Surely, he reasons, God will be merciful; Marty would be, and he cant be more merciful than God. But as Marty Burlsworth, Brandons older brother and companion through it all, emphasized in an exclusive interview with The Daily Wire, Brandon made his football goals happen because he was relentless. A couple of weeks before Brandon left for school, one of the Arkansas coaches called me. Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of 2021 Marty Burlsworth Discusses Brandon Burlsworth's Nomination for the CFB Hall of Fame Class of. The struggles that he had gone through to get where he was were over. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. Not that it got him very far initially. Real Estate. Marty wont predict how the Razorbacks will finish in the SEC this season, but he will say that he believes Greater is the kind of film that people will want to see more than once because there are layers of life lessons. This has been a pretty big year for me tra. Starting the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation shortly after his death, even as the grief was overwhelming, just set those plans into motion sooner. We watched the game from this conference room at the top of the stadium. This one painful scene is wiser than all the movies the Fireproof / Courageous people have made (including their football movie, Facing the Giants). Brandon Burlsworth was known as an American professional football player. But as I turned the next corner onto Moms street and pulled up to her house, I got a good look at the car. Of course, he was my brother and you do anything for family, but things were a little tougher for him. The story unfolds in two strands. Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. or school. https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/brandon-burlsworth-35134.php. "I was interested," he said of those early calls from Hollywood. Marty Burlsworth, in the aftermath of Brandon's death, suffers a crisis of conscience that questions his . He wont be going down., Well, thats good, he said, sort of laughing. David Hunt, the movies director, also assisted with the screenplay. He and his wife Tresia have four children, Michael, Jordan, Brandon and Samantha. EWTN News, Inc. is the worlds largest Catholic news organization, comprised of television, radio, You know, Brandon, you could think about entering the draft. Now, I was taking calls from the same stations about Brandons death.. Burlsworth graduated in 1998 from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Business Administration. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. He wasthatgood. As indicated by the police report, Burlsworth's vehicle floated somewhat over the middle line on U.S. 412, cut the front bumper of a tractor-trailer, and afterward, while he was probably attempting to recover control, crossed the inside line again and hit another tractor-trailer. The movies response to this question comes in the form of a metaphor. And the only element bigger than excessive faculty soccer in Harrison or anywhere else . Faith is the river that runs through it all, from Brandon's Christian life to Marty's painful spiritual journey at his death to the care with which those threads are woven together. Brandon knew what it was like to be doubted, to be told you werent good enough. In the award's twelfth year, the Trophy is named in honor of Brandon Burlsworth, former University of Arkansas Walk . Give a Gift SubscriptionBless friends, family or clergy with a gift of the Register. Renew or manage your subscription here. (The devoutly Catholic McDonough, who also executive produced, has called Marty Burlsworth his favorite role.). Although he never played a down in the NFL, he had impressed Mudd enough during mini-camp that the . Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was born in Harrison, Arkansas, on September 20, 1976 to Leo Burlsworth and Barbara Burlsworth. Marty's wife, Vickie is also available to speak when their schedule allows. He is most famous for his college football career at the University of Arkansas. She has 3 sons, Marty, Grady and the late Brandon Burlsworth. And every week he was right on time with his little white Subaru parked in Moms driveway. There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If its Friday night, youre going to the Harrison High football game. Marty Burlsworth and his agents have been and will continue to be trusted names in the real estate market. Sure, there's some creative license in the movie, but the message rings true. He loved football, Marty said. Less than two weeks after he was chosen in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Brandon was driving home to go to church with his mother. Nick Searcy plays an unnamed character who chats with Marty about the apparent absurdity of existence, and their discussion is a bold and unusual move, even a genre-bending move. I used to want the longest life, perfect health and happiness, but