Palmer lineman earns chance to play college football

PALMER — From youth football through the prep ranks, Tyler Linder has laced up the cleats and strapped on the helmet and shoulder pads for the past 12 seasons. Now, the Palmer High School senior standout has the opportunity to play another four years and take another step in his lifetime goals.

Linder has signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Valley City State in North Dakota and play college football for the NAIA Vikings.

“It’s always been the goal to play college ball, get a degree and come back home and coach,” Linder said during a ceremony in the Palmer High library.

Linder will play on the offensive line for the Vikings, preferably left tackle.

“It is my preference. I like the offensive line. I’ve been playing that since I was little,” Linder said.

Palmer head coach Tim Popowski said versatility and toughness will help him have success at the next level.

“He’s been a heck of an offensive lineman for us. He did such a good job up front. He’s been one of the most consistent guys for us. He’s played a lot of positions. He’s played guard, played center, played tackle. He’s able to do it all,” Popowski said.

Linder said the chance to play for Popowski, a standout lineman at Division I North Dakota State during his college days, also helped him progress in his own career.

“It’s been amazing learning from him. I get Division I tips,” Linder said.

Linder had other opportunities, including Valley City’s biggest rival, Dickenson State. But Linder said he felt best about the Vikings.

“They really put in the effort. That’s why I gave it a shot. They have a lot of good football players down there. I figured I could fit into their football team and their college,” Linder said.

Linder also has an established relationship with the Valley City staff. Vikings head coach Dennis McCullough has been a longtime staple at the annual All-Alaska Football Camp for decades.

“We’ve got a good relationship with the coaches there from camp,” Popowski said. “They’ve got to see him at camp for three years. They know what he can do.”

McCullough and his staff have also crated a football pipeline between Valley City and the Mat-Su Valley. There were nine Alaskans on the 2019 roster.

The group included Houston graduate Reed Graham; Colony grads Ryan Wharry, Ethan Connaker, Martin Jones and Cooper Sant; and Wasilla graduate Joe Ruge.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman managing editor Jeremiah Bartz at editor@frontiersman.com.