The 6-foot-3, 220-pound edge rusher and multi-purpose threat is making up for lost time.

A knee injury prevented him from playing in Ripon’s three games over the spring, but he has stepped up as a senior leader for a team enjoying a successful defense of its Trans-Valley League title so far.

Last Friday, he had his most impactful game of 2021 in a 20-7 win at Livingston (1-2 TVL, 4-3 overall), an upstart squad that had already given two of the league’s other traditional powers fits.

“Ethan has been a stud for us all year, and teams haven’t had an answer for him,” Ripon coach Chris Musseman said.

Offensively, Day caught three passes including a 37-yard touchdown that helped give Ripon (4-0 TVL, 6-2 overall) a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. He’s a versatile weapon in the Indians’ Wing-T, having lined up as the wing, at slot receiver and running back.

On defense, he was an absolute pest for QB Rocklin Baptista and the rest of the Livingston’s spread attack. Day finished with 12 tackles, four quarterback hurries and win-clinching strip sack. The Wolves were held to seven points and 189 yards, both season lows.

“He’s a lead blocker on a lot of stuff we do (offensively) and he’s heavily involved in the passing game, as well,” Musseman said. “On defense he plays on the D-line but we can drop him in to coverage if we have to. He’s just a good, all-around football player with a high football IQ. Some of that stuff you just can’t coach.”

Ripon is in the middle of its bye week and will use the extra time to prepare for rival Escalon, its Oct. 22 opponent on the road.