The Hun School’s Star Sophomore Offensive Tackle: James Muller

James Muller is a 2024 recruit who plays Offensive Tackle at The Hun School of Princeton. Muller is ranked among one of the top recruits in the class of 2024 and is ranked among one of the top Offensive Tackles in the class as well. In addition, Muller is listed among one of the top recruits in the state of New Jersey and is listed among one of the top Offensive Tackles in the state of New Jersey.

Growing up, were you inspired by any NFL Players?

Absolutely; I was mostly inspired by Offensive Linemen. Lane Johnson and Joe Thomas were the two biggest ones. More recently, guys like Alejandro Villanueva have been some of my bigger role models. I love his story and he is very inspiring.

What songs do you listen to pregame, to get you hyped up?

The band “Five Finger Death Punch” is my go to. Occasionally, I don’t listen to any music at all and just hear my thoughts and let all of my other emotions take over.

What is your offseason training like?

In the winter, I lift after school for about two hours and my teammates and I are very focused on building power and really letting our numbers fly up. We have two awesome strength coaches at Hun and they have most definitely made differences in all of our movements and PR numbers.

What is your favorite memory of your career?

At the end of my sophomore year, we finished undefeated after a huge win at Wyoming Seminary. We just simply dominated every opponent.

Who is the best player you have ever played with or played against in your career?

I have been able to play at Hun for the past 2 years and everyone around me is just an absolute stud athlete so it is definitely hard to say who is the “best.” I think what separates some guys is their leadership. My quarterback, Marco Lainez is easily one of the best team leaders I have ever played with. No one works harder or longer than him. Sometimes he even has guys running hills with him because he wants to be the absolute best at what he does and he does a great job of helping everyone along with him take hold of accountability.

How old were you when you started playing football?

I was about 7 years old. I started off with the flag football leagues and then I started playing tackle when I was about 10. I had the opportunity to be coached by some great coaches, Chris Karamis, Tom Bock, Mike Higgins, Coach Yedman, and Coach Bucksar along with a bunch of teammates that are off doing great things in their own careers like Jack Beacham, Dean Bergkoetter, and Joey Amati.

What is your favorite food?

I have to go with Steak or Chicken-Parm. Neither lasts long around me. 

When did you realize you were talented at football?

About 8th grade. I always just played to play and have fun. I played in a Philly Travel League and oftentimes after games I would be talking to high school coaches from all around the area and it hit me that I had a gift and I could play. I met with Coach Smith at Hun and I just loved it. Coach Smith was one of the best decisions that my family and I have ever made. He knows everything about football, the offensive line, and the recruiting process.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?

Alejandro Villanueva. He attended West Point and played tight end there and after he graduated he became an Army Ranger and did a few tours over to the middle east and saw combat. Playing at West Point or Navy and serving my country upon graduation has been my dream and goal ever since I could remember and to see a graduate of West Point play in the NFL after serving his country is remarkable. I hope that my hard work will allow me to follow right through his foot steps.

What is your favorite sports moment, as a fan?

Watching the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl 52 and end the Brady Super Bowl Era in New England. My whole life I have loved the Eagles and to see them win a Lombardi trophy was a moment I will never forget.