Meeker makes big impact for Prairie

CEDAR RAPIDS — Cedar Rapids Prairie Coach Mike Morrissey couldn't keep from laughing when he described Bryce Meeker's importance to the Hawks.

The figurative can be applied literally to the 6-foot-5, 305-pound senior lineman and his impact on Prairie football.

'He's going to be huge for us,' Morrissey said with a chuckle. 'He's a big part of what we've got. We're going to take full advantage of him.'

Meeker will begin his fourth year as a starter. He is expected to be a big leader for Prairie, which hosts Linn-Mar at John Wall Field to open the season Aug. 29.

Meeker has been reliable, taking the field for every contest the last three seasons and possibly playing in more varsity games than any other Hawk.

'He's never missed a football game,' Morrissey said. 'He's been healthy. He's been very resilient.'

Meeker is quick to give credit to teammates and coaches, who helped with his transition and development. He has progressed from a 14-year-old battling with seniors to a senior committed to play at Iowa State next year.

'I really couldn't have done it without the team,' said Meeker, noting Sam Manternach was an influential upperclassman his first season. 'I came in as a freshman and had some really good teammates on the offensive line. They helped me learn the plays. They helped me get used to the coaches and practices.'

Little time passed before Meeker made the case he could handle big and physically more mature players. Morrissey recalled the exact moment Meeker displayed the toughness needed to compete at the varsity level.

During a team camp with Solon, Meeker was punched in the face during drills. Blood poured from his face. Morrissey approached, handed him a towel and asked if the freshman was fine.

'He said he was good, tossed the towel away and ran right back in for the drill,' Morrissey said. 'That was the eye-opener to me. He could handle it, not just physically but mentally.'

Meeker was set to make a point and was determined to finish the exercise without demonstrating weakness.

'I was like I'm not going to show any emotion here,' Meeker said. 'I have to keep going and prove to them I'm a kid that they want on the varsity level.'

He has carved his niche up front for Prairie. He's been all-conference honors all three seasons, including first team last year and second team as a freshman. Meeker was named to the Iowa Newspaper Association Class 4A all-state squad last season.

'Last year was a culmination of all his hard work,' Morrissey said. 'It was a confidence builder for him, understanding he can accomplish anything he wants if he works hard and has the right mind-set.'

Meeker's role will expand this season. He won't just be setting up at right tackle to protect quarterback Trey Beckman's blind side. He will play more on the defensive line. Even though Meeker prefers offense, he has volunteered to play wherever and whenever the Hawks need him.

'He's excited about it. He wants to do it,' Morrissey said. 'He wants to do anything he can. He even asked to be on PAT field goals.'

It's just part of his paying it forward, emulating the role seniors played for him when he was an underclassman. He has embraced a leadership role.

'Over the years I've wanted to take that role,' Meeker said. 'This year I'm going to be the kid that everybody looks up to and try to teach and help them.'

Offensive line coach Tim Hanna, a lineman at Iowa in the early 1980s, has been a mentor. Hanna has been important in Meeker's improved footwork and assisting him in becoming a more complete player.

'My freshman year I was a big kid (and) I could play with all the other linemen, but didn't stand out,' Meeker said. 'Coach Hanna taught me all the necessary footwork. I think that's where I made strides.'

Morrissey praised Meeker's off-season work ethic when Meeker dedicated himself to get better to earn as many college opportunities as possible. More than five NCAA Division-I programs offered a scholarship.

Morrissey said Meeker dealt with the recruiting process admirably, but there was a noticeable change when he made a decision. He was recently joking and laughing with teammates during a workout.

'He seems so much more calm, going with the flow and relaxed,' Morrissey said. 'It was a fun process, but I think was frustrating as well. He handled it really well.'

The Hawks are coming off a 5-5 season and their second straight postseason appearance. Beckman returns to lead the offense after throwing for 1,150 yards and nine touchdowns last year. He also ran for 354 yards and seven touchdowns. Keegan Pinter provides experience in the backfield, rushing for 346 yards and four scores in 2013. Morrissey holds high expectations for athletic wideout Jalen Rima.

The defense and special teams have key players back. Linebacker Ben Boldt returns after leading the Hawks with 100 total tackles last season, including four solo tackles for loss. Kicker Sam Drysdale made 4 of 5 field goals, including a 50-yarder, and 28 of 30 PATs.

'I think we're getting there,' Morrissey said. 'I think we're a work in progress. We have some kids coming back with experience.'

Coach: Mike Morrissey (4th season, 15-16)

Last year: 5-5 (lost in first round of playoffs)

Key returners: QB Trey Beckman, OL/DL Bryce Meeker, RB Keegan Pinter, P/DL/WR JoJo Simpson, LB Ben Boldt, K Sam Drysdale

Key losses: RB Mitch Christensen, LB Tristan Beyer, WR/DB Jesse Vizzini, WR/DB Mitch Dellamuth, OL/DL Jesse Hynek, DL Marquan Wilder, WR/DB Kentrel Smith

Key to making playoffs: The Hawks will need constant progress from the line, allowing the skill position players to use their athleticism. Defense will be key, keeping the offense within striking distance of their opponents.

Game to watch: The intriguing part of the schedule starts week six. Road games against Iowa City High (Oct. 2) and Muscatine (Oct. 17) are sandwiched between a home game with highly-touted Cedar Rapids Washington.

Schedule

Aug. 29 — Linn-Mar

Sept. 5 — at CR Jefferson

Sept. 12 — at Dubuque Senior

Sept. 19 — North Scott

Sept. 26 — at Burlington

Oct. 2 — at Iowa City High

Oct. 10 — CR Washington

Oct. 17 — at Muscatine

Oct. 24 — Ottumwa

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