Lowell has built its football empire on overachieving, hard-nosed kids committed to the process. Occasionally, someone comes along who breaks the mold.

Jordan Jusevitch is that generational player for Lowell coach Keith Kilmer.

Kilmer knows he likely won't coach another player like Jusevitch any time soon.

“From a pure football standpoint, he's as good a player as we've had since I've been here,” Kilmer said.

How good? Jusevitch already has an offer from Central Michigan, according to Rivals.com. Indiana, Wisconsin and Purdue have all expressed interest.

According to Kilmer, the only Lowell player to received a MAC-level scholarship is defensive lineman Jeff Barker (Ball State).

The Hoosiers want Jusevitch to play as a freewheeling safety. Jusevitch said he's talking to IU coaches every week and is hopeful for an offer after the season.

One glimpse of the highlight film from Lowell's 44-23 victory last week over Hobart should turn some heads.

Jusevitch had a 60-yard punt return where he bounced off a couple of defenders, ran one teammate over and switched directions before tumbling into the end zone. It was his third career TD on a punt return.

Although Jusevitch doesn't have sprinter speed, he is shifty enough.

“He is very quick,” Kilmer said. “He has great football speed. He won't outrun many people in the 100-yard dash, but he is very fast in space and area that matters.”

Defense, though, is where the Jusevitch excels. The 6-foot-1 safety has played in 39 of 41 varsity games that he was eligible for, missing two this year because of a shoulder injury.

Despite the perception Lowell wins because of its ball-control rushing offense, the Red Devils have perhaps the best defense in the state in Class 4A. They are giving up 12.92 points per game, which is third best in 4A.

Last week, against powerful Hobart, Lowell gave up only 11 yards passing and 66 yards rushing.

It was vintage Red Devil football. They controlled the football for 32:46.

Lowell plays NorthWood on Friday to try and win its fourth semistate since 2005. The Red Devils have never lost a semistate game at home. Jusevitch is aware of what's at stake.

“This means a lot to us,” he said. “The whole town will be here.”

Jusevitch said the defense is underappreciated.

“Statistically, our defense is No. 1 in 4A,” he said. “But no one talks about our defense. Our offense is great too but defense wins championships.”

Jusevitch, who also fills in at tailback, said he “loves defense. I love hitting people.”

His safety position gives him plenty of freedom to make big plays for the Red Devils.

Jusevitch has five interceptions, seven pass deflections, two fumble recoveries and two blocked field goals. He also has two tackles for losses.

There's plenty of credit to spread around. Mitch Wildman (8 tackles for loss), Austin Giordano (84 tackles) and Jaeger Gill (two interceptions) also have played well.

Kilmer said he's been waiting since middle school for this group of players. He figured out early the best way forward.

“One of the things we've done the last two or three years is simplified things and just let them play,” Kilmer said. “We have some great athletes on the field.”

mhutton@post-trib.com

Twitter @MikeHuttonPT