WEST LAFAYETTE – Linebacker and tight end Ian Szulkowski has been a patient study since beginning his career on the West Lafayette football team.’
Szulkowski realizing he wasn’t where he needed to be as a freshman began watching the older players like linebacker Mathew Richardson.
He saw the things that Richardson was doing both on and off the field to be successful.
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“Playing under (Richardson) as a sophomore I learned so much,” Szulkowski said. “He’s one of the best linebackers I’ve ever seen.”
From the careful studying as a freshman and sophomore comes Szulkowski, a fully realized linebacker helping guide a West Lafayette defense that’s allowed 14 points or less over its last four games.
West Lafayette Red Devils linebacker Ian Szulkowski (30) is tackled by McCutcheon Mavericks defensive back Keegun Rice (3) Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, during the IHSAA football game at McCutcheon High School in Lafayette, Ind. West Lafayette won 34-28.
Szulkowski watched how Richardson tackles and read defenses to become the ultimate utility player making 49 tackles, four tackles for loss and a fumble along with 13 receptions for 199 yards and one touchdown on offense.
His goal was to always play tight end but being the consummate team player, Szulkowski made playing defense his focus.
Being a linebacker would’ve continued to be Szulkowski’s main role had it not been for an injury in West Lafayette’s season opener against Harrison.
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“He’s a guy who wants to help his team and he’s ready to go,” West Lafayette coach Shane Fry said. “He barely played any offense all summer and just got some reps to give Jevan Subagia some breaks and then pregame against Harrison, his shoulder went out. So Ian had to play a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/just-wants-win-west-lafayette-080202728.html
Author : Journal & Courier
Publish date : 2024-10-02 08:02:02
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