really it is that feeling that I am so glad that this isnt all there is and that we have heaven to wait for, and that well be with Jesus, and there will be no more tears Amber VanVickle (1982-2023), The headquarters of the charity, which serves as a consecrated family to 46 disabled children, were badly damaged in major flooding near Rio de Janeiro last year. Walk-on player from Harrison, Ark., considered a long shot to get real playing time. Hell show up and everything will be fine.. One, told in flashback, is a familiar, uplifting Rudy-like arc of an unpromising underdog who makes good despite enormous obstacles. So that was kind of the stamp of approval there, plus theyre Christians and they didnt want to lose that faith aspect. He would just say Yeah we did this, we did this, we did this and it was just like this is what were doing, you know he never [said] I cant do this. That just wasnt there because, you know, thats where his faith led him. They put it in more of a condensed form which is the way filmmaking generally always happens. They tackle that query via Burlsworth's much-older brother Marty (Neal McDonough), who, on the cusp of his sibling's funeral, struggles to understand why awful things happen to the innocent . He found it in routine and repetition, in church and in the trenches, in that place where they call the Hogs and even an Alabama visitor can feel what it means for a young man from Harrison, Ark., to call himself a Razorback. Brandon Burlsworth found certainty in an uncertain world. Meet Marty Burlsworth and his Team of Real Estate Professionals. In 1998 he was selected for the College Football All-America Team and became the first player from Arkansas to be selected for College Football All-America Team since 1993. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. But I knew we still needed a scholarship. It is also possible to rent "Greater" on Redbox, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, Microsoft Store online and to . I go straight to the sports and see if any scholarships were offered. When the producer says Today is probably not a good day [to be on set], thats all he has to say. Then we looked to the TV: Brandons picture came up on the screen and they were calling his name from the podium. The Brandon Burlsworth Foundation is a symbol of Brandons work ethics and Christian values and provides support to children with limited opportunities. Marty Burlsworth, 55, and who was 38 when Brandon died, says they were approached by Hollywood about making a film around Brandon's story many years ago. When Marty asks Barbara how she justifies going deep into debt for Brandons quixotic dream, she says simply, My son knows I have faith. This could mean faith in God, but I took it to mean that money was no object if it meant Brandon knew his mother believed in him. Subscriber Service CenterAlready a subscriber? Now, more than ever, with the success of GREATER, he enjoys meeting the fans of his brother Brandon and encouraging others to. As we walked by one of the pro shops, we joked to each other. Whether Im driving around town, past the baseball park where we used to play catch, past the Razorbacks signs on front lawns, I feel his presence. He called to check in a couple of times. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians. While others, including Marty's mother, Barbara, have accepted the loss and put their faith in God, Marty can not do that as he does not understand why God would take away his brother on the cusp of his stardom in the NFL. Order Bulk SubscriptionsGet a discount on 6 or more copies sent to your parish, organization (as Stephen Raynor-Endelman) (music by) Cinematography by Gabe Mayhan . Dang, Marty, what have you been feedin that boy?. He spent as many days as he could in the weight room getting stronger. An expression that implied do it the correct way, in any event, when nobody is looking. The idea wasnt to be the greatest walk-on, Marty explained, it was to get a scholarship.. interested in booking Marty for your event? A shepherd during his younger brother's life, he would become a keeper of his legacy as well. And the first call I made was to the recruiting coordinator at Arkansas. Always why. "We want Brandon's message out there. After the draft, he spoke to me a lot about helping other kids in Harrison. Greater is playing in limited release (find theaters). A film about Brandon's existence with the working title "Greater" was shot in 2013 and was released as a feature movie on August 26, 2016. He was in the prime of his football career. Every week, Brandon made the drive home. That's what Brandon did. His Subaru clipped an incoming 18-wheeler and then collided head-on with a tractor-trailer in Alpena, Arkansas. Marty Burlsworth, 55, and who was 38 when Brandon died, says they were approached by Hollywood about making a film around Brandons story many years ago. Greater is a very emotional movie and it deals with figuring out