Will Glick '26 // MLB, FB, RB // Shelbyville High School // 5'9, 195lbs

jennycz27
Jul 21
3 min read

By: Jenny

Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell

Jersey: 44 // Positions: MLB, FB, RB // Height & Weight: 5'10, 195lbs // 40 Yard Dash: 4.7

Bench (lbs): 255 // Squat (lbs): 455 // Clean (lbs): 265

Shelbyville (IL) junior linebacker Will Glick is quietly building a reputation as one of the most productive and underrated defenders in the state for the Class of 2026. Last season, Glick set a school record with 142 total tackles, including 93 solo stops, 10 tackles for loss, and multiple sacks. The numbers jump off the stat sheet, but what’s more impressive is the mindset behind them.

“Getting the school record means a lot to me because it shows that all the hard work I’ve put into football every year pays off,” Glick said. “It’s amazing seeing that you’re up there with Shelbyville greats in the sport I love most.”

Glick’s relentless motor helped lead Shelbyville through a tough schedule in their first season in the Heart of Central Illinois Conference (HOCIC). With a chip on his shoulder, he set out to prove that Shelbyville’s new conference wasn’t going to overpower a team from the “old” CIC.

“Teams and people always seem to think that since we’re a relatively small school for our conference, we aren’t going to be dominant. We were out to show people that Shelbyville was a good team and that we’d always fight hard no matter what.”

Glick plays with the instinct and intelligence that college coaches covet in a middle linebacker. His pre-snap reads, communication, and ability to adjust on the fly are a major part of his success.

“I key on certain players I’ve watched on film throughout the week and recognize their tendencies and where they line up. I watch the offensive line and how the running backs and fullbacks are positioned. It changes how I react and adjust.”

He brings consistent physicality to the field, but he’s also fundamentally sound, which is something he takes pride in.

“I track the ball carrier’s rear hip and use my angle of pursuit. I think that’s what gets me a lot of my tackles. That’s where my speed really helps.”

Glick is equally effective against the pass. His ability to identify opportunities to attack the backfield while remaining disciplined in coverage gives Shelbyville’s defense much-needed flexibility. “If I believe I have a gap and a chance to blitz, I communicate it with Coach Hilbert. He trusts me and gives me the green light if he agrees. If we’re playing an air raid team, I’ll play more coverage and read things slower.”

One of the standout moments from his season came in a tight game against Clinton. “Their quarterback was getting ready to throw, and I smoked him right when he let it go. My teammate intercepted the pass and returned it for a touchdown. That gave us the momentum to win that game.”

Glick isn’t resting on last year’s numbers. He’s focused this offseason on improving his hand work and block-shedding skills that will take his game to another level. “If I get that down really well, it’ll excel my game a lot.”

His leadership has also grown. While naturally quiet off the field, Glick takes ownership of his role in the locker room and on the field. “I always try to be the most vocal person with my brothers in football and push everybody to be the best they can. Off the field, I spend a lot of time with teammates and we bond a lot. That chemistry matters.”

Recruiting is just starting to heat up. Glick took an official visit to Millikin University last year and has a visit to Knox College lined up this week. “I hope college coaches see a kid who has an insane love for the sport and will try as hard as he can no matter the circumstances. I want them to see how I’m aggressive, but also smart and can play in the passing game too.”

As the 2025 season approaches, Glick believes Shelbyville has the pieces to surprise people.

“We’ve got great chemistry and a drive to win. We’re going to be a fast, physical team that’s going to compete.”

And if you’re looking for who is set to have a breakout year? “Jaden Meister. He’s a junior running back who’s come a long way over the last couple years and is going to be a pivotal part of our offense.”

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