The Elizabethton Cyclones took a week off after rolling to a 6-0 ledger and will be back in action Friday night when they host Union for Homecoming 2018.

Defense has played a major role in the wins to this point and utilizing the play of their anchor defensive lineman, Jared Grindstaff, opponents are struggling to find much success against the Cyclone front to this point in the season.

Just the facts

Name: Jared Grindstaff

Jersey Number: 51

Parents: Kevin and Amy Grindstaff

Siblings: Lindsey and Chesney Grindstaff

Church Attend: Bread of Life Fellowship

Something no one knows about: I can name most of East Tennessee’s tree species.

What would you change in the world: Help everybody to live in peace and safety and not have to worry about anything.

Goal after graduating high school: Go on to college and get a degree in wildlife and management and become a wildlife officer.

Just the favorites

Food: Chicken Alfredo

Ice Cream: Vanilla

Music Genre: Country

Musician/Group: Chris Stapleton

Song: Traveler

Sports Team: Tennessee Titans

Player: Taylor Lewan

School Subject: History

Past Time/Hobbies: Fly fishing and guitar

Color: Orange

Pets: Ginger my dog

On being a Cyclone

“It means everything to be part of a band of brothers that will do anything for one another. Have each other’s back through thick and thin.”

Something to carry forward after football

“To always work hard and give my best, that had been instilled in me since my very first day at Elizabethton football.”

Thoughts from the helmet

“Everything seems to come down into one moment, and I focus on that moment till the last second clicks off the scoreboard.”

Where football all started

“I played a couple years of grass cutters, but then really started playing my 8th-grade year. I played defensive line every year.”

Wrapping up a career

“When people tell you time flies by, they really mean it. It seems only like yesterday that I was a freshman walking into that gym not sure what I was getting myself into. But I wouldn’t change it for the world now.”

One for the scrapbook

“Definitely this year’s game against Science Hill—to work so hard all summer and then it paying off in a win, nothing is better.”

My inspirational figure

“My parents are my inspiration—they always pushed me to be a better person, to never give up even when things are hard, and to always strive and keep pushing.”

With young eyes looking on

“I hope young kids can look up to me as someone who is dedicated to a cause or a program and that they can grow up and be that same high school kid on a Friday night giving their all.”

Coaching influence

“Playing under all the coaches really makes you want to give your all. We have such an awesome staff that never give up on you and always bring out the best in you. I wouldn’t want to play under anyone else.”

What will teammates remember

“That I always had their back and that I was someone they could depend on when things got tough. Because when it comes down to it they are all my brothers, and what do you have in this world if you don’t have brothers who have your back.”