I love how smart he is and knows what the offense is going to run before they run it.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“I’ve been working a lot on my coverage and block destruction.”
Personal Story
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
“ I started playing football when I was 5 I played because I was surrounded by it most of my family coaches football and my brother was playing so I was kinda forced into it. What keeps me going is the family you build along the way some of my past and current teammates are like brothers to me now.”
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“I think my dad is my biggest supporter, he’s been with me through every step of the way through my football career.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“I think our team struggling this year was a big challenge to overcome, It helped me deal with losing better and get me more motivated for this upcoming year.”
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“It’s definitely a test every week, every game could be won or lost so it brings a big challenge.”
Football Flair
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition to get in the zone?
“I usually just listen to music and stretch.”
What’s the one song on your pre-game playlist that fires you up, and why?
“ “That Go” by Meek Mill fires me up every time.
What’s your nickname in the locker room, and how’d you earn it?
“Nate ( I don’t really have one).”
If you could take one teammate’s skill for a game, whose would you pick and why?
“I would take any of my lineman’s unselfishness, they don’t get a lot of the credit but they always do their job and we rely on them a ton.”
Future and Goals
What’s your biggest goal for this season with CR South?
“Win the league and compete for a district championship.”
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
“I definitely want to play college football, I currently have 2 offers from Maine and Stonehill.”
Where do you see yourself in football or life five years from now?
“Definitely playing football at the college level.”
Team and League Pride
What makes playing for CR South in the Suburban One League special to you?
“The bond I have with my teammates is something special we’re like a family, we always hangout as a team whether it’s going out to eat, just hanging out or having pasta party’s we’re always together.”
Who’s an under-the-radar teammate who deserves more shine, and why?
“Gavin Lacey he never questions anything the coaches ask for him and he’ll play all over the field, he always does the right thing, he also does not go down at running back.”
What’s the loudest or most memorable crowd moment you’ve experienced in a game?
“When we beat quakertown during the last minute my sophomore year, our sideline and crowd went crazy.”