It shouldn’t come as any surprise to see a Florida high school football player, in the NFL. No state in America sent more prep players to play in the NFL in 2016, then Florida. Two hundred thirty-nine in all, 19 more than second-place California. Adarius Glanton could be the latest. Meet this Polk County linebacker making big progress with Bucs!
They come from everywhere in the Sunshine State, including Polk County, which has produced NFL stars like Ray Lewis and the Pouncey twins.
Adarius Glanton, the 26-year-old linebacker from Bartow, made the home folks proud in the Bucs’ preseason win over Jacksonville last Thursday with six tackles and a sack, his best pro game ever.
“It felt great,” Adarious said after a morning practice this week. “I didn’t play the week before. I was anxious to get out there, to be with my teammates, to be out there and make some plays. I love the game. When I make a big play, I want to celebrate with my teammates. That’s the type of player I am; I show my emotion on the field.”
Adarius played for Head Coach Keith DeMyer at Lake Gibson HS in Lakeland. Despite being the 9th most-populated county in Florida, Polk County has a small-town feel to it.. with a big emphasis on high school football.
“It was great, the football on Friday nights. Lake Gibson is known for a very good, disciplined program and we competed every year. Growing up and playing there, taught me a lot and made me the player I am today. It’s a great football atmosphere.”
Adarius is taking the long, steep road to the NFL. Ignored in the 2014 Draft, he signed as a free agent with Carolina, then again signed as a free agent with Bucs the following season. This is season number-3 with the Bucs, and he’s made his way to second-team middle linebacker, with a good chance of earning a spot on a very talented defense.
“Yeah, there’s a lot of competition (Adariius plays behind Kwon Alexander). That's what makes great teams better. We go out and compete every day and make each other better. Every year, I feel more comfortable here. This year, coming in with the same defense as last year, it’s a great defense. Just learning a little bit more every year.”
Tampa Bay fans are excited and watching with anticipation as this Polk linebacker continues his journey, making big progress with this year's talent laden Bucs team. Register on 813area to stay connected to sports writer Dave Wirth. Find additional articles by Dave on our Sports Page. Subscribe, it's free!
