Highland Park senior JT Killeen took a leap into the unknown last summer.

Killeen, who had played baseball and basketball during his first three years of high school, decided to give football a try. Although he had no previous training in the sport, he became a starting defensive end for the Giants.

“The first scrimmage we had, I lined up across from a DI commit,” Killeen said, referring to Glenbrook North offensive lineman Samuel Paich, a Cincinnati commit. “I knew that he’d be a good amount better than me.

“But I got coached up and really grew to love it. I loved hanging out with the guys, and you realize how you need everyone coming together to make one play. It was probably one of the most fun seasons I’ve ever had in all my years of playing sports.”

Killeen is determined to have more fun playing the sport that he calls his “bread and butter” this spring.

“I know this is my last season, so I’m trying not to think too much,” he said. “I’m going up to the plate to swing the bat. I want everyone to have some fun, and we’ll see what happens.”

Killeen is back at first base and batting fourth for Highland Park, which will rely on his offensive production to compete for the Central Suburban North title.

“Batting cleanup, there’s definitely some pressure there because everyone expects you to produce,” he said. “You’re being trusted as a player. But I’ve been playing baseball my whole life, so you just go back to basics and look for your pitch.”

That has been working for Killeen, who was hitting .312 with a .476 on-base percentage, a .980 OPS, 12 RBIs and 18 runs scored through 11 games for the Giants (8-2-1, 1-0). He was also 4-for-4 on stolen base attempts.

Highland Park baseball coach Jason Newburger said he recognized a difference in Killeen’s focus level in the middle of last season and noted the corresponding boost in production.

“When he’s aggressive at the plate, that’s when he’s at his best,” Newburger said. “He’s not allowing things that happened earlier in the game or in an at-bat affect him. He’s also really improved at first base. The athleticism he shows comes through.”

Killeen touts the benefits of playing another sport.

“Football not only helped me build confidence, but it pushed me as an athlete,” he said. “I felt like it made me a better athlete overall, and the effort level you have to give on every play has carried through to baseball. I try to bring that same energy, and it’s contagious.”

Killeen also has a gym in his garage and said he spends much of his free time there. It’s common for teammates to join him.

“He’s the biggest kid on the team, both literally and figuratively,” Highland Park senior second baseman Charlie Cohen said. “He’ll tell people to come over, and it helps hold them accountable.

“Lifting is a huge part of his life, and he’s very disciplined and constant. It definitely has something to do with the big hits he’s gotten over the years.”

Killeen has experienced plenty of big moments during his high school career. Among the highlights is his third and final season in Highland Park’s boys basketball program in 2023-24, when his older brother Griffin played too.

“That was special because I got to play with my brother,” Killeen said. “It was awesome. I had never had the chance to play on the same team with him.”

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.