How to be a Lumberjack

Local learns the ropes as a redshirt frosh

Brandon Kakitsuka, a 2011 Del Norte High graduate, poses with his mom Donna Pritchett after a Humboldt State University football game. Photo courtesy of John Pritchett

The former Del Norte High School gridiron standout is a redshirt freshman wide receiver at Humboldt State University in Arcata.

Kakitsuka said that the redshirt year with the Lumberjacks has given him a chance to get to know the team and playbook better as he strives to contribute to the Lumberjacks next season.

HSU, an NCAA Division II squad, has been tearing it up on the football field this year, going 8-1 overall.

Kakitsuka is on the scout team and said it has helped him keep his football skills sharp by going against the starters as they prepare for that week’s game.

“It’s good,” he said. “I get to practice against the best defensive backs in the league.”

They have helped Brandon understand what it takes to be a wide receiver in college.

On this level, one has to have a complete arsenal of football knowledge and skills to compete, he said.

“They are so fast,”  Kakitsuka said. “It’s amazing the way they can stay with you and backpedal as long as they can.”

Kakitsuka suits up for every home game. Although he can’t take to the field he is with the rest of the team cheering HSU on.  A highlight for him was a nationally televised game when the Lumberjacks defeated Central Washington 38-36.

At the end of the contest, as the team ran onto the field, Kakitsuka could be seen on TV along with his teammates celebrating.

Kakitsuka said the other players have been very welcoming and while he is redshirting, he still feels a part of the team.

“Everyone’s been awesome,” he said.

Kakitsuka has been impressed with the entire coaching staff, especially head coach Rob Smith, who shows a lot of trust in his players. In return, he expects them to compete hard and live up to high expectations.

“He treats us like men,” Kakitsuka said.

The coaches understand that he and his fellow redshirts are the future of the team, Kakitsuka said.

It’s been great to still be close to home, as he is able to see his friends and family back in Crescent City on a consistent basis.

On Sunday, Brandon was at Del Norte High School watching his younger brother compete in the youth football playoffs.

A 6-foot, 180-pound slot receiver, Kakitsuka had around 1,000 receiving yards with 11 touchdown catches for the Warriors during his senior year last fall.

A big difference at the college level is the playbook, which Kakitsuka said is “like four times bigger than the high school playbook.”

The first day of practice was intimidating and confusing, he said, but he has adjusted.

“I’m learning the plays and watching the players on the field and what they’re doing,” he said.

Next season, Kakitsuka said the competition for playing time with a talented and deep group of wideouts will be a challenge.

But with the experience of  working with the team, knowing the playbook and what coaches expect of him, Brandon believes he can be a contributer.

“I’m going to go out and show them what I can do,” he said.

The lone loss for HSU this season was to Western Oregon on the road.

The two teams will collide again Saturday in Arcata in the regular season finale with the GNAC championship on the line. Both squads have 6-1 conference records. The game begins at 1 p.m.