St. Charles North's Drew Surges (6) gets tripped up by Batavia's Tyler Jansey (7) during the first half of a game in St. Charles on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. (John Konstantaras / The Beacon-News)

The playing style of St. Charles North senior Drew Surges comes from another era.

Surges does play running back, but he’s not merely a running back. He also plays linebacker and safety, but he’s not just those positions, either.

Quite simply, Surges is a football player.

“He’s cut out of an old mold,” North Stars coach Rob Pomazak said. “He’s a throwback. He just wants to be on the field. That’s the type of kid he is. He’s very old school.”

St. Charles North's Drew Surges (6) gets tackled by Batavia's Jack Sadowsky (6) during the first half of a game in St. Charles on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. (John Konstantaras / The Beacon-News)

Although Pomazak said he’s close to having a two-platoon system at every position on each side of the ball, Surges is exempt from that situation.

“I love being versatile for my team,” Surges said. “Wherever they need me, I’ll play. It’s awesome. I just love playing whenever I can.”

Pomazak will use that versatility to his team’s advantage as the North Stars try to recover from a tough 4-5 finish last season and make a return to the postseason.

“There are a couple guys that are just too valuable that we’re going to rep,” Pomazak said. “We’ll play him where he’s needed on that given day, and in that situation, have guys fill in behind him.”

Surges filled that role last season as well.

He accounted for 612 yards of offense and had 51 tackles despite not being 100% most of the season. He missed a game and a half but gutted it out in several others.

Now, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound Surges is 100% — and has filled out his body.

“He’s bigger, he’s stronger,” Pomazak said. “He’s faster than he was last year. He’s just a really remarkable athlete.”

While defense figures to be his future in college, Surges will be relied upon as a big part of the offense. Who will be getting him the ball is up in the air.

Pomazak said sophomore Ethan Plumb, last season’s starter, has the leg up in the quarterback competition with senior Will Vaske.

Whoever wins the job will still be on the field, however. Plumb would line up at tight end and Vaske at receiver, depending on the final verdict.

“Ethan is doing an excellent job,” Pomazak said. “Will is certainly excellent. We’re fortunate to have two scholarship players. We talked to both the kids and let them know who we think will be the starter.

“That’s the direction we’re going to go. It’s a tough position because one guy is going to get the reps.”

Surges said that regardless of who plays quarterback, he’s confident in his offense.

“The offense is looking good — athletes everywhere,” Surges said. “Everyone wants the ball in their hands. I trust everyone on the team.”

St. Charles North's Drew Surges (6) tackles Batavia's Ryan Whitwell (3) during the second half of a game in St. Charles on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. (John Konstantaras / The Beacon-News)

Defensively, Surges has the ability to play outside linebacker or boundary safety. He played both last season for the North Stars.

With the way the college game is going, trending to more passing than running, Surges has a highly desired skill set

“Football is becoming more pass first, so definitely people need more nickel,” Surges said. “I don’t mind being nickel, covering, making plays in the box and outside the box.”

Most of his interest thus far has come from the service academies and NCAA Division II schools. He plans to hold off on a decision until after the season.

“I’m hoping the season brings me more,” Surges said. “I don’t mind that at all. I trust myself.”

Before those decisions need to be made, though, Surges wants to get his team back to the postseason.

The North Stars missed the playoffs after a close loss to Batavia in last fall’s season finale.

“That’s how we finished,” Surges said. “We played a really good game. That’s how we’re coming into this season. We all know the goal.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.

Offensive leaders: Soren Erickson, senior, tight end; Jake Furtney, senior, tight end; Ethan Plumb, sophomore, quarterback; Anthony Taormina, senior, receiver.

Defensive leaders: Angelo Bradley, junior, defensive lineman; Brody Geary; senior, cornerback; Drew Surges, senior, linebacker.

X-factor: Will Vaske, senior, quarterback/receiver.