Westmoreland County football Q&A with Greensburg Salem’s Dajauhn Hertzog

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 19, 2018 | 7:00 PM

There aren’t many athletes these days like Dajauhn Hertzog.

At a time when one-sport specialization has practically reached its fever pitch, the senior from Greensburg Salem plays — and excels equally in, that’s the catch — three sports.

“And think about it: He’s a three-year starter in all of them,” Greensburg Salem football coach Dave Keefer said. “He is just a tremendous kid. I promised his parents: I’ll make sure he’s safe out there. I remember seeing him play early on, and he went out and just drilled somebody. He just goes all out.”

And while he’s not the biggest player on the football field (5-foot-8, 160 pounds), Hertzog can go pound-for-pound with anyone when it comes to effort and versatility.

“When I got to high school, I wasn’t sure if I’d be big enough,” Hertzog said. “But Coach Keef told me, ‘You need to play. We’ll find a place for you.’ ”

And the Golden Lions have. Hertzog has played strong safety, free safety, cornerback, slot back, running back and even quarterback.

This season he has 107 yards rushing on 13 carries, 112 receiving yards on eight catches and has completed a pass. He also returns kicks and punts and has 18 tackles on defense.

Hertzog is just as resourceful in baseball, where he is a speedster in the outfield, a threat to steal bases and a rally-starter with a bat in his hands. But he also has played left field, second base and shortstop. He also is one of the top Legion players in the county and believes baseball is his ticket to college.

And don’t forget wrestling. He was a key contributor last season at 138 pounds.

But back to football.

Keefer likes Hertzog’s ability to “ad lib” and make plays for the Golden Lions (1-3, 1-0 Class 4A Big Eight).

“He is so charismatic, too,” Keefer said. “The kids migrate to him. I call it a likeability factor.”

Hertzog took some time for this week’s Q&A before a recent practice.

How do you manage your schedule and keep your body ready for the rigors of three sports?

I just go right into it. I always want that little break, but you just kind of switch it up.

What sport did you play first?

Football. For the Greensburg Braves. I was 4 years old.

What got you interested in wrestling?

I was around 6, and I was watching WWE on Mondays and Fridays and I said, “I want to do that.”

What do you do in your spare time, assuming you have any?

I hang out with my little sister (Ariella). She is 22 months (old). I love taking care of her.

What position do you like to play most in football?

Anywhere. I just go where the coaches tell me to go today.

How do you view going against much larger players?

I might be undersized, but I feel like I am the most athletic player out there every time. I have always had that drive. My dad has taught me that.

Despite two straight losses, is the team improving?

We had a pretty good first half last week (against South Fayette) and had a ginormous halftime talk for motivation. We have to keep it up for the whole game.

What is it like playing at scenic and historic Offutt Field?

When we walk out and turn the corner, it doesn’t get any better. With the city in the background like that, it’s beautiful.

You are working on a senior project?

Yes. Me and some other seniors are raising money for pediatric cancer. We have done a lemonade stand at the Arts & Heritage Festival, a back-to-school tailgate and several other events.

Bill Beckner is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Bill at bbeckner@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BillBeckner.

Tags: Greensburg Salem