New Mexico Activities Association Student-Athlete Spotlight - HOBBS’ REBER IS AN INSPIRATION TO FRIENDS AND FOES

Aug 28, 2026

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A profile of Jared Reber, the middle linebacker for the Hobbs Eagles, highlights his relentless energy on defense and the impact he makes through tackles, forced fumbles, interceptions, and leadership by example. The article explains his clubfoot condition, shorter right leg, and the early medical advice he overcame by working harder than teammates. Quotes describe his training mindset, weight-room dedication, and how teammates support and push one another. Reber also shares goals for college football and a future in fitness or optometry.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Student-Athlete Spotlight

Game impact and defensive leadership

Overcoming clubfoot and early advice

Training, weight-room discipline, and teammates

New Mexico Activities Association Student-Athlete Spotlight Presented by the New Mexico Oil & Gas Association HOBBS’ REBER IS AN INSPIRATION TO FRIENDS AND FOES By Jeff Jackson Watch Hobbs play defense and you can’t keep your eyes off the middle linebacker wearing No. 32. Like a whirling dervish, heroams from sideline to sideline, or blitzes into the backfield, searching for a ball carrier. And when Jared Reber makes a play, be it a forced fumble, interception or just a plain tackle, everyone in the Pecos Valley knows. The middle linebacker is the cog of the defense, just as the quarterback is for the offense, and Reber is that man for the Hobbs Eagles. There is another reason, however, why Reber draws attention on the gridiron. His right leg is about two inches shorter than his left leg. Clubfoot is the common term and it was a birth condition. Reber has played football since he was in the first grade in Hobbs. He played baseball, too, as a pitcher and outfielder but stopped after the 2015 season to give football his full attention. He was advised at an early age to forget about athletics but he forged ahead anyway. “Doctors told me when I was little ‘Don’t expect to be able to play sports, no jumps, no running, don’t be like other kids.’ But I just couldn’t take that as an answer. I grew up playing football with my brothers. I’ve loved football my whole life. Even thoughthe doctors said what they did, I just really had to overcome a clubbed foot and work twice as hard as the kids with two normal legs,” Reber said. Reber is starting for the Eagles for the second straight season as a middle linebacker, and Coach Charles Gleghorn says the Hobbs staff has made no concession in Reber’s favor. “You have to be the best player at your position or you’re a JVguy,” said Gleghorn, now in his fourth season at Hobbs, who has watched Reber since his freshman year.“He’s really good at what he does.” Last season Reber made 86 tackles (65 unassisted), two sacks, six tackles for loss and also intercepted one pass. “He’s not really vocal. He’s not going to stand up and give a speech, but he sure leads by example,” Gleghorn said.“When he makes a tackle he lets everyone know. He’s very emotional on the field. I’ve never seen anyone take it easy on him. When other teams watch our films they’ve got to decide if they want to dou- ble-team him or run away from him but they never take it easy on him.” Reber serves as an inspiration to his teammates, but they to him as well, he said. “They accept my status and they see I don’t party, I don’t drink alcohol,” Reber said.“The weight room is pretty much my home, and they see how hard I’m working. It’s a two-way street. They inspire me to do leg exercises and we always push each other.” Reber says he senses reinforcement from friends and teammates-and even opponents. “I think they admire me. They look at me and how hard I play, even with my condition, and what I go through,” he said.“I always try to be the hot man on the field and be a leader, push everyone up on the field. Especially being a middle linebacker. I just want to be like everyone else.” While most athletes lift weights as a conditioning drill, with Reber it’s a passion all year. “He’s very determined and he’s the top guy in our weight room,” Gleghorn said.“Anything he knows can make him better, he’s very dedicated to it. It’s a high-tempo atmosphere in the weight room. You always know, even when you’re not paying attention, where Jared is in the weight room.” Reber lifts 435 pounds on the squat, 330 on bench press and 280 for the powerlift. “He’s an amazing athlete. He probably could play wide receiver for us, but the middle linebacker position is one of the most important positions on our football team,” Gleghorn added. Gleghorn recalled a play Reber made as a freshman, when he was a receiver. On an end zone route, Reber leaped and caught a high pass but would have landed out of bounds. Before

FAQs

What role does Jared Reber play for the Hobbs Eagles?

He starts as the Eagles’ middle linebacker and serves as a central defensive presence. His play includes tackles, forced fumbles, and interceptions while leading by example.

How has Jared Reber’s clubfoot condition affected his football journey?

Doctors advised him early on not to expect athletic ability, but Reber overcame the condition through persistent effort. He works twice as hard as others with normal legs and keeps pushing despite what he faces.

What does Reber say motivates him during training?

He credits his teammates’ support and mutual encouragement, noting they help him focus on leg exercises and work harder. He also describes the weight room as a year-round passion rather than a short conditioning drill.

Aug 28, 2026

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