Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week: Jack Gartner of Wyomissing
Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week
When Jack Gartner looks around his huddle he must feel as if he’s entered the “Twilight Zone” and stepped into another dimension. He’s six inches shorter and a hundred or more pounds lighter than half of his Wyomissing offensive linemates.
“I feel out of place sometimes,” admits the senior guard.
Actually, at 5-10, 180 pounds, Gartner is pretty a typical size for a Wing-T guard (most years). The job requires someone who’s smart, moves well and relies on leverage rather than brute strength to create seams and open holes for his backs.
Spartans coach Bob Wolfrum has often moved running backs to guard over the years.
Gartner plays guard in the Wing-T as well as anyone: He’s a two-year starter, was a second-team all-league pick as a junior and has earned Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week honors after an efficient performance in a 49-0 win at Pottsville Friday.
“He’s overshadowed by the big boys,” said Wyomissing line coach Steve O’Neil. “But Jack does everything right and gives everything he’s got.”
Gartner earned a 93-percent blocking grade and registered one pancake against the Crimson Tide.
It’s hard to stand out on a line that includes 6-5, 295-pound Penn State recruit Jven Williams; 6-4, 275-pound senior tackle Pacen Ziegler; and 6-5, 275-pound junior tight end Caleb Brewer.
Those guys serve up more pancakes than Bob Evans.
Gartner unknowingly found himself on a blue plate special the other night.
“Pacen had a down block and he pancaked his guy, me, and my guy all on the same play,” he said. “It’s like a circus out there sometimes.”
Gartner’s not getting his job done by sleight of hand. It’s all fundamentals with him. That’s why he’s able to compete against bigger guys.
“Technique keeps everyone honest,” he said. “It’s about staying low, using your feet, getting that first point of contact. It’s what the coaches preach and preach and preach. If anything, it’s a little easier for me because (I’m able) to move fast, it’s easy to for me to stay low on a bigger guy, and I’ve been doing it for so long.”
Even though he wasn’t one of the bigger guys on the team Gartner was moved to guard and center his second year of Mighty Mites. He’s been there ever since. His older brother Jason (Class of 2021) was a running back but Jack’s never had a desire to carry the rock. He’s happy with his niche.
“Some people don’t see it this way, but I think the O-line is the most important (part of the team),” Gartner said. “That’s a bit biased, coming from me. (But) I like what they do and appreciate my contribution to the team. With all the pulling and trickery we do, it’s a little more interesting than (playing line for) other teams.”
Sometimes in practice Gartner will line up against Williams or Ziegler. He relies on technique to survive.
“Sometimes its a little forgiving for them and unforgiving for me,” he said.
Players considered for Player of the Week honors are nominated by their coaches or by members of the MikeDragoSports.com coverage team.
Also nominated for Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week:
- Owen Reber, G, Berks Catholic
- Anthony Caccese, T, Exeter
- Mykell Ford, DT, Gov. Mifflin
- Branden Picazo, OL, Reading High
- Nick Weitzel, DE, Wilson
Selected for Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week last season:
- Week 1: Tyler Hallock, T, Kutztown
- Week 2: Lucas Palange, G, Exeter
- Week 3: Colin Leahy, T, Daniel Boone
- Week 4: Josh Pazdrick, TE, Conrad Weiser
- Week 5: Nate Goodman, Gov. Mifflin
- Week 6: Jven Williams, G, Wyomissing
- Week 7: Kyle Pry, T, Boyertown
- Week 8: Lucas Palange, G, Exeter
- Week 9: Jon Ramsey, G, Wilson
- Week 10: Jack Durning, C, Wilson
- Week 11: Dominic Memmo, DT, Wilson
- Week 12: Kyle Lash, T, Exeter
- Week 13: Anthony Caccese, T, Exeter
- Week 14: Jven Williams, Exeter
