Bridges, Collins and Harris getting ready

SAMSON's Fitness Center, Lithonia, GA

Football fans don’t worry the season is just around the corner, players are out hard at work with their off-season workout programs as they prepare for the upcoming season. For veterans and upper classmen these routines while necessary are probably a bit boring. But for any incoming college freshman or NFL rookie it’s any thing but that.

The other day while I was getting my workout on at the SAMSON’s Fitness Center (You know a brother still has to look good when he’s reporting a game.) I ran into three former big baller’s from the Lithonia High School “Bulldogs” football team (DT/OT-Brian Bridges: 6’3” - 305, DT/OG-Devon Collins: 6’3” - 315 and DE-Brandon Harris:6’3” - 240) who were in the weight room banging out the weights with vigor and excitement. You know why each wants to make a big impact next season as an incoming freshmen at their respective college. Bridges will be heading to Southern University, Collins is off to Iowa Wesleyan and Harris is going to Lane College.

After my cool-down I pulled the fellas aside for a little Street Talk about their upcoming freshman season and their expectations.

L.A.: “What where some of the things you were looking for in the college you finally selected to attend?”

Brian: “I was looking for an opportunity to come in and play my freshman year. Southern was the only school that told me that I would not be redshirted and that I would definitely get a chance to come in and earn some playing time.”

Devon: “I was looking for a good coaching staff, one that would help me become stronger both on the field and in the class room.”

Brandon: “I choose Lane because I enjoyed the campus. It wasn’t big but there was a closeness to it and the coaching staff seemed to genuinely care about me as a person.”

L.A: “Being that you guys will be away from home for the first do you think your parents will be dropping in a lot (laughing) to check on you or will they be coming to the games?”

Brian: “Southern is about 8 hours away and our closest game will probably be in Alabama so if they can make I sure they will.”

Devon: “Iowa is a good ways away and the coaches told me that it’s going to be cold so I’m not sure how often they will come, but I’m sure the phone will be ringing a lot.”

Brandon: “I’m looking forward to chilling out down at Lane, having a good time. If they can make it that would be cool but if not I know they will be wishing the best for me.”

L.A.: “How often have you guys been hitting the gym during the off-season and what are your football expectations as an incoming freshman?”
 

Brian: “I hit the weights hard on Monday and Thursday and then on Friday and Saturday I run at least 1 mile or more. My goals going in are to become a starter and be one of the top freshmen in the HBCU at offensive tackle.”

Devon: “The schedule I received from the coaches call for me to lift at least three days a week and run twice a week, but I have been lifting and running 5 days a week because you can never get too strong. I plan on going out there and showing off. I’m a southern boy and we have that reputation for being able to play ball, so I’m going to represent.” 

Brandon: “I actually workout everyday and the on Saturdays I get with one of my old coaches to go through some drills. My first year I don’t know if I will start but I want to make my name known and at least be in the top three on the depth chart.”

L.A.: “One last questions fellas and I’ll let you get back to your workout. Which of you are going to have the most fun in school and will you all try and visit one another at school?”

(laughing: Brain did not hesitate at all to answer quickly)

Brain: “A lot of my buddies have already said that they are coming to visit me at Southern, especially when the Bayou Classic hits town in November. You know Southern is known for the girls (big smile)”.

Devon and Brandon: “We are defiantly are going to try and visit Southern and each of are respective colleges. Having played together all through high school we will always be there for each other giving support and encouragement no matter where we are.”

L.A.: “Well that about wraps it up. I told the guys no matter what make their priority the books. Have fun learn and grow but take care of first things first. Keep GOD first and all things will happen according to his perfect will. Before the fellas went back to their workout they told me to let the players still at Lithonia H.S. to go out and represent this year…BULLDOGS for life.”

I’ll holla!