Like most things, playing division I soccer this season was within reach for Clarkston’s Jake Przybycien. His 6-foot 7-inch frame made many opportunities open for the defensive center-mid while playing for Clarkston. Now he’s taking his game to another level. Przybycien chose to sign with Oakland University in May, weeks before graduating from CHS.
Przybycien helped the Wolves to a 15-4-2 record and a berth in the district finals while notching seven goals and 15 assists. 2006 was the best season in Clarkston soccer history. Przybycien garnered many accolades in his final season: All-OAA, All-district, All area, All region, team MVP and All-State honorable mention.
It may take Przybycien longer than originally anticipated before he can join Gary Parsons? team, though. Przybycien suffered a torn ACL in his left kicking leg three weeks ago while playing in a men’s league after cutting and turning on turf.
‘It was one of those freak things with no contact,? Przybycien said.
Przybycien is scheduled to go into surgery Aug.21 and said there is a ‘small? chance he may be ready to play by mid-season if he heals and rehabilitates quickly.
‘I’m hoping to be one of those lucky ones, but we’ll see how it goes,? he said.
Przybycien will be spending time doing physical therapy with the training staff at OU. He hopes to have his knee near normal condition and scrimmaging with the Grizzlies by the end of the season.
‘At first it was a big blow because I was really excited to go to OU,? Przybycien said. ‘I’ve never really had to sit the bench much. It’ll be hard not being able to play, but I’ll have to deal with it and move on.?
Parsons can relate to what Przybycien is feeling right now.
‘He’s torn his ACL before, so he knows where I’m coming from,? Przybycien said.
When he does make it back to the playing field, a large size advantage should help him at the college level. His height helps him win 50/50 balls in the air, long legs help him take large strides while running and he can use his body to shield the ball during possessions.
Parsons was drawn to Przybycien’s size, strength and speed a year ago when the Grizzlies began looking at him.
Clarkston coach Adam Bican remembered Przybycien’s ability to control the game.
‘He imposed himself on the game…he would put the team on his shoulders and make things right,? Bican said.
Przybycien’s range made it difficult for teams to stop.
‘He covers a lot of ground and it’s hard for other teams to play around him because of his reach,? Bican said.
Przybycien had 29 points last season, which was a large jump from an 11-point campaign in 2005. As a senior captain, he said his increased comfort level led to the spike in production.
Being a part of the Wolves team that played in OAA I, a highly competitive league in any sport, helped Przybycien ‘a ton? to be recruited.
‘They saw how good we were and that gave me the chance to get in touch with Oakland,? he said.
Przybycien’s other offers came from Division II and III schools like Sienna Heights and Albion.
‘I wanted to go to a bigger, more competitive school,? Przybycien said. ‘I’m definitely going to have to work really hard to get a spot in the lineup.?
At OU, Przybycien, a 3.6 GPA student and member of National Honor Society at CHS, wants to find a career in engineering.
‘I’m a problem solver. I get that from my dad. I like to figure out how things work and make them better,? he said.