Oswego Defensive End Ethan Pilip Makes Big Plays Despite Modest Size

Oswego senior Ethan Pilip knows he does not fit the typical mold at defensive end. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 187 pounds, he is lighter than most college scouts would want at the position, and he says he may even weigh a little less than that.

The topic has come up often with his position coach, Andrew Cook. "He tells me all the time, if I would put on a couple pounds and keep doing what I have to do, I would definitely go somewhere," Pilip said. He added that he tries to gain weight but cannot seem to manage it, and he blames his metabolism.

The size has not stopped him from becoming a problem for opposing offensive linemen. Pilip moved from running back to defensive end before his junior year and has produced consistently since. Oswego coach Brian Cooney said the coaching staff felt the roster called for him at defensive end last season, and that he "really took off" during a deep run to the Class 8A state championship game.

This season Pilip has 31 tackles for the Panthers (8-1), including a team-high 13 for loss. He returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown against Oswego East and blocked punts in consecutive games. The block at Bolingbrook rolled into the end zone, where junior defensive back Caleb East recovered it for another touchdown.

Cooney credited Pilip's motor and his use of size and quickness. "He's unassumingly strong," the coach said. "I don't know if it's his leverage or hand placement, but so far, he has been able to hold his own." Cooney added that he is not sure a 230-pound defensive end would do any better in that spot.

Oswego returned to the practice field Monday to prepare for a first-round playoff game at 6 p.m. Friday against Naperville Central (6-4), which beat Warren 18-14 in the opening round. The teams know each other well. Oswego beat the Redhawks 31-15 in last year's season opener, and the two programs also held a summer practice together.

Having a week off to begin the playoffs was a first for the program, Cooney said. The staff consulted several college coaches on how to handle it and gave players extra days off last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, then made Monday through Thursday work days. Cooney expects his team to be at or near full strength.

Pilip believes expectations should stay high for an Oswego team that returned many junior starters from a year ago. "We'll be back in the state championship (game)," he said, while acknowledging Naperville Central is physical, fast and strong. "It's not going to be an easy game, but I definitely think we'll come out on top."

He began playing football at age 6 in Oswego's youth tackle program, which he thinks gave him a head start. Pilip, who gave up baseball and basketball in middle school, said opponents often do not take him seriously until the game starts. He relies on speed and a push-pull move, using his hands to shove a lineman and then pull him down once he leans forward.

His future in the sport is uncertain. "The dream would be to go and play football but time is running out," Pilip said. If he does not play in college, he does not plan to attend, and instead wants to get his commercial driver's license and drive trucks.