One drive got the ball rolling for Grant running back Tyler Zdon.
During the first game of his sophomore season last August, Zdon handled the majority of the carries on a 96-yard drive that ended with his 3-yard plunge into the end zone.
“I remember my coach telling me I was going to get the ball a lot on that drive,” he said. “I was expecting four plays in a row, but it felt like eight. I was very tired.
“I scored my first touchdown of my career to end that drive. I was so excited. It seemed like everything went silent almost. It was like a dream. It was a nice memory.”
Zdon finished that game with 115 yards on 16 carries. One week later, he rushed for 168 yards and a TD on 32 carries, setting the stage for a 1,000-yard season as Grant (6-4) qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Zdon enters his junior season as one of eight returning offensive starters, who include junior quarterback Matthew Gipson. The Bulldogs also have five starters back on defense. Zdon said he grew 2 inches and gained 25 pounds during the offseason.
“I’m really excited to prove myself and show what I can do this year,” he said. “I’m more mentally prepared.”
Grant coach Tim Norwood agreed that Zdon has made progress since last season.
“Tyler is a tough, hard-nosed kid who always had confidence and works hard,” Norwood said. “He gets after it in the weight room. Last year he was a good athlete just kind of running around, not sure if he was making his reads. Now the game is slowing down. He has better vision.”
Zdon, who finished with 1,001 yards and 10 TDs on 170 carries and 20 catches for 205 yards and a TD, wants to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark sooner this season.
“I felt I could’ve done better last year,” Zdon said. “I left a lot of yards on the table, after watching a lot of film. I didn’t perform to my fullest.
“I hit the hill by my house a lot, was eating a lot and still maintained my speed.”
Grant senior center Jack Hembrey said Zdon adds a dimension to the offense.
“What makes Tyler such a good running back is his ability to cut to open holes,” Hembrey said. “As an offensive lineman, I know if we can get our hands on a guy, (Zdon) will make it to the second and third level.”
Zdon, who is also a standout wrestler and a starting center fielder for Grant’s baseball team, said three uncles — Ray, Bob and Jay — have played vital roles in his success.
“I don’t know my dad, so it’s very special and a blessing to have my mom (Kathy) and three uncles in my life,” Zdon said. “All my uncles have been there for my whole life.
“Bob, he helps me with my grades, to keep them up. Ray, he gives me motivation to keep going and to keep working hard. Jay, he helps me to be on top of my grades and gives me all the support I need. My mom is also very supportive.”
Kathy Zdon said her son is lucky to have his uncles.
“It’s like having three dads,” she said. “He really looks up to them, and he wants to make them proud.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
