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cleveland.com: Everything Cleveland

This Glenville star is rising as weight drops
Thursday, August 23, 2007Bob FortunaPlain Dealer Reporter
Shawntel Rowell used to stack pancakes at the breakfast table. Now the Glenville senior is busy eating up the opposition on the football field.

Rowell was a 6-5, 370-pound lineman when he transferred from Warrensville Heights 18 months ago. However, in order to see more playing time, Rowell has slimmed down to 320 pounds on the advice of Glenville coach Ted Ginn Sr.

"I thought [coach Ginn] was crazy when he told me he wanted me down to 290-300 pounds, but I found out coach Ginn always has a vision of his players doing something worthwhile," Rowell said. "He's been there with other players, so when he tells you do something, you do it. That's why I want to lose more weight."

Rowell has received scholarship offers from Illinois, Purdue, Indiana, Marshall, Miami of Ohio, Toledo and Eastern Michigan. More prominent programs, including Florida and LSU, have sent letters of interest.

Ranked the 12th-best senior in the current issue of Ohio High Magazine, his stock could improve because his weight loss has made him a legitimate two-way lineman. Besides remaining a fixture on Glenville's offensive line as a guard, his role as a defensive tackle will grow. That's where recruiters see him playing in college.