Alyssa Raia is an ASU Crokite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Williams Field High School for AZPreps365.

Growing up, Almasi “MJ” Glenn always looked to those around him for inspiration both on and off the field.

Surrounded by a family full of athletes, including his father who played linebacker at the University of Georgia, the sport was not just encouraged for him to play, it was more or less expected.

Glenn began playing football at just at six years old, and it followed him throughout his youth.

Now, as a junior outside linebacker at Williams Field, he is not just playing the game, he is one of the top defenders for the defense. Standing tall with a long frame and elite athleticism, he’s drawing interest from some of the top colleges across the country, including offers to play at Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth and Syracuse.

His path to success was not always straightforward though.

Initially, Glenn began his high school football journey as a safety. It wasn’t until he was moved to linebacker during his freshman year that he really took off. The switch required him to make many changes within his game play.

“I had a bad habit of backpedaling because I was so used to playing DB (defensive back),” Glenn said. “I had to get a lot more physical and a lot bigger. I came in around 5-foot-10, maybe 160 pounds.”

He says that since then he has grown into the position in more ways than one at 6-foot-2, and 180 pounds.

This physical development, along with his undeniable athleticism is what makes him a nightmare for opposing offenses and helped Williams Field to a 4-2 record in 6A with Central Region action starting next week.

“He’s got a great motor,” said Williams Field coach Steve Campbell. “He plays the game fast, he’s wired in, and he’s got great length. That’s something (that) colleges look for — guys who can cover space on the field and disrupt plays.”

Glenn's length is something that has contributed to his defensive skills greatly.

“His arms are like giraffes,” said Williams Field defensive coordinator Kelvin Hunter. “His length just takes away so much space, it’s rare.”

It’s Glenn's mindset off of the field that seems to take him to another level, though. For him, being a student athlete isn’t just a title, it’s a balance that he takes seriously.

“(Being a) student comes first. I wouldn’t even be out here if I wasn’t doing well in school,” he said. “I really have to stay on my grades.”

His commitment to his academics is one reason why Ivy League schools are interested in him. Not just this though, it also comes from the foundation that he and his family built.

When talking about his father, Glenn said, “He went to college for football and he’s really smart. He’s also strict about education, which I’m thankful for.”

Glenn also credits others in his life including his stepfather and his brother as a source of motivation.

With his junior year season currently underway and more college attention coming in, Glenn’s focus remains simple.

As for his future, whether he is at an Ivy League campus or a Power Five school, Glenn is ready.

Mentally, physically and emotionally.

“We have a really good team this year,” he said. ”I just want to go out, win, and get better as a team.”