Because of his solid 5-foot-10 frame and the assertiveness and poise he displays on the defensive side of the ball, Glenn Rowell’s football skills have drawn comparisons to London Fletcher, a former NFL All-Pro inside linebacker who played for three different teams during a professional career that spanned 15 seasons.

When the 2015 NFL seasons begins in approximately six months, Rowell hopes to be amongst those fulfilling his dream of playing on football’s grandest stage.

DREAM CHASER — Because of his solid 5-foot-10 frame and the assertiveness and poise he displays on the defensive side of the ball, Glenn Rowell’s football skills have drawn comparisons to London Fletcher, a former NFL All-Pro inside linebacker who played for three different teams during a professional career that spanned 15 seasons. (Phots courtesy of KCU Athletics)

Fortunately for the former Kentucky Christian University star, it’s safe to assume he will be given a fair shot at playing on Sundays in the coming months.

As the NFL prepares to raise the curtain on its annual draft April 28-May 2 in Chicago, Rowell will be amongst the hopefuls aiming to impress scouts and general managers.

First up for the Danville, Illinois native is an appearance at the NFL Regional Combine March 8th in nearby Chicago. That much-anticipated encounter will be followed by an organized Canadian Football League tryout for the British Columbia Lions May 17in Seattle.

According to Gene Peterson, Rowell’s former college coach, the sky’s undoubtedly is the limit for a player whom he believes has the tools to become a household name like Fletcher.

“Glen has a very high motor,” Peterson said. “He has very good lateral movements and comes downhill very fast. He is a student of the game. He can play both inside and outside linebacker. He has a knack of getting to the ball and brings a lot of force when he hits. He is a fine young man with high goals for achievement. He is going to do well in anything he does.”

Just as he did while starring at Kentucky Christian the previous two seasons.

For starters, Rowell enjoyed two efficient seasons at Joliet Community College before transitioning to Kentucky Christian, where he played multiple defensive positions for the Knights, most notably middle linebacker and defensive end.

To his credit, he turned in a remarkable display his junior campaign for the Knights when he amassed a team-best 66 tackles, although the Knights limped to a 3-8 finish.

STAR WATCH — For starters, Rowell enjoyed two efficient seasons at Joliet Community College before transitioning to Kentucky Christian, where he played multiple defensive positions for the Knights, most notably middle linebacker and defensive end.
To his credit, he turned in a remarkable display his junior campaign for the Knights when he amassed a team-best 66 tackles, although the Knights limped to a 3-8 finish.
Last year, Rowell helped propelled KCU to a 5-6 mark in a year in which he admittedly endured his share of “ups and downs.”

Last year, Rowell helped propelled KCU to a 5-6 mark in a year in which he admittedly endured his share of “ups and downs.”

Still, his talents and mechanics didn’t unnoticed by pro scouts, something they will witness once again in the coming weeks.

“I’m just going to keep trying to live out my dream of playing professional football,” Rowell said. “Football taught me how to be disciplined, how to work as one, and also to never give up. It taught me how to step up and be a man and fight through adversity and also it taught me not to forget my family values.”

As Rowell, a 24-year-old former Danville (Ill.) High standout lobbies for a roster spot on a professional team, he said among his biggest supporters have been his mother, Beretta King, as well as his aunt and uncle, Diane and Michael Taylor.

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“Really just my close family and friends (supported me) because they were there when I needed them the most,” Rowell said. “Even on my down times, they never lost faith in me and they kept pushing me.”

Looking ahead, Rowell said his tireless family support and relentless showing on the gridiron are amongst the biggest reasons he’s destined to shine unlike never before at the forthcoming combines in the coming days.

“The reason I think they should give me a chance is because I’m a hard worker,” Rowell said. “I can separate myself from others, and I’m ready to make any move position wise for the team in order for us to win. I’m a hungry player. And I’m also loyal and somebody you can count on at any given time. I just have a strong passion for the game of football.”

An essential attribute he hopes scouts and general managers will take into account in his quest to assume a roster spot for a pro football franchise.

Just like they did for London Fletcher 17 years ago.

Andre Johnson is a senior writer for MemphiSport. Based in Dallas, Texas, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division. To reach Johnson, send an email to an[email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.