Derry graduate Justin Huss emerges as super sophomore for W&J

Justin Huss used his sprinter’s speed to score 32 touchdowns as a senior at Derry, so it should come as no surprise that he went untouched on his first collegiate score.

Huss, a sophomore at Washington & Jefferson, returned a kickoff 74 yards for a touchdown in a victory over Thiel on Sept. 11. It helped him earn Presidents’ Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for 11th-ranked W&J (3-0).

“It felt good getting it under the belt, seeing all the hard work that the team puts into special teams pay off,” Huss said. “I think it helped my confidence a good bit, knowing that I can do it (at the college level).”

Huss saw playing time as a freshman, including a 107-yard rushing effort in a PAC championship loss to Westminster, but he entered this year as part of a crowded backfield. The Presidents returned former All-PAC selection EJ Thompson, a senior, and leading rusher Joey Koroly, a junior from Trinity. Huss’ only touch in a season-opening victory over then-No. 11 John Carroll was one catch for no yards.

But his role has increased since. In the Thiel game, Huss caught five passes for 65 yards and ran once for 15 yards in addition to his kickoff-return touchdown. On Sept. 18 against Bethany, his five carries for 89 yards included a 37-yard touchdown on a counter play. For the season, Huss has 140 rushing yards on eight carries and 12 receptions for 99 yards.

“We need to find ways to get him the ball,” Presidents coach Mike Sirianni said. “He’s an explosive player. He’s a young man that every time he touches the football, he can score.”

Returning kicks is part of that, and Huss said he happily will take on that responsibility.

“I told coach at the beginning of the season I’m willing to help the team no matter what role he wants me to play,” said Huss.

Huss ran for 1,995 yards as a senior en route to Tribune-Review Westmoreland Player of the Year honors. But the learning curve can be steep for even the best high school players. Huss said last spring’s four-game PAC season proved to be valuable. He also added about 10 pounds to his 5-foot-9 frame, putting him at 170.

“In college, you have to put in more time,” Huss said. “You have to learn more about your mistakes with film, seeing what you did right, seeing what you did wrong. Once you make a decision (in college), don’t second guess it. Get what is there.”

The fleetness that helped Huss win the WPIAL title in the 400 meters as a high school junior remains the key to his success.

“He gets to full speed quicker than other guys do,” Sirianni said. “He goes from zero to 100 a little faster. In the open field, he’s very, very elusive and very quick.

“He’s going to play a big role in what we hope is a big season this year. We do have two senior running backs here, so hopefully next year he can take on that role of primary ball carrier.”

Huss isn’t done with track, either. Although he couldn’t compete as a freshman because the spring football season overlapped with track, Huss will join the team this spring. He said he anticipates running the 100, 200, 400 and a relay.

He has the full support of Sirianni, who competed in both sports at Mt. Union in the mid-1990s.

“I’ve always thought it made sense because I think track makes you a better football player,” Sirianni said. “If you’re passionate about both, do it.”