Super Six: Hubert ready to be game-changer as senior

Isaac Hubert is ready to lead Creekview’s defense into the ranks of Georgia’s elite.

In 2021, Hubert was named to the Class AAAAAA all-state team and voted the Cherokee County Co-Defensive Player of the Year. He led the Grizzlies to an 8-3 record overall and a 6-2 finish in Region 7AAAAAA as a junior.

Now, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior linebacker believes Creekview is ready to take the jump.

“I think we will perform really well,” Hubert said. “Last year, we were still kind of growing up. A lot of young players came back. This year, through spring and summer, this team has started filling their spots and connecting as a unit.”

Hubert registered 58 tackles last season, with 16 tackles for loss. He also led the Grizzlies with 7.5 sacks, forcing opposing offenses to game-plan for him specifically.

Now, as a senior and veteran starter, Hubert has embraced his leadership role. His brother, Ty, graduated and is preparing for his first year at the Air Force Academy after posting a team-leading 100 tackles and 18 tackles for loss in 2021.

It is Isaac Hubert’s turn to take charge.

He added 27 quarterback hurries to his state line last year, with one of his best games coming against county rival Cherokee. Hubert recorded three sacks and paced the offense with eight carries for 106 yards in a 21-14 win.

Hubert also committed to Air Force in late June, setting the stage to join his brother on the field once again.

“It is just his football IQ and understanding of leverage and the speed of the game,” Creekview coach Trevor Williams said. “Any time you play 30-plus football games at the varsity level, at this point, you are going to have an advantage.”

Hubert is picking up another position this year for Creekview, playing more in the middle of the field. Williams said Hubert will receive more carries at running back as well with the departure of leading rusher Tyler Stevens.

Last season, Hubert took 20 carries for 221 yards and a pair of touchdowns, trailing only Stevens and former quarterback Mason Hicks.

“His versatility, being able to move him around — whether it is playing some defensive line, outside linebacker, inside linebacker and then flipping him over on offense — the versatile piece is what sets him apart,” Williams said. “He is violent and explosive at the point of contact.”

Hubert said much of his success over the last few years was helped by the quality of talent that surrounded him. He sees this year’s roster as another well-rounded group. Creekview returns three of its top six tacklers from 2021 in Hubert, Reed Anderson and Cole Sackman.

Now with a new quarterback in Austin Guest, the Grizzlies’ defense will be crucial in the early-going. However, Hubert knows his teammates are up for the challenge.

“I think we are ready,” Hubert said. “We do not feel much pressure from having a young quarterback. Austin has done really well, especially in the spring. The offense will flow this year.”