Lancers defensive lineman Julian Drahn is expected to be in the running to win the program's Defensive Player of The Year award for the third year in a row. Photo courtesy of Jennifer Ables

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) – The Cordova Lancers' incoming senior defensive lineman Julian Drahn has accomplished a ton during his time as a standout on the varsity football team.

But after narrowly missing out on the playoffs a season ago, Drahn knew entering this offseason that he would need to take his game to the next level to help his team succeed when they take to the field this fall.

Drahn, who has won the Lancers' Defensive Player of The Year award each of the past two seasons on varsity, is looking to continue building his resume at Cordova.

This offseason, Drahn has been preparing his body to be bigger, stronger and faster than a season ago and that is a scary thought for opposing offenses who have to deal with his 6-foot-1, 260-pound frame every snap.

Despite tallying an impressive 74 total tackles last season, including 17.0 tackles for loss to go along with eight sacks, Drahn said he felt that he could do more this offseason to get his body in shape for the marathon that is football season. Drahn has focused on his endurance, with cardio being a key area he wanted to work on but he hasn't stopped there.

"I've been working out at home and at school while trying to prepare," Drahn said. "I've been eating right."

Drahn has been putting in the hard work this offseason to build from his stellar play from a season ago that earned him First Team All-Metro League honors but his main focus, and the focus of his teammates, has been taking that next step and making the postseason.

A common theme amongst Drahn and his Lancers' counterparts, Drahn noted that the disappointment he and his teammates felt at the end of last season has fueled their workouts during the spring and summer. 

"Just knowing that we could've went to the playoffs last year is going to make us fight even harder this year," Drahn said. "We were so close last year."

Drahn said he was pleased with what he's seen thus far from the group.

"We've been working pretty hard together," Drahn said of the work he and his teammates have put in this offseason. "We've got some new kids coming through, too, and they're all pretty talented."

Although the dog days of summer haven't started yet for the Lancers when it comes to workouts, the sense is that the group is hungry and motivated to have their best season yet under head coach JP Dolliver.

Drahn summed it up best when asked about his mindset as football season draws near. 

"Just thinking that we can change the whole program," Drahn said. "It's going to be good."