your faith in times of grief and loss. Barbara Burlsworth has been in real estate since 1997. Instead, Marty is looking forward to next season, when the story of Brandon Burlsworth's astonishing rise to National Football League draftee will reach movie screens nationwide. Our parents divorced when Brandon was just two years old. On top of that, Dad had trouble with drinking and wasnt really in our lives when Brandon was a little boy. And he justdominatedon the field didnt matter if he was on defense or offense. Its clear, though, that Martys harshness is meant as the tough love of an older brother obliged to assume a father-figure role in the absence of their alcoholic bum of a father (Michael Parks of the Kill Bill movies in a small but affecting role). http://www.colts.com/news/article-1/Remembering-Brandon-Burlsworth-/01475edd-989c-4a56-b3b0-ec6c138bcf1e, https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/entertainment/2016/august/brandon-burlsworths-story-of-triumph-over-tragedy-is-greater. Brandon was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the 63rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL draft. It was composed and produced by Brian Reindl and David Hunt. And would you believe, all these NFL agents started flying into Harrison wanting to sign Brandon. The state with the most residents by this name is Arkansas, followed by Colorado. Sometimes Marty goes by various nicknames including Marty L Burlsworth and Marty Leo Burlsworth. [email protected]. Marty Burlsworth hasn't provided a bio yet. In 2001, "Eyes of a Champion, the Brandon Burlsworth Story" by Jeff Kinley was released. "Brian wouldn't let go.". SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. Majority of the time she will join him for school appearances. Brandon Burlsworth bulked himself up to 300 lbs to be an offensive guard and by his sophomore season in 1996, he had earned a scholarship and a starting position at right guard on the offensive line. He may be gone, but I still want to do whatever I can to keep his dreams going, to keep his legacy going. The Burlsworth family created the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in honor of Brandon who was tragically killed in a car accident in 1999. Lacking the football scholarship he absurdly hoped for, Brandon turns down full rides elsewhere to attend Arkansas. The movie was well-received upon its theatrical release, but thanks to its March debut on streaming giant Netflix, it's finding a new audience at a perfect time. He slept either in his little room at his mother's house or at his brother Marty's, to be close to his three nephews. Opposing teams made game plans just to handle Brandon. During the summer of 2007, Bob acquired his real estate license and in 2010 acquired his brokers license and is currently the Executive Broker for Burlsworth and Associates. Or Drew Carey, the comedian. He had intended to help under advantaged children and the Burlsworth family settled the establishment that in his honor. Burlsworth was selected to be of the team captains by his junior season in 1997 for the University of Arkansas. Its what he leaned on to work as hard. I mean it was for me. Marty is an engaging speaker who presents a strong message of character, commitment, hard work and dedication that resonates with young and old alike. And then he walked out and there it was: BURLSWORTH. We probably put 30,000 miles on my minivan each season. Brandon Burlsworth, NFL player. ", Trouble was, every time he asked "what input would the family have" in how the story was told, he got the same answer: "None.". They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ. And I remembered to do what other agents had advised me to do, I kept multiple lines open. Well if you had taken God out of it, it [wouldve] been fiction. This story focuses on Burlsworth's ambition, work ethic, family relationships, and strong religious convictions; teamwork and courage are strong themes. We didnt expect Brandon to go real high, and we had been told that he wouldnt. The Passion of the Christ actor talks about the challenges of playing iconic roles and why good movies arent always family-friendly. Only 30 of 175 dioceses ordained an average number of priests at or above replacement level over the five years from 2016 to 2021, according to the report. During Martys conversation with Searcy this metaphor is further developed; a pattern emerges that Marty cant appreciate without a higher perspective. | He was buried at the Gass Cemetery in Omaha, Arkansas, on May 2, 1999. Brandons short-lived career involved true honor and character, and thanks to the new film, his legacy will go further and live on as a model for others. But as it got later in the evening and Mom got more and more worked up, I hopped into my own car to head over and see if we could find out what had happened. On April 17, 1999, the Indianapolis Colts selected Burlsworth in the third round of the NFL Draft. They couldnt