Kutztown’s Tyler Hallock is Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week
Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week
Junior lineman Tyler Hallock emerged as a key leader for Kutztown during the offseason.
“His voice was heard by his teammates,” said Cougars coach Larry Chester.
Hallock’s been leading on the field, too.
He recorded a pair of sacks on defense and had five pancake blocks on offense in the Cougars’ 34-28 win over Northern Lebanon Friday to earn Diamond Credit Union Lineman of the Week honors for the second time. He was also selected last season.
The 6-1, 282-pounder was a force on both sides of the line at Jonestown, leading the Cougars to an upset and their second win of the season.
“He just had a breakout night on both (sides of the line),” Chester said.
On defense he had six tackles, three quarterback hurries and deflected a pass that was intercepted. From his spot at right tackle on offense he led the way for 362 rushing yards, including 187 from Dakota Thomas.
Chester said Hallock is much stronger and more explosive than last season after intensive offseason workouts.
“He spent the last year with our offensive line coach (Michael Aboulhouda), who’s also our throws coach (in track and field),” said Chester.
“He just weight-lifted and power-lifted the whole offseason with our staff. Strength-wise, he’s made phenomenal gains compared to last year. He’s very explosive and very strong.”
Chester, who is also Kutztown’s track coach, encourages his football players to do indoor and spring track.
The gains made training for track have translated to the football field for many of them.
Hallock’s contribution has been more than just physical, and occurs more often than just Friday nights. He was instrumental, Chester said, during offseason workouts to get teammates motivated to train with a purpose.
“Tyler’s an extremely hard-working young man,” Chester said. “He learned that he can bring other people up with him. He noticed really, really quickly that his voice was heard by his teammates. He was an intricate part of this increase (in interest in our program), and everybody around him worked hard. We’re very, very satisfied with who he is and his maturity.”
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:
- Joey Reed, DE, Exeter
- Braxton Combs-Lopez, DE, Reading High
- Christian Davila, T, Schuylkill Valley
- Masen Ketner, C, Twin Valley
Selected earlier this season:
- Week 1: Lucas Palange, G, Exeter
- Week 2: Jack Gartner, G, Wyomissing
- Week 3: Jven Williams, G/DT, Wyomissing
- Week 4: Anthony Caccese, T/DT, Exeter
- Week 5: Charles Sheppard, T/DT Hamburg
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, G, Wyomissing
