COMEBACK KID: Houston senior returns from major knee injury, earns top conference honor

PALMER — Reed Graham’s path between his junior and senior seasons of football was like no other.

After leading the Houston Hawks to the small-schools state title game as a junior, Graham suffered a devastating knee injury during the prep basketball season. Most wondered if Graham would be ready for the 2017 football season, after suffering the torn ACL. Many questioned whether Graham, a three-sport athlete at Houston High, would suit up for the Hawks again, in any sport.

But Graham worked his way back, silencing any doubt. On top of that, the all-state defensive lineman switched positions to help fill a gaping hole at linebacker.

Despite the adversity, Graham returned to the field, and made an impact. Earlier this week, Graham’s work was recognized by the coaches in the conference. Graham was named the Aurora Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

Houston head coach Glenn Nelson said he was simply amazed to see Graham ready to play football eight months after suffering the ACL injury.

“Coming back from an ACL in eight months is a crazy timeline,” Nelson said earlier this week. “To switch positions on top of that and excel at that position is extraordinary. You hear about kids switching positions and doing OK, but not winning defensive player of the year. You never year someone being good eight months after coming back from an ACL at the high school level.”

Graham was a four-year starter for the Hawks, earning his first starting job on the offensive line as a freshman. He has started both ways since his sophomore season. Graham was one of the top defensive lineman at the small-schools level as a junior, but a dire need at linebacker this season led to the position switch.

After losing the bulk of their linebackers following the 2016 season, Nelson said the Houston coaches staff pulled everyone aside who they thought could potentially play linebacker.

“We had 20 guys in the linebacker drills,” Nelson said.

Graham, a 6-foot and 255-pound interior lineman, stood out. Nelson said Graham caught the attention of Houston defensive coordinator Jared Barrett.

“He said I think we can do something with Reed,” Nelson said of Barrett.

Nelson said Graham studied the new position hard and worked with Barrett, and soon solidified the inside linebacker spot for the Hawks. Nelson said the rare transformation was a success. He said coaches typically see linebackers transition to lineman, not the opposite.

Nelson said Graham has the physical ability and skill set to succeed, but also praised Graham as a coachable player. He also noted Graham’s intelligence. Graham carries a 4.0 grade point average.

Graham earned first-team honors on both sides of the ball, named all-conference at both offensive guard and inside linebacker. He was one of a pair of Hawks to be named first-team on both offense and defense. Senior Noah Plumb garnered first-team attention at both running back and linebacker. Dylan Jackson was also named first-team at defensive line.

Fullback Will Croghan and offensive tackle Warren Baird were named second-team all-conference. Wake Kremer was named honorable mention at offensive guard.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

All-Aurora Conference

Offensive Player of Year: Jeramiah Brown, Eielson

Defensive Player of Year: Reed Graham, Houston

Lineman of Year: Scott Fry, Eielson

Coach of Year: Chris Battle, Barrow

Assistant Coach of Year: Don Fry, Eielson

First team offense:

Quarterback — Trae Peryear, Monroe; Halfback — Noah Plumb, Houston; Jeramiah Brown, Eielson; Fullback — Ben Heather, Barrow; Wide receiver — Jordan Higbee, Monroe; Tight end — Sione Tuifua, Barrow; Tackle — Lau Takafua, Barrow; Kevin Baird, Eielson; Guard — Reed Graham, Houston; Ryan Armour, Eielson; Center — Scott Fry, Eielson; Utility player — Travis Adams, Barrow.

First-team defense:

Defensive linemen — Dylan Jackson, Monroe; Brian Fillipo, Barrow; Sebastian Sias, Barrow; Scott Fry, Eielson; Defensive backs — Jeramiah Brown, Eielson; Christian Bolton, Eielson; Isaac Minnema, Monroe; Inside linebacker — Reed Graham, Houston; Josh Grey, Monroe; Outside linebacker — Noah Plumb, Houston; Sione Tuifua, Barrow;

First team special teams:

Kicker — Zach Paul, Eielson; Punter — Kyle Sadergren, Valdez; Return specialist — Isaac Minnema, Monroe; Long snapper — Derek Berg, Valdez.

Second team offense:

Halfback — Tai Chan, Barrow; Fullback — Jayden Manibusan, Eielson; Will Croghan, Houston; Wide receiver — Christian Bolton, Eielson; Tight end — Brock Renson, Eielson; Tackle — Warren Baird, Houston; Brian Fiipo, Barrow;

Guard — Oneahi Talaiasi, Barrow; Michael Johnson, Monroe; Center — Albert Siebel, Monroe; Utility player — Kyle Sadergren, Valdez.

Second team defense:

Defensive linemen — Oheahi Talaiasi, Barrow; Albert Siebel, Monroe; Stan Morales, Valdez; Lau Takafua, Barrow; Inside linebacker ¬— Jayden Manibusan, Eielson; Moe Morgan, Valdez; Outside linebacker — Ryan Armour, Eielson; Kevin Baird, Eielson; Defensive backs — Tai Chan, Barrow;

Second team special teams:

Kicker — Jordan Higbee, Monroe; Kyle Sadergren, Valdez;

Honorable mention offense:

Wide receiver — Isaac Minnema, Monroe; Tackle — Alex Van Wyhe, Monroe; Guard — Wake Kremer, Houston; Sebastian Sias, Barrow;

Honorable mention defense:

Inside linebacker — Ljun Diaz, Barrow;