Former JHS football standout Blake Hance has become the first JHS alumni to make the NFL. Originally a tight end in high school, Blake Hance went to Northwestern as a three-star left tackle in 2014. Recently, Hance played in two playoff games for the Cleveland Browns, playing both left tackle and right guard. However, very non-traditional events had to occur for Hance to get his chance. 

Due to the Browns having multiple players on the Covid-19 list, the Browns needed to sign multiple players to their team in order to fill out roster spots, and the Browns were very short on lineman because their starting five had multiple injuries. Hance, who was on the Jets practice squad, was signed in week 17 to help with special teams blocking such as field goals and point-after attempts. It was in the wildcard game, however, that Hance would truly get his chance to prove himself. 

Hance was confident in his abilities when he was told he was getting in the game. Left guard Joel Bitonio was already out of the game with an injury, and backup Michael Dunn had come down with an injury as well. Hance was not allowed to practice with the team in person as the team’s facilities were closed due to Covid protocol. However, that didn’t phase Hance; in fact, Hance only worried about learning what to do. He went as far as to say, “My big focus that week was learning what to do. Once I knew what to do, I could trust my ability to perform the way I had been practicing every day for the last two years. Being a part of a historic playoff game for the Browns franchise against a division rival was definitely a memorable experience.”

When Cleveland called on Hance, he answered the call. Blocking a three-time Pro Bowler, Hance proved himself on a national stage. Hance was able to keep a cool head in one of the most heated moments in Browns history. On blocking Cameron Heyward, Hance said, “No matter who you’re blocking, the key is to trust your technique and fundamentals. If you try to do something extra because you think you’re going against a better player, it likely will not go well. If every day you work on mastering technique and fundamentals, who you are using them against on game day won’t matter. It was cool to get to play against such a great player, but the key is to not think much about that on the field.”

Hance became famous seemingly overnight due to his Quarterback Baker Mayfield. After the game Mayfield complimented Hance on his performance in the game. Mayfield called Hance “some guy named Blake” and mentioned that they had just met in the tunnel before the game. Hance mentioned that he met most of his teammates on game day and experiencing that was “pretty strange,” but he continued “that’s 2020 for you.” His reaction to the memes and support he has been getting is very positive. “Overall, I am very appreciative for all the support I’ve gotten from friends and family in Jacksonville, IL, as well as from Cleveland fans.” Hance also says he can appreciate the “absurdity” of his story, and he is very thankful for this opportunity. 

Hance played left tackle all through college making the All-Freshman Team as well as the Academic All-Big Ten Team twice. Hance reflected on his time at Northwestern stating, “Going up against Big Ten talent every week in games was great preparation for the professional level.” 

Hance was asked to step up in the divisional round as well. Rookie left tackle Jedrick Wills, Jr. went down with an injury against the Chiefs. Once again “a guy named Blake” would step up to protect his quarterback. Hance, a natural left tackle, was prepared for the challenge stating, “Left tackle was what I played for four years at Northwestern, so I definitely feel comfortable in that spot and in that stance and what not.” In fact, Hance was once again called upon to block a multi-time Pro Bowler. However, Hance was once again unphased by the person he was blocking. 

Hance was asked to reflect on his time at JHS, and he had nothing but positive remarks. Hance went as far as to say, “I loved my time at JHS—you never forget the guys on your high school team, and you build a bond and brotherhood that will last your lifetime even if you all eventually go your separate ways. I obviously always dreamed of playing in the NFL, but as a high schooler, it’s hard for that dream to feel possible. The key is to never get ahead of yourself and focus on one day at a time. Before you can play in college you have to play well in high school, before you can play well in high school you have to practice well and prepare well every day.”

Hance gave a message to all the football players here, as well as anyone from any sport. Hance stated, “My first advice is to always focus on school and be thinking about what you want to do with your life if football doesn’t work out. No matter how talented you are, it could all end overnight. But from a football standpoint, it’s all about dedication to working on getting better in all aspects. Always be working on strength, speed, explosiveness, technique. And also always try to be studying football. Having a high football IQ will take you a long way.” 

Lastly, Hance gave a little insight into his future in the NFL. Hance’s contract includes the 2021 season; therefore, he will be back next year fighting for a roster spot. Hance believes that “the focus now is relaxing and recharging for a week or two then ramping up the preparations for next season.”