Putnam County football’s Bryson Brown gets up every day at 5:30 a.m. with an axe to grind.
Brown wants to play football at the next level, but has no offers or interest going into next season. The rising junior and two-way player for the War Eagles is “hungry,” knowing he needs to work hard to earn an offer.
“I feel overlooked,” Brown said. “It keeps me hungry and motivates me every day.”
Brown has taken part in multiple college camps for workouts, including one at Mississippi State. He made a strong impression at the event, holding his own against a four-star defensive tackle. He also attended a Rivals camp in Atlanta, where he went up against some of the top talent in the state and nationally at his position.
Brown felt confident about his performances but remained humble, noting he learned a great deal.
“The camps went well. I felt like they made me better as a player,” he said. “I got better at the stuff that I did.”
Brown has been a multi-year starter for Putnam County over the past two seasons. He’s played in various positions on defense but settled into the role of an edge rusher heading into his junior year.
Brown said he loves rushing the quarterback from the line of scrimmage. It’s what he believes he does best in games.
The 6-foot-3, 185-pound pass rusher has impressed Putnam County head coach Joel Harvin through the summer.
“He’s definitely grown into his body a little bit, put on a little bit more muscle, and he had a pretty good offseason,” Harvin said. “He’s hitting that last little growth spurt. Usually, kids hit it between their 10th and 11th grade years, so he’s going through that and just had a really good offseason. For us, he’ll play defensive end, and also play some tight end to help him get some good film. We expect a big year out of him.”
Harvin said he thinks Brown’s versatility and skill set on the edge are among his greatest strengths.
“He uses his hands really well and understands the technique of playing that position,” the third-year coach said. “He’s not just a pass rush guy. He understands how to fit in on the run and do the specific things he’s supposed to do at that position, not just relying on athleticism, you know? He’s had a good summer so far, is very coachable, listens well, and takes advice from anyone. So, he’s just an all-around good defensive end.”
Brown trains with Putnam County assistant coach Kedric Manning, who has also helped raise him as his stepfather. They have a strong relationship, and Manning believes Brown has progressed as both a person and as a player.
“He’s in the house with me every day and has come a long way,” Manning said of Brown. “It started real rocky when he was younger, but he’s matured, and I like how he’s turned the corner. He has grown tremendously. Not just athletically, but as a person. He’s one of the best kids that I know, and he’s a hard worker.”
Brown is also a team player. Both Harvin and Manning say he’s looked to as a leader in the locker room.
“That’s important to me,” Brown said. “My teammates and I talk about going 1-0 every day. That’s how we succeed.”
Brown knows he has to keep working hard as his body develops. He has the wingspan and speed that college coaches look for, but recognizes the need to add weight if he wants to be a successful pass rusher at the next level.
“I just need to go keep working, grinding,” Brown said. “[Playing in college], it would mean a lot.”