George Wrighster had a banner season as a tight end for Jacksonville in 2006 and was on his way to another impressive season last year before heading to the sidelines with a knee injury.
But Wrighster's approach to the game makes it easy to see why he has plans to play in the NFL for many years to come.
In 2006, Wrighster had a career-high 39 receptions for 353 yards and three touchdowns. Last season, Wrighster followed that with 123 yards and a touchdown on 17 receptions. He was shelved for the final five games of the regular season and both playoff games in 2007 with a knee injury.
Prior to his two most recent seasons, Wrighster's previous season-high for receptions was 13, in both 2003 and 2005. He now ranks third all-time among Jaguars tight ends in receiving yards.
"I'm very happy with where I'm going. I'm not 100 percent pleased with the way things have turned out," he said. "They haven't gone the way I want them to [with injuries]. I'm excited to move forward from here."
The native of Van Nuys, Calif., played at the University of Oregon, where he had 53 career catches for 694 yards and seven touchdowns in 37 games.
Wrighster's prep career was at Sylmar Magnet High in California's San Fernando Valley.
"They had a lot of success and a lot of tradition there," he said. "A lot of players have gotten scholarships to Division I football programs."
He received all-city honors at Sylmar and was Valley Pac-Eight League MVP. In his senior season, he caught 32 passes for 582 yards and six touchdowns. At his linebacker position, he had 72 tackles and forced four fumbles, recovering two fumbles, intercepting two passes and getting 16 quarterback sacks.
Wrighster hasn't forgotten his former high school.
"I go there every now and then. I get back during the offseason," he said. "I try to get back as often as possible."
There's one aspect of high school football that Wrighster has experienced like millions of other players.
"It was the love for the game and the Friday nights," he said. "I'll always remember the excitement that came with it. You have to realize how great of an experience it is. You have to realize that you can cherish every moment."
As he was growing up in sports, not even Wrighster would have guessed he would eventually be an NFL standout.
"I was more of a baseball and basketball guy when I was young," he said. "I wanted to be a pro basketball player. That's what I wanted to do.
"When I went to college, I focused on football. I realized I could go to the NFL. After my freshman year, I saw some of the older guys who were making it to the NFL and I realized that I could make it, too."
Active in the community, Wrighster is a mentor through Big Brothers & Big Sisters and is involved in several community outreach activities, including visits to local Boys & Girls Clubs and local elementary schools.
Wrighster owns the Third Generation Clothing Store in California. He is active in supporting team-sponsored events like Operation Blessing, Food Drive Kick-off and Jaguars Taste of the NFL dinners. He is also actively involved in charity golf tournaments.
He realizes that many in the high school ranks have aspirations of making it to the NFL. But Wrighster cautions them from getting their hopes too high.
"School is the most important thing they can focus on if they have any hopes for the NFL and even college," he said. "If you don't know what you're going to do in your position, it's not going to cut it. You have to study the game. One night of going out and watching film isn't going to work.
"What it's going to depend upon are your work habits and how much you put into it. Study habits are important. It depends on your study habits. You have to read your book and study the plays. You have to work hard and practice day in and day out."
It's an approach that has paid dividends for him.
"I think I have the talent to play a long time in this league," he said. "But you have to stay healthy. That's one of the main things."
Story courtesy of Red Line Editorial, Inc.