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OL Bryant Browning (Official Thread)

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Bryant Browning was a recipient of Watkins Award honors on April 2, which celebrates elite African American student athletes who have contributed in the classroom and the community. The winner of the award was Myron Rolle, while three other finalists received plaques and a dinner in their honor.

This years list of finalists is here:
http://www.naaaa.com/watkins_honorees.htm

Bryant Browning, GPA 4.0, Cleveland, OH, Glenville High School.
Terry Grant, GPA 3.4, Lumberton, Miss, Lumberton High School.
Gerald McCoy, GPA 3.5, Oklahoma City, OK, Southeast High School.
Myron Rolle ,GPA 4.0, Atlantic City New Jersey, The Hun School of Princeton.
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A description of the award is also available at the site:
http://www.naaaa.com/watkins.htm

The Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Trophy Award was initiated in 1992 to promote academic excellence among young African-American males. As unavoidable role models on the "image" front lines, talented athletes-especially in football, basketball and baseball-define what the emerging generations of African-American males will value, and the aspirations they will have. The Watkins Trophy Award is a means for recognizing exceptionally talented African-American male athletes who, by their example, help promote high academic standards and a commitment to community service.

Since 1992, the top high school seniors have been honored with the title "Premiere African-American Male Scholar Athlete". Three of these have received athletic scholarships from Stanford University (Michael Craven and Marcus McCutcheon). Three of these received athletic scholarships to play for Penn State (Deryck Toles, Ahmad Collins and Shawn Lee). Three more accepted athletic scholarships at Notre Dame (Raki Nelson and Grant Irons) and the University of Pittsburgh (Darnell Dinkins). The first scholar athlete to receive the Jostens trophy, Ronald Curry, selected the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The ninth annual Watkins Award recipient, Marcus Houston, attended the Colorado State. Our finalist are also doing exceptionally well attending such world class institutions such as Ohio State, Notre Dame, Florida State and Stanford to name a few.

Because of their concern with helping students recognize the value of education and increasing the awareness and involvement of parents and businesses throughout the community, Jostens Inc., through its Renaissance program, has produced an elegant Franklin D. Watkins Memorial Trophy for the winner and plaques for the runners up. As a tribute to African-American high school seniors for their outstanding achievements in athletics, scholarship, and community service, the Watkins Trophy Award is forcefully demonstrating that academic excellence and community service are valued and rewarded.
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I am surprised not to have seen any mention of this previously! I found this this afternoon via Bruce Feldman's ESPN blog (relevent excerpt):

I had a terrific Saturday night in Atlantic City. I was down there for an awards dinner honoring Myron Rolle. (Full disclosure: I've become friendly with the Rolle family after spending a long time working on an ESPN Magazine story that focused on Myron.) I honestly didn't think much about exactly what the award was about when Myron's brother McKinley told me about the dinner a few weeks back. Quite frankly, there are lots of awards out there for being a great athlete. In truth, this award, the Watkins Award, may carry as much weight as any award a high school athlete can win. I figured that out as some of the speakers addressed the crowd of about 30 people. The award is more than just a special honor, it is really quite a responsibility, too.

The key note speaker Dr. Alexander Gabbin gave this amazing speech about the struggles of the African-American male and about how important guys like Myron are because they can show kids the world -- their world -- in a different light. Gabbin used the example of Ben Carson, once a rage-driven teen in Detroit whose life and subsequently the lives of many others, was saved by a belt buckle of all things. Carson went on to become a celebrated neurosurgeon who in 1987 successfully separated Siamese twins connected at the brain, a medical first.

It turned in to be a very emotional night with everyone giving testimonials about Myron -- more about his character than his athleticism. It was touching to hear these stories from pee-wee baseball coaches, local clergymen and junior high basketball mentors. I kept thinking, 'man, this must be a lot of pressure for a 19-year-old to handle,' although if there's any college freshman who could shoulder it, Myron has the right makeup and support system to do it. Other finalists of the Watkins who deserve recognition are OU DT Gerald McCoy; Alabama RB Terry Grant and Ohio State O-lineman Bryant Browning (all three guys had at least 3.5 GPAs). To learn more about the Watkins Award, check out The Alliance's Web site.
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Congratulations on the outstanding achievement Bryant!
 