give us any assurances that there wouldnt be a lot of Hollywood going into it. Why? Greater, a film depicting the life and tragic death of Brandon Burlsworth will be released in theaters on August 26th. And when its Friday night here in Harrison and the whole town is at the football game, I think about Brandon. Holy Communion From the Chalice Reintroduced in the UK: What About the US? And I couldnt wait to be right there with him. choose Christ at a young age and you will always be a winner in Christ's eyes; excelling at a sport is fine as . There are about 11,000 people in town and one unspoken rule: If it's Friday night, you're going to the Harrison High football game. Perhaps Martys favorite play from Brandons college career is one that occurred in the same game as the play he would most like to forget. Black horn-rimmed glasses. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Burlsworth was also Arkansas' first All-American player since 1993 and was also on the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll from 1995 to 1998. arkansas football. . Brian Reindl is a real estate developer by trade, but a filmmaker by passion. Selfishly, I don't want Brandon to be forgotten. ", Forgotten? We found 2 people in 2 states named Marty Burlsworth living in the US. Just give us a call at 870-741-5111 . to you, Keep an eye on trends and events 2022 by BBF. Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. Earlier this year in an interview with Christian Examiner, Reindl said: The film is as much about Martys journey as it is about Brandons. Theres no explanation for it. Powered by WebJIVE ~ Featured on the Harrison Arkansas Network. Ive heard the director say many times what weve done is [put] that [whole] first year [after the accident] in Neals piece in this movie. News. He graduated from high school in 1994 and was recruited as a football player for the University of Arkansas. "I wanted Brandon's story to be known. It was a terrible day for Harrison, it was a terrible day for the state. She called me just before six oclock, with panic and worry in her voice. So when he was two hours late that evening, Mom started to get worried. Named an All-American in 1998, he was drafted in 1999 by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round 11 days before being killed in a vehicular accident. Marty Leo Burlsworth's Arkansas Voter Registration. His jersey has been retired, his locker encased in glass, his spirit captured in a trophy awarded to the best college football player who started his career as a walk-on. She has been married to Johnny 20+ years and they have a son, Haden and his wife, Tristen, and a daughter, Haley. He goes through something we all face when we experience tragedy and trials: Which voices do we listen to? His brother Marty, 17 years his senior, berates him "Cheesecake," he calls him for his indolence as well as their mother Barbara (Leslie Easterbrook) for her indulgence. 2022 by BBF. I tried bringing it up to him again. Hed be all over the line, right off the snap. Burlsworth was too small (260 pounds) when he finished high school. Mr. Severio sounds like a guy that Brandon Burlsworth would have been proud to have depict him in a movie, as a selfless, hard-working, humble, self-deprecating character. 1 Tennessee. Brandon was home. But this was on a different level. The foundation has also worked with Walmart/Sam's Optical Department and independent optometrists throughout Arkansas to provide eye care to thousands of school students. When we got back home to Harrison, the day of the draft was just filled with anxiety. But I remember going back to churchclose after the accident and after the death had settled a little bit. At the point when he hadn't shown up by 4, Brandon's brother, Marty got a concerned call from his mother and went to her home. As it turned out, it was a squad car, with officials there to convey the bad news. director of photography Film Editing by David L. Hunt . Filming & Production 2023 The family respectfully declined. The drive would always take around an hour and a half but he never made it. We drove it to death. People were swinging by all day. Trophy honors most outstanding Walk-On for twelfth year . Brandon was the kind of guy you win with.. By Carl Kozlowski. "People are seeing it for the first time, and that's really cool," Marty said. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Each Wednesday, he came back to take his mother, Barbara, to chapel. And I could see a little white car parked in her driveway. By the time he was a senior, we both knew that if we wanted to keep playing football he was going to have to enter the NFL draft. He grew up in Barnstable, Massachusetts, graduated from Barnstable High School, and attended Syracuse University. When I turned on to the street behind Moms house, I could see her driveway through this little opening between houses. So when Brandon got it in his mind that he was going to be a Razorback, I was all in. At the point when he showed up, he saw the rear of a white vehicle that he from the start thought was Brandon's. I kept track of how many might be left for Brandon.O.K., they gave one to that boy, thats 12 so far. