Tyler Effle is a tall, blonde, blue eyed sophomore known for his dashing good looks, pearly smile, and his funny jokes. But he is also known on the football field as middle linebacker.
His football legacy started when he was in the first grade.
“We would get together and play pick-up games,” said Effle.
Athletes usually develop a strong liking to the sport. They have a favorite aspect of playing as well as a not so favorite aspect.
“I love tackling people and taking them down so they can’t score a point against us,” said Effle, “And I hate to lose. Losing is not fun.”
To Effle, his biggest influences are his coaches.
“My coaches push me to get better and better,” said Effle, “They won’t give up on you.”
When a player heads out onto the field, there are the mixed emotions present; fear, anxiety, passion, and excitement. In order to be good at the game, you must learn to control your emotions and not let them go to your head
“Before every game, I mentally prepare myself for every play, every down, and every possible situation that can possible occur,” said Effle.
Football teaches athletes to become one family, not just one player.
“When I am playing [football], I play for my team because they are my family.” said Effle, “I also play for myself because I can get better by working on my weaknesses.”
Every football player, even the most loved one, has some sort of weakness. To Effle, his biggest weakness is reading the guards.
“It’s hard to predict what they are going to do next,” said Effle, “I get better at it when I practice and play.”
With every weakness, there comes strength.
“My greatest strengths are playing as a team and showing leadership,” said Effle.
The rules are pretty basic; do not hold other players, no pass interferences, no face masking, and no unnecessary roughness.
“If I could change one rule about football, I would change it to where we are aloud to hold,” said Effle, “If we were able to hold, they wouldn’t ever be able to score a touchdown.”
One advantage to being in sports is the connections you make with other players.
“I haven’t really made any close friends but in the end, everyone is your friend on and off of the field,” said Effle, “During the game, if one of your friends is on another team, they are your enemy and you should show no mercy. Just bring it.”
His advice for incoming freshman?
“Don’t talk smack to varsity. We can literally knock your heads off,” said Effle.
story by: Devon Barnett