Two-way toughness defines Prior Lake football's Hart

Football tests a player's mental and physical toughness. That's exactly why Prior Lake senior Alex Hart excels in the sport at the high school level.

Hart rarely comes off the field in his dual role for the Class 6A, No. 4 Lakers (9-1). He's best at linebacker with the defensive unit, but also spearheads the offensive attack as a running back.

"Alex could be one of the most impactful two-way players we have ever had in Prior Lake," Lakers coach Matt Gegenheimer said. "There has been games where he never came off the field, which is pretty rare at the 6A level."

Hart earned a starting linebacker spot as a sophomore on Gegenheimer's state tournament squad. Prior Lake finished 9-2 that season, losing to Lakeville North 23-3 in the state quarterfinals.

"We moved him up to varsity," Gegenheimer said. "We told him that we have some pretty good guys at outside linebacker, so he may not play much. He said he knew there would be competition, but he intended to win the starting spot. He did so, and had a great sophomore year."

The next season, Hart asked if he could play running back, too. He became a 1,000-yard rusher with 14 touchdowns on a 7-3 squad.

"Of course, Alex turned out to be pretty good at running back, too," Gegenheimer said.

"Linebacker is my main position," Hart said. "It's nice to be on the offensive side, though, and be able to lower my shoulder and hit somebody."

Hart excelled at both positions as a junior, and continues to do so in his final season. He has run for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns this year.

Defensively, Hart makes even more of an impact. He has 75 tackles, 15 for losses, and eight sacks. He also has three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and eight passes defended.

"I had to really step up playing both sides of the ball," Hart said. "It has pushed and driven me even more."

Not to mention, serving as one of the team's captains.

Hart has also been aided by another sport, wrestling. He is the defending Class 3A state champion at 220 pounds. He finished third at 195 pounds as a sophomore.

"I've been wrestling since first grade, and it has helped me a lot with football," Hart said. "It has really helped with the use of my hands and hips. It also has made me a mentally and physical tough person."

Hart's career has been reflective of Prior Lake's program the past few years. The Lakers have advanced to the football state tournament three of the past four years — the only state trips in the program's history. Prior Lake will face Maple Grove at 7 p.m. Friday at Minnetonka High School.

"We can't be happy just to be in the state tournament," Hart said. "Now it's time for us to do something in the state tournament."

Ron Haggstrom • 612-673-4498