Putnam County junior Bryson Brown is beginning to make his way onto the football recruiting radar.
The talented two-way player for the War Eagles has been making visits this spring to learn more about different programs while working to get his name out to college coaches.
“So, I’ve been to Wofford University, and the campus was pretty cool, it’s all in one spot, just like a home away from home,” Brown said. “Another one was Furman University. It wasn’t what I expected. I thought it was going to be a regular school, but in reality, it feels like a small school with high-impact resources and a big school with the benefits of a larger university.”
Brown is set to continue his stretch of visits soon.
“I’ll be at Alabama State on April 11th,” he said.
At this point, Brown said his recruitment process is still in its early stages. While he’s been able to visit campuses and meet coaches, he’s still working toward turning those connections into opportunities.
“No, they are not recruiting me yet — just trying to get my name out there,” Brown said. “I am talking to a coach from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, but I’m not sure if he’s recruiting me.”
Even without offers yet, Brown understands what it would mean when that moment comes — and how it would shape his mindset moving forward.
“I would be amazed that I have made it,” he said. “But my grind doesn’t stop. It only gets harder from here on out about making the right decision and getting on the field as a freshman.”
A key part of Brown’s appeal is his versatility.
A tight end and outside linebacker for the War Eagles, he believes his ability to move around the field stands out, even as he continues going through junior days and preparing for camps.
“I haven’t been to any camps yet, just junior days,” Brown said. “And I think they like that I could play in any position on the field.”
That versatility pairs with a strong multi-sport background. Coming off wrestling and track seasons, Brown said both have played a major role in preparing him for football and building the mindset needed to compete.
“Oh, no doubt,” he said. “It physically and mentally builds full-body strength and mental toughness when I know my body is tired, but I tell myself, ‘I can do one more.’” Putnam County defensive backs coach Kedric Manning, who is also Brown’s stepfather, said the visits have already made a meaningful impact.
“Bryson’s junior day trips were a great experience for him,” Manning said. He had the opportunity to meet coaches, “pass the eye test” as he has grown to 203 pounds — up from 177 in January due to wrestling — while also learning about different academic and athletic cultures and building relationships with coaches at a high level.
“Each visit helped him grow not just as an athlete, but as a young man, and they gave him a clearer vision of what it takes to play at the next level. Our family’s faith in the Lord is strong, and we trust His timing and plan as we patiently wait on the right scholarship opportunities to come.”
As he heads into the offseason and prepares for spring practice, Brown remains focused on continuing to develop, both on the field and in the recruiting process, knowing each visit and conversation is another step forward.