Football is a game of strategy, teamwork, and individual skill. While the spotlight often shines on quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, offensive linemen are the unsung heroes who make the plays happen in the trenches. One of these unsung heroes is Tyler Klambara.
Klambara was the anchor of the offensive lineman for Springfield High School for the past four years and is taking his talents to the United States Military Academy at West Point next fall. In this article, we will take a closer look at Klambara’s background, his journey to becoming an offensive lineman for Army football, and the unique challenges he faces both on and off the field.
Interview With Future Army Lineman, Tyler Klambara
Q. What made Army stand out from other colleges?
A. The United States Military Academy at West Point has so many valuable opportunities and benefits that won’t be found at any other university or institute in the world. I want to be a part of something bigger than myself and be a part of a great group of young men and women who are like-minded, goal-oriented, hard-working, and willing to work extensively to succeed.
The education taught here is like none other and I am going to develop great relationships with my professors and fellow cadets. Through the rigorous military training and excellent academic & athletic programs, West Point is going to develop me into a leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country.
I will be a commissioned officer into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant and have a guaranteed job after graduation and, furthermore, be set for life regardless of which path I choose. It’s going to be a lot of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears but I am 100% willing to go through it.
All the coaches there gave me a lot of love and support throughout the recruiting process, and they actually wanted me to get better. They were there from the beginning, so when they gave me the offer I knew that I had to take it. I can’t wait to work and play with a fantastic group of coaches and players.
Q. What is your favorite part about the game of football?
A. My favorite part about the game of football is winning as a team. Winning as a team lets the players have fun, and you are able to enjoy the game of football while being successful at the same time.
Q. What areas of your game do you feel you need to improve upon?
A. I mainly play tackle, but If I need to be moved to center for any reason, I need to get better at snapping. Additionally, I need to work on outside zone blocking and my speed in outside zone blocking.
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Q. How do you handle pressure and setbacks during a game?
A. The only thing that defines how well you play in a game or season is yourself. Are you going to let a little mistake bother you or are you going to learn from it and move on? It does suck to make mistakes, especially ones that you could’ve prevented, but it’s in the past and you have to learn from it and move on.
You can’t let it bother you, and personally, I’ve been able to learn that my mistakes don’t define how I play, so I can’t let it bother me. I just remind myself what I have on the line, and that play is done and behind us, and I have to prepare and be able to execute the next play.
Q. What do you think sets you apart from other football recruits?
A. I think I have some very good qualities that set me apart from other recruits. For starters, I have a very good size, strength, and speed combo at 6’4″ and 310 lbs. I’m also versatile and can play anywhere on the offensive line, preferably tackle. But I think the best thing about me is that I am coachable and can take a coach’s help and tips and utilize it to make my performance on the field the best it can be.
Q. Next year, you are starting out at the Prep School. How do you think this will prepare you for the following four years?
A. For starters, I am going to be able to adapt to the military lifestyle and rigorous academic/athletic lifestyle at a slower and more careful pace. I will also be able to take the time to fully recover from my (shoulder) injury and gain my strength back, which will help my overall performance on the field at the academy and during military training.
Q. How is your rehab going? Do you expect to be ready to go in the fall?
A. I should be able to play for the USMA Prep School in the fall. By that time, I should be getting more strength back and my range of motion should be adequate.
Q. How do you see yourself fitting into Army’s football program and contributing to the team’s success?
A. Army mainly runs the ball, and I believe I found most of my success as an offensive lineman with their style of offense. I am super excited to take my talents to a very successful Army football program, but to also work with some of the best coaches in college football and play with great teammates who are soon to be my brothers in arms.
Tyler Klambara’s journey to becoming an offensive lineman for Army football is one of dedication, hard work, and perseverance. His commitment to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country is evident in his decision to attend West Point, where he will not only excel in football and shot put but also receive a world-class education and become a leader of character.
Klambara’s versatility, coachability, and dedication to teamwork make him an invaluable addition to Army’s football program. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and look forward to seeing his continued success on and off the field.
Main Image: John Meore/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK
