It’s safe to say that wide receiver Dylan Sanagustin is more than willing to go with the flow and do whatever it takes to help lead the way for Kaneland.
The 6-foot, 180-pound Sanagustin, a rare third-year prospect for a young, less experienced team, is also willing to adapt. He has stepped up to fill a leadership role this year for the Knights.
But when he made the first jump to varsity, he switched positions that season as well.
“I started seven of 11 games that year, playing slot receiver,” Sanagustin said. “I was a running back for most of my football career coming up. Just running the ball felt so much better.
“It was a bit nerve wracking, but I think I handled it decently.”
He also handled this situation quite decently. The Knights graduated many veteran standouts from last year’s team that went 7-4 and gave the program six consecutive playoff berths.
That group was led by four-year starters in quarterback Troyer Carlson (Wisconsin-Whitewater) and wide receiver Aric Johnson (Western Illinois), along with three-year starters in Tony and Dominick DeBlasio (McKendree) who filled roles at the receiver and in the secondary.
“Those guys taught me pretty much everything I know about the position,” Sanagustin said of mentors Johnson and the DeBlasio twins.
Sanagustin played every receiver position last season, catching 14 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns. In the spring, he also gave up baseball to participate in track, running sprints and relays and competing in the long jump, hoping to improve his speed for football.
“I didn’t say it, but at sectionals, I just missed the qualifying times for the 100 and 200,” Sanagustin said. “It made me faster, which just gives me that much more of an advantage.
“It definitely helps in football, it makes me more involved in everything.”
The Knights are off to a strong start, knocking off fellow 2023 playoff qualifiers Washington and Wauconda and outscoring DeKalb 42-7 last week.
Sanagustin is second on the team with eight catches for 113 yards and two TDs from senior Chase Kruckenberg, a freshman at quarterback.
Junior receiver Brady Brown leads the team with 13 receptions for 148 yards and a TD.
“It’s been a transition, but Chase has worked really hard,” Sanagustin said. “He’s improved a lot and he’s really grown. He’s prepared in every way and mentally. He’s just very strong.
“I’m sure he was a little nervous in the first game, but he handled it, and I don’t think he was nervous for this last game against DeKalb.
And Sanagustin expanded his role in the offense, reprising an old skill by participating in Kaneland’s running game.
Sanagustin is second on the team in rushing with 23 carries for 131 yards and two more TDs. Junior running back Carter Grabowski leads the way with 50 carries for 246 yards and two TDs.
“He does everything,” second-year coach Mike Thorgesen said of Sanagustin. “We can move him into the backfield, and he’s not limited to just jet sweeps. He had 11 carries last week against DeKalb and can run out of the backfield between the tackles.”
It’s like old times, according to Sangustin.
“Giving back is always what I loved to do,” he said.
Pressed on the subject, however, he said he listed himself as a wide receiver on the list.
“It’s a different experience,” he said. “It’s a lot more fun not getting hit every time.”
The most challenging part of a tough schedule, meanwhile, remains for the Knights, especially after this week’s game in Ottawa.
Morris (2-1), Sycamore (3-0) and Rochelle (3-0) go back-to-back in high school, followed by LaSalle-Peru (2-1) and Belleville Althoff (3-). 0).
“We’re just focused on the next one, though,” Sanagustin said. “We know it will be tough, but if we work hard, we can do something special this year.”
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