Catonsville's Tyler Weedon still on the board
Every Catonsville football game over the past four seasons has featured Tyler Weedon starting at middle linebacker. A two-time Baltimore Sun All-Metro defensive team selection, the Comets' star player recorded 135 tackles as a junior.
But in college, it looks like Weedon’s future might be on the offensive side of the ball. The 5-foot-10, 230-pound senior is receiving most of his recruiting interest at fullback, according to Catonsville coach Rich Hambor. Schools are apparently shying away from Weedon at linebacker because of his height, but they’ve also been impressed by his bruising running style and ability to deliver punishing blocks.
“He’s doing really well. I think he’s shown this year that he can carry the ball as well as block,” Hambor said. “At fullback, he doesn’t need the height. He’s a barreling kind of guy in there. His foot speed is above average. It’s not track speed, but I think he makes a better fullback because he’s really going straight ahead.”
On the season, Weedon has rushed for 576 yards and 10 touchdowns on 72 carries, in addition to scoring on three 2-point conversions and one fumble return. Weedon, a team captain, has helped Catonsville to a 6-2 record. The Comets face Towson on Saturday and are vying with Poly for a playoff spot in the Class 3A North region.
Defensively, Weedon has probably had less action in previous seasons. Needless to say his reputation in Baltimore County has preceded itself.
“Most teams aren’t really running the ball [against us],” Hambor said. “Eastern Tech was the only team that really ran the ball and did very well against us, but they only had three scoring drives the whole game. He was a big reason for that. Other than that, most teams are trying to stay away from him by sweeping it or throwing the ball.”
Hambor recently sent out senior film on Weedon to several colleges. Right now, Towson is recruiting him the hardest, although the Tigers haven’t yet offered a scholarship. Hambor hopes Weedon’s recruiting interest picks up sooner rather than later. The Comets coach said colleges can expect a blue-collar player in Weedon who will do anything to help his team.
“He never wants to come out of the game, but he also doesn’t make a fuss when we do take him out and put a backup in,” Hambor said. “He’s a captain, but he totally leads by example. And I mean that in the best way. He’s very workmanlike. He does exactly what it takes. The fullback in our offense blocks 80 percent of the time. He’s making contact like a lineman. I really don’t even think I’ve heard him say ‘I’ in four years.”
Baltimore Sun photo of Tyler Weedon by Gene Sweeney Jr. / Aug. 27, 2010
