C.C. Thomas
Sports Scene
People might think that running backs believe their legs and feet are their most important assets.
Holt sophomore running back Ty Glover sees it another way.
“My legs are important, but I think my eyes are actually [my best asset],” Glover said. “I have good vision. I see the hole and use my legs to make the cuts and run. Your eyes are very important because you have to see the holes and then hit them.”
In four games this year, Glover has used his eyes and his feet to gain 425 yards on the ground. In a 17-16 double overtime win over Lansing Everett on September 16, Glover rushed for 87 hard-fought yards.
Holt coach Al Slamer says Glover has responded well to his first year of varsity ball., rushing well against tough opponents like Hudsonville and Rockford.
And moving forward, not just this season, but for the next two years, Glover will remain a huge part of the Rams offense.
“He will be a focal point,” Slamer said. “He is an outstanding back. He has great vision. He’s not real big (5’6″, 165 pounds), but he’s stocky and hard to tackle. And he has great vision, he knows how to cut back, and that’s what you get when you get older, but he has it now.”
Slamer says Glover has also been well-received by his teammates.
“He is a great teammate and leader,” Slamer said. “He just sits back and leads by example, and that is reflective of his play on the field. Since he is a sophomore, he needs to lead by example and fit in with a team. That’s how you gain the trust of your teammates – by leading by example.”
Glover says he continues to work on his game and to try to gain even more trust from his teammates.
“I do need to continue to work on hanging onto the ball better,” Glover said. “I just need to be more comfortable holding the ball, because you shouldn’t have to worry about that. You should be worrying about hitting the hole and gaining yards.”
Slamer is glad that Glover has played so well, because Holt has quarterback Justin Alleman under center this year. Alleman hasn’t played in two years, so the presence of a strong running game has been helping the passing attack.
“We are leaning on our offensive line and a sophomore right now,” Slamer said. “We do have the skill players to take the pressure off Ty, but I have confidence that he can be the man. He has that ‘IT’, whatever ‘IT’ is,” he added. “He has that innate ability to run and have great vision. He has the ability to break it back and take it all the way. He has played well against some very good opponents, and I expect more from him.”
Glover expects more from himself, too, and he has the high goals to prove it.
“First, I want to win the Capital Area Association Blue championship and hopefully make the playoffs,” Glover said. “Then I would like to make a good run in the playoffs and hopefully win a state championship.”