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar. The former Arkansas hostile, Brandon Burlsworth was headed to his Harrison, Ark., home from Fayetteville, where he got a SEC West title ring alongside the remainder of the 1998 Razorbacks on April 28, 1999. But before all that, Brandon made one last trip to Fayetteville to visit with his Razorbacks teammates. As Brandon and I were standing out there, the offensive linemen came out, running on the field with their helmets on. Actor Chris Severio (left), who plays Brandon Burlsworth in the movie "Greater, " autographs Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016, a movie poster for Mark Marinoni, 16, of . So I started calling coaches and seeing where he could play. Asked what hes doing, Brandon says, Nothing, because he really hadnt given it a second thought. COINCIDENCES. McDonough plays Marty, Brandon's big brother and father figure in the film, and he . Becoming a Razorback As the title suggests, this is the story of the most successful walk-on in the history of college football at the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. He had planned to help underprivileged children, and his. Today, those glasses remain the symbol of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation brandonburlsworth.org. near you, Up-to-date reports of crimes near Technical Specs, See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro, executive producer / producer (produced by), Managing Director: My Spotlight Independent & MY Production, hair stylist: additional photography / makeup artist: additional photography, second second assistant director (as Izzy Cowell), assistant stunt coordinator / stunt performer, casting director: Arkansas / extras casting / local casting, assistant to composer / music preparation, driver / driver: cast / production driver, production accountant (as Andrew Grey Johnson), very special thanks: the fayetteville volunteer fire department, very special thanks: the arkansas state film commission, special thanks (as Sheriff Steve Grundek), special thanks (as Pastor Ervin Hutchinson), special thanks (as Prinicpal Bill Keaster), special thanks (as Coach Norman Mitchell), very special thanks: the university of arkansas and the university athletic department. Teens and up. Marty and Vickie both have recorded multiple interviews on podcasts across the nation. On the way there, Burlsworth died an unthinkable death that shook the entire state. His age is 36. He played for the two SEC Western Division championship Razorback football teams in 1995 and 1998 and was named in the All-SEC Academic Honor Roll every single year during that period of time. Im sure Josh Wheaton, the young apologist in Gods Not Dead, would know all the right things to say to Searcys character, but then Searcy wouldnt be permitted to make his case so eloquently in a movie like Gods Not Dead, if he were allowed to appear at all. See, Brandon started out a little scrawny. And the only thing bigger than high school football in Harrison or anywhere else in Arkansas is Razorback football. What Marty thinks about now, though, is that even when Brandon was in college and then after he was drafted by the Colts, he had all these ideas for how he wanted to help people. This has all been done, and sometimes done better, but the formula is sturdy, and Severio, in his first role, delivers well enough. It was the Razorbacks. I didnt mean to dismiss Moms concerns, but I just figured there was some sort of reason or explanation. A list of possible email addresses for Marty includes [email protected], [email protected]. He wasnt as tall or as heavy as D-I colleges wanted him to be. Burlsworth, 22, died 10 days after his selection on April 28, 1999, in a car crash in Arkansas. Burlsworth Trophy Announces Nominees. https://www.ncregister.com/features/sdg-reviews-greater, Man of God A Film of Faith and Tranquility of the Soul for Our Troubled Time, Interview: Jim Caviezel Goes Back to the Bible in Paul, Apostle of Christ, Portuguese Bishops Announce Steps to End Sexual Abuse in the Church, We Know That Hes in Heaven: Thousands Gather for Funeral of Bishop David OConnell in Los Angeles, Archbishop Naumann and Bishop Paprocki Speak Out in Support of Traditional Latin Massgoers in Their Dioceses, Survey: Decline in Vocations to the Priesthood Is Worse Where Priests Serve Larger Flocks, Amber and Dave VanVickle on Finding God in the Midst of Suffering. If it meant bringing a basket of baseballs to the park so he could work on his hitting and pitching, I wanted to be there. I had about 212,000 miles on it by the time I got rid of it. Some of that was a little bit of filmmaking andwe were fine with it. Barbara Burlsworth. I dont how many times Id call to check