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Note: The finalists who have attended/are attending Ohio State, as noted in the site description, include Ted Ginn Jr. and Maurice Hall.

I haven't been able to find anything "local" regarding the dinner and ceremony for Bryant, which is unfortunate. Everyone should poke around the Watkins' site however, there are some nice photos of Bryant from the press announcement.
 
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Bryant doesn't have weight problems like someone like Adrien Clarke did...Bryant carries a tremendous amount of his weight in his lower body, which I think is great for a lineman.
 
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From the Ozone's practice pictures:

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 width="95%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=body align=middle>
12513.jpg
</TD></TR><TR><TD class=body align=middle>Freshman OL Bryant Browning runs out to practice.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
 
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official.site

NFF Announces 2006 National High School Scholar-Athlete Award Winners

From the more than one million who play high school football, five chosen as the best of the best for their combined academic and athletic excellence

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Buckeye freshman Bryant Browning is the Midwest Region National High School Scholar-Athletes for 2006.


Oct. 19, 2006
MORRISTOWN, NJ - Through its nationwide network of 120 chapters, The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced today the selection of five exceptional individuals as the best and the brightest in the country for their accomplishments as athletes, scholars and citizens, naming them as the National High School Scholar-Athletes for 2006.
2006 National High School Scholar- Athletes
(currently freshmen in college)

Bryant Browning - Midwest Region- Cleveland, Ohio- now attending Ohio State University
Barry Charles Gallup, Jr. - Northeast Region- Wellesley, Massachusetts- now attending Notre Dame
Christopher LaTempa - East Region- Pompton Plains, New Jersey- now attending Lafayette College
Kevin McCarthy, Jr. - South Region- Tampa, Florida- now attending University of Florida
Christopher Prosinski - West Region- Buffalo, Wyoming- now attending University of Wyoming
"With the National High School Scholar-Athlete Awards, the NFF annually strives to honor the absolute finest from the gridiron at the high school level," said NFF President Steven J. Hatchell. "The accomplishments of this year's five nominees make us all proud, and their contributions both on and off the field set the standard for their peers to follow." With more than one million student-athletes playing high school football each year, the NFF chapter network reviews the credentials of players from thousands of high schools nationwide. The local chapters analyze numerous local nominees for their academic achievement, athletic performance and exemplary leadership while awarding 2,500 student- athletes more than $800,000 in annual scholarships. From this group of 2,500, the NFF selects five individuals for the recognition as National High School Scholar-Athletes. Since 1991, the award has become one of the most competitive and sought after high school honors in the country. Criteria for the award include but are not limited to a grade point average, athletic accolades and community involvement.

The five scholar-athletes will be honored during the NFF's Annual Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, December 5, 2006, at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City. Later that evening, they will be recognized in front of a sold-out crowd as part of the NFF's 49th Annual Awards Dinner, including the induction of the 2006 College Football Hall of Famers. For more information, please call 800.486.1865 or visit www.footba llfoundation.org.

Bryant Browning
Midwest Region
Glenville Academic Center Cleveland, Ohio
Northeastern Ohio Chapter
(Attending Ohio State University)

An active participant and a product of the National Football Foundation's Play It Smart program at Glenville Academic Center, Bryant Browning symbolizes everything right about high school football. His reputation for sportsmanship, competitive energy and drive for academic excellence created a record that simply defined him as the best in the Midwest Region.


"Bryant was the triple crown winner from our [Midwest] chapter, with maximum credentials in all three areas" said Tim Gleason, the chapter president of the Northeast Ohio Chapter.

Browning excelled in three sports: basketball, track and football, garnering All-Ohio and First Team All- State accolades for his efforts on the gridiron. In the classroom, Browning claimed the valedictorian position from a class of 325 students with a more than perfect 4.1 GPA. A high honor roll student, he also earned recognition as a member of the National Honor Society.

As senior class president, Browning won the adoration of his peers while also setting a positive example by volunteering as an active participant in several food distribution projects and by tutoring local elementary school students. Outside of school, he held positions as a Christian Athletes Huddle Leader and a volunteer at his church.

Browning earned a football scholarship to Ohio State University, where he is currently a member of the team ranked No. 1 in the BCS Standings.

