Dynamite Dozen: Deerfield-Windsor’s John Collier Logan gives it his all

ALBANY — For all of the positions John Collier Logan has to learn, it’s understandable if a point or two slips through playbook study sessions.

The Deerfield-Windsor senior is asked to do a lot. He has played tight end and flanker, and he’s going to see more time as a running back this fall in the Knights’ wing-T set.

Logan’s versatile on defense, as well. Listed as a defensive end on last year’s roster, Logan will get some time in at outside linebacker this season.

That’s a lot to consume. But Logan insists he has a handle on it all.

“They make it easy for me,” Logan said. “They simplify everything, change stuff around.”

Logan is one of this year’s Albany Herald Dynamite Dozen selections. Past stories in the series, which began Monday, are available at albanyherald.com.

Coming up through the Deerfield-Windsor system, Logan worked as a running back, learning the ins and outs of the misdirection playbook longtime Knights head coach Allen Lowe uses.

Two years ago, however, Deerfield-Windsor had a vacancy at tight end. Logan moved into that slot, filling a key position.

“He’s the ultimate hybrid for high school football,” Lowe said. “He’s played tight end for me, he’s played tailback for me, he can play fullback, he can play wide receiver. Defensively, he likes to be up front, but he can play linebacker. He’s just a gifted athlete, and he happens to be big enough to make a huge impact.”

He split time between flanker and running back last year, rushing for 375 yards and five touchdowns and catching 22 passes for 276 yards and two scores.

With some added depth up front and the graduation of running back Garrett Jones (1,630 yards, 17 touchdowns), Logan returns to the backfield this season, moving back to running back but also lining up at flanker at times.

“We brought back four out of the five positions on our line, so that’s going to help a bunch,” Logan said.

Logan’s ability to remain on the field most of the game will make him a key leader this fall.

At defensive end last year, Logan secured 64 tackles, including 49 solo. He also had four sacks.

“We may try to move him around this year,” Lowe said. “It depends on the development of the other kids on the team, what gives us the best fit. But he gives versatility to move around so he can fill those voids where we have them.”