Bellevue grad Jack still growing on gridiron for UCLA, featured on ESPN.com | Prep football news

Myles Jack was thrust into the national college football spotlight after a dynamic freshman season on both sides of the ball, and tells ESPN.com he plans on honing his craft even further this season for the Bruins.

Myles Jack was one of the most talented and decorated prep football players to come out of Washington in recent memory, and made a major splash in the Pac-12 last year with UCLA.

The former Wolverine became the first player to win Freshman of the Year on offense and defense in the conference, after showcasing his skills as a running back for the latter part of the season for the Bruins, in addition to his full-time duty as a linebacker.

As spring practice continues in Westwood, with many fans around the conference and nation wondering what he will do for an encore, Jack became the feature of an ESPN.com piece that delves into his dual-threat possibilities in 2014 and beyond.

Bellevue fans will surely remember the humble and determined mentality Jack displayed as a pillar of three state title teams on the gridiron, as well as his exploits as a 3A state champion in track and field.

Jack told ESPN.com’s Kevin Gemmell that while his first collegiate season was a nice step, he has no misgivings about the amount of work still at hand. He also offered a glimpse back to his mindset and rawness during his time on Wolverine Way.

“I’m not even close to where I need to be yet,” Jack said. “In high school I carried the ball and played defensive end. I was in a four-point stance and I’d just run around the other guys. But in the Pac-12, these offensive linemen are big and fast. I need to do a better job with my hands and shedding blocks and reading my keys.”

Jack earned a spot in the Army All-American Bowl, as well as a top-10 national ranking in his high school class as a running back, during his senior season with Bellevue.

He was the state Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year after recording 21 sacks and leading his team to yet another 3A state title.