To an untrained eye, DJ Hebert may appear as just an average kid. A senior at Osseo High School, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound athlete has a 2.7 GPA, takes AP English, is involved in the Rotary Club and loves to play sports. But after taking a closer look, it’s all too clear Hebert has been training for greatness his entire life.
Attentive eyes have been on Hebert since early childhood. “I’m the oldest son of three siblings, so I’ve always had to be a leader my whole life,” Hebert says. “You definitely have to constantly perform at a high level, but it comes so natural to me because of my family life.”
And perform he did. For his senior year, Hebert is the starting quarterback, a position he’s held on the varsity squad since ninth grade—two years at Cooper, and the last two years at Osseo. This year, his status as captain will apply even more pressure. “Everybody’s looking at you in the quarterback position,” Hebert says, “If you win games it’s usually because of you, but if you lose games it also because of you.”
Osseo football coach Derrin Lamker says that Hebert’s transition to Osseo just made him a stronger player and competitor. “DJ has bought into everything we’ve said and done, and it’s only his second year at Osseo,” Lamker says. “He’s trusted his coaches and teammates 100 percent, and that has truly made a world of difference for him and our team.”
Hebert’s talent during the 2010 season earned him his third all-conference award, as well as an all-metro title. He is also the team captain for the basketball team at shooting guard.
The watchful eyes currently on Hebert are those of college football recruiters. Various Division I football scholarships have flooded in from schools like University of South Dakota, South Dakota State and the University of North Dakota. But who does Hebert watch? “My mom,” Hebert says. ”She’s my biggest inspiration. She leads by example, and my vision and leadership comes from her.”
UPCOMING FOOTBALL SEASON:
October 7 vs. Maple Grove
5 p.m.
October 14 @ Champlin Park
7 p.m.
October 19 vs. Blaine
7 p.m.
October 25 TBD
Region Quarter Finals
7 p.m.
