Malvern Prep’s Jake Glavin is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The 6-foot-2, 290-pound senior offensive lineman’s outstanding play and leadership at both center and guard this fall was a key factor in the Friars winning a share of the Inter-Ac football title. Against Springside Chestnut Hill Nov. 12, behind standout blocking from Glavin and others, the Friars scored 41 points in the first half en route to a 48-28 win that clinched a share of the Inter-Ac title. On Nov. 4, his blocking led the way for Malvern to pick up more than 400 yards rushing (326 yards by Zac Fernandez) as the Friars defeated Penn Charter, 35-28.
Q: In your team’s final Inter-Ac contest, the Friars scored 41 points in the first half to put the game away. Do you think that was the offensive line’s best performance of the season, and if so, why? Was there one play during the half that stands out in your memory – if so, can you describe the unfolding of the play, and your role in it?
A: I feel we performed very well up front. Whenever you can control the line of scrimmage like we did last game, it is really easy to move the ball and score points. We were able to run inside zone for big gains a few times – for this play to work the O-line has to win the line of scrimmage and the running back has to be able to read what he is seeing.
Q: Did you move between guard and center during the season, and if so, did that require much of an adjustment?
A: Yes, I ended up moving around a bit this year. I ended up playing mostly center in the Inter-Ac and some guard too. It did take a little bit of adjustment, but I have great players around me and the fundamentals, for the most part, are the same.
Q: What attributes do you have that you feel are suited for each position (guard and center)? Do you think you would be as well suited for playing at the tackle position, or does that require a different set of skills?
A: The attributes that I posses that contribute to my success at guard and center are my size, strength, and athleticism. I think that I can play tackle if needed but, I feel that I fit the mold better for the interior positions. For the most part I feel that the positions require the same general attributes, being big, strong, fast, being able to play with a knee bend, and playing through the whistle.
Q: At center, do you have more of a leadership role on the field than at guard (calling out line formations, etc.)? What have you found to be the biggest challenge in mastering the center position?
A: I feel there is a little bit more of a leadership role at center. I think it is easier for the center to read a defense, and a defensive line, due to being in the center of the line. I think the biggest challenge at center is not being able to load up your stance in run situations.
Q: What do you think has been the key for the offensive line’s standout performances late in this season?
A: I think the key to our offensive line’s performance has been keeping the basic techniques of offensive line play a priority late in the season.that is something Coach Carroll, our offensive line coach, has preached and we have done well at. I also think we have gelled as a unit and that we have grown to be more confident and better at executing. Also, a huge reason for our success is how many guys have developed into weapons for our offense, along with how good Zac [Fernandez] can run the ball, and how he can always make something out of nothing – it is fun to block for guys like him.
Q: Tell us a little about the experience of playing at Franklin Field earlier this season. What is your most vivid memory of that experience – can you share it with us?
A: Yes, the best part of that game was when our student section came down onto the field after the our huge win. Everybody was so excited and it was just a really important win for our program.
Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your line play?
A: The strongest aspects of my line play are rooting people out on run plays, playing through the whistle, and pass pro.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: I usually get up petty early and start hydrating, sometimes I watch a little last-minute film if I think of something I am not sure about. I also listen to music and chill out.
Q: You will play football at James Madison University next fall. What attracted you to JMU?
A: I loved everything about JMU when I visited there. It is a great place academically and it has big-time football. I loved the coaches and their level of energy. They have been really successful, being back to back conference champs. The campus and the football facilities were also really incredible too.
Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Malvern Prep?
A: Yes – track and field, National Honor Society, National Arts Honor Society, and at Malvern we have the opportunity to do community service and various service trips.
Fun facts – Jake Glavin
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad.
Favorite movie: American Sniper.
Favorite athlete: Carson Wentz.
Favorite team: Philadelphia Eagles.
Favorite place to visit: Wellsboro, Pa.
Favorite pre-game meal: can of oranges, and peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Person I most admire: “Both of my parents, they are both extremely supportive of me and are both great role models.”
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
