Kyle Rowley is not a star on the Michigan State University football team, but he does play a key role helping get the Spartans get ready for their opponents each Saturday in the fall.
The 2004 Oxford High graduate is a member of the Spartans scout team, which during football season practices weekly with the varsity team by running plays that upcoming opponents are expected to make.
For his outstanding defensive playing efforts on the scout team, Rowley was named in January ‘Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year? and co-recipient of the ‘Jim Adams Unsung Hero Award.?
Who receives the unsung hero award is voted on by MSU football coaches.
Rowley was a three-year starting quarterback for OHS, but he also played other offensive and defensive positions during his high school career.
Michigan State Spartan Defensive Coordinator Chris Smeland, who presented Rowley with the awards, said Rowley always came to practice ‘with a smile on his face and a willingness to do whatever was asked.?
‘You can certainly tell (he) is the son of a coach,? Smeland said.
In addition to the Scout Team Defensive Player of the Year award, Rowley (a 5-foot, 10-inch, 200-pound safety) was named Scout Team Defensive Player of the Week honors three times last season.
Kyle received those honors during the weeks MSU played Central Michigan, Iowa, and Minnesota.
OHS Football Coach Bud Rowley said his son is currently working to secure a position on MSU’s special teams unit next season. ‘He wants to get on a kickoff or punt return team,? the coach said. ‘I think he’ll be good at it.?
Football aside, Kyle is still deciding whether to pursue a career in business or work toward becoming an English teacher and coach.