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Randy Hjort competes in NAIA All-American Bowl
Sat, May 02, 2009 - Posted by Coach Johnson
All-star game, pro tryout keep Hjort on field
By Gary Larson
Mille Lacs County Times
It looked like Randy Hjort had strapped on his football helmet and tightened his pads for the last time when Valley City State University (N.D.) ended its 2008 season last fall.
But, things changed this spring. Last Saturday, Hjort, a 2005 Milaca graduate, was one of four players representing Valley City at the third annual College Fanz/Victory Sports Network NAIA Senior Classic football game Saturday at Pirate Stadium in Platte City, Mo. Hjort’s National team topped the American team 24-10.
“I had a great time,” said Hjort, a four year-starter at right tackle at Valley City. “It was fun playing with and against the top players from NAIA schools across the country.”
And, it’s not over yet. Hjort will head to Cincinnati later this week to take part in a tryout camp being conducted by the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League.
Hjort got to play in seven series at the Senior Classic. Some of his time was spent blocking for running back Greg Fountain of Campbellsville College (Ky.) who rushed for 70 yards and was named the National team’s offensive player of the game. “I was happy with my play,” said Hjort, a member of Milaca’s state tournament basketball team in 2003. “I’ve been working out during the winter and this spring and I held up pretty well. Besides being a lot of fun, the game was a good tune-up for the Edmonton camp.” The tryout camp is Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the College of Cincinnati. The workouts will include strength, speed and agility tests. Hjort is 6-foot-6, 275 pounds and hopes to be looked at as an offensive lineman, a spot he’s very familiar with. But, he’s open to try the other side of the football, too.
“Offensive linemen in the pros are pretty much 300 pounds or more,” said Hjort. “So, if I’m a little light for offensive line, I think I’m quick enough and strong enough to give the defensive line a shot.
“I’m optimistic going into the camp. You always want to know how you measure up and I’m glad to get the opportunity. If nothing results from it I’ll be satisfied that I got the chance and gave it my best effort.”
Hjort’s best effort was something Valley City Coach Dennis McCulloch said game after game during Hjort’s four years in the Vikings’ line.
“Randy is one of the best and most consistent offensive linemen we’ve had at Valley City during my 12 years as head coach,” said McCulloch, who recommended Hjort for the Senior Classic. “He moved into the line right away and he stayed there. “Randy is that combination of size and quickness a coach looks for. He is agile on his feet and he likes to mix it up. He helped make our sweeps outside click.”
Valley City won the Dakota Athletic Conference title when Hjort was a sophomore. “That was a thrill-it’s a tough, balanced conference,” said Hjort, the son of Dean and Lori Hjort. “We had good teams all four years I played at Valley City. “I’m happy with my decision to go there.”
Hjort said he enjoyed playing for Milaca Coach Randy Johnson and McCulloch.
“I’ve had two great football coaches who helped bring out the best in me,” Hjort said.
He has a double major in business management-business marketing and plans to earn his degree next fall semester.
Unless, Edmonton has other plans for him. “I’ll see what happens,” he said. “If I’m fortunate enough to move on to another level in football, I’ll put my degree on hold for a semester. If not, I’m looking forward to a career in business.” Business. That’s something Hjort has been giving to defensive players on the football field for many years.