in.Coach, ya need anything?Id sit every week with the newspaper. Brandon was so single-minded, so focused. That's not a boast. Creative camerawork is another asset; consider a moment of rapprochement lit by car headlights and filmed through swishing windshield-wiper blades on a night of pouring rain. I dont think I got there. The phones calls started coming right after that. A deep dedication to our nations youth is a high priority of the Burlsworth family. I dont think anyone was at fault. That first year has been put into the way it comes off on screen his feelings and the way hes taking it and I mean it was a rough time and anyone thats had a family member thats passed unexpectedly or too soon can relate to that. Apr 2007 - Present15 years 3 months. I think it was in June [1999] I think [thats] kinda when that started. And I didnt want him to always be wondering what could have been. Marty Burlsworth: Burlsworth Photography: Address: 117 W Central Harrison AR 72601 map Phone: 870-741-5111 : Branch Photography : Keith Branch: Branch Photography: Address: 4850 Mission Blvd Fayetteville AR 72703 map Phone: 479-973-0012 Born In: Harrison, Arkansas, United States, siblings: Grady Burlsworth, Marty Burlsworth, place of death: Alpena, Arkansas, United States. We suddenly needed that gear, because we would be rooting for the Colts. Mom and I picked him up at the airport when he came home. In 2002, Brandon was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and later in 2004 he was inducted into the University of Arkansas Letterman's Association Hall of Honor. And then we were approached 11 years ago by Brian Reindl whos the producer- who had no experience in the filmmaking industry at all but had a passion for it. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Marty Burlsworth tells us about bringing the story of Greater to the screen, his relationship with Brandon, and making ones way through understanding and accepting God in times of crisis. He was born on 31-08-1986. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. FAYETTEVILLE, AR, Nov. 2, 2021 - Today, the Burlsworth Trophy announced 89 players nominated from Division 1 (FBS) schools from across the country for the 2021 Burlsworth Trophy. He died instantly. It was all over ESPN. Even his peers saw an innocent kid who just didn't understand why he couldn't make it in college football, and certainly not the NFL. So Mom, Brandon and I piled into my minivan and we drove over to Fayetteville. Leslie Easterbrook plays Burlsworth's mother, Barbar. properties, Build a downloadable list He didnt take one summer off the entire time he was at Arkansas. When he reached his junior season in 1997, he was selected as one of the captains of the team and in the next two years, he received All-SEC honors. And we were concerned that his faith would take a big backseatAnd we just werent up for that at all. There are few actors in Hollywood brave enough to wear their Catholic faith on . It was just one of those things when its time, its time. Burlsworth died in a car accident on April 28, 1999, and his story of faith and conviction has been gaining recognition in recent years due to various programs and a new biopic called "Greater.". But this was my brother. His thick black glasses and resemblance to comedian Drew Carey gave him a unique look. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity. Channing Frye and Iman Shumpert are back to explain the stakes, place bets and analyze the most valuable players in the NBA Finals. But that summer Brandon had two things going for him: His work ethic and, luckily, a pretty big growth spurt. John Corbett stars in a remarkable faith-based film, based on a true story, about a dying Tennessee church transformed by an encounter with refugees. is 61 years old today because Marty's birthday is on 11/13/1960. At that point, Arkansas Razorback Coach, Houston Nutt started the phrase after his demise, "Do it the Burls Way". Those were offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworths trademark, and they were prominent even behind the facemask of his Arkansas Razorbacks helmet. Judea school district. Marty Burlsworth remembers the day Brian Reindl came to Harrison to pitch his idea of making a movie about the life of Burlsworth's late brother, Brandon. And it paid off. First, while the films hero is the celebrated Arkansas Razorbacks offensive guard Brandon Burlsworth (Christopher Severio) possibly the greatest walk-on player in college football history the protagonist is not Brandon, but his brother Marty, played by Neal McDonough of Arrow. Brandon isnt a very interesting character, but hes a likable one. Vickie's love for children is hard to escape. So we had talked to a group or two out of California that had pitched the idea but we just never were at peace or had any comfort. But as good as he was, Brandon was also a late bloomer he was only 17 his senior year and he was still a little undersized for college ball.