Launched in 1998, Play It Smart trains "academic coaches" to work with high school football teams in underserved areas during the entire school year, taking the transferable life skills learned on the field and applying them in the classroom and the community. A leader in the program, Browning becomes the second Play It Smart participant to be recognized as a National High School Scholar-Athlete, joining Michigan's Brandent Englemon as graduates claiming the prestigious honor.

"His high school was one of the first in the country to be selected as part of the program" said Gleason. "It is so refreshing to see the fruits of this effort blossom into a young man of Bryant Browning's caliber."

Barry Charles Gallup, Jr.
Northeast Region
Belmont Hill School Belmont, Mass.
Eastern Massachusetts
(Attending University of Notre Dame)

With a r?sum? that screams competition, talent and inspiration, Barry Gallup, Jr.'s accomplishments extend well beyond any piece of paper into all
realms of student life at Belmont High School.


Belmont head coach, Kevin Fleming, describes Gallup as a true renaissance man who combines athleticism, academic excellence, and his musical talents as a concert pianist. A co-captain of both the football and track teams for his entire four years of high school, Gallup also served as the class president for three years as one of the school's undeniable leaders.

Switching between tailback and defensive back, Gallup earned All New England Prep status three years in a row, becoming the New England Prep all- time leading scorer with 70 TDs and 14 interceptions during his high school career. He claimed Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2005, and he participated in the 2006 U.S. Army All- American Bowl. His athletic prowess also extended to the hockey rink as a two-time letter winner on a nationally renowned varsity team that has produced several Olympians and NHL players.

As a National Merit Scholar, Gallup achieved a 3.5 grade point average, earning recognition on the Belmont Honor Roll and high honor roll. The only New England player to be recruited last year by Notre Dame, Gallup turned down offers from Harvard and Yale to play for Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis.

Known for his loyalty and commitment to excellence, past and present teachers and coaches continue to hold him out as valuable role model, praising his attention to detail and stellar work ethic.

His father Barry Sr. is the director of football operations at Boston College.

Christopher LaTempa
East Region
Pequannock Township High School
Pompton Plains, New Jersey
Morris County Chapter
(Attending Lafayette College)

Driven by a passion for excellence, Christopher LaTempa attacked every aspect of high school, producing a record that was universally admired by his peers and teachers at Pequannock Township High School in New Jersey.


Ranked in the top 10 percent of a highly competitive class, LaTempa accumulated a 4.1 GPA by taking a healthy dose of AP classes. His academic laurels include the 2006 New Jersey Scholar-Athlete Award, the President's Education Award, Bloustein Distinguished Scholar and induction into the National Honor Society.

A three-sport athlete, LaTempa distinguished himself as a four-year member of the football, wrestling and baseball programs at Pequannock. A running back and linebacker, he earned All-Conference recognition his junior and senior years while claiming a First Team All Conference spot in wrestling his senior year as well. The Morris County Chapter of the National Football Foundation named LaTempa its Matthew C. Sellitto Scholarship recipient.

"Chris' success in football is evidence of his determination to be the best at anything he does, as well as constantly challenging himself to achieve his own personal best," said former guidance counselor Kerstin Stewart-Maiullo.

A role model among his peers, LaTempa participated in a variety of volunteer activities at a local nursing home and with his church. He also worked as a Little League umpire and camp counselor at Lafayette College, where he is currently enrolled as a freshman.

Kevin McCarthy, Jr.
South Region
Plant High School Tampa, Florida
Tampa Chapter
(Attending University of Florida)

Called a scholar, humanitarian and a once-in-a- lifetime student-athlete, Kevin McCarthy overcame the death of his father three years ago to produce a string of successes that draws universal praise from coaches, teachers and administrators at Plant High School and the greater Tampa community.


With a string of unblemished straight "A"s, McCarthy ranked second in his class of 450 students and earned a spot as a member of the National Honor Society. His GPA, when weighted for a heavy load of AP classes, tallies at a 7.28. In the community, he led a school wide blood drive; helped stage events to work with organ transplant patients; mentored other students; and assisted the underprivileged on a mission to West Virginia.

As one of the four best defensive linemen in the state, he earned First Team All-County, All- Conference and All-State honors his senior year while accumulating 120 tackles (95 solo), 24 sacks (a county record) and 35 tackles for a loss. McCarthy received one of the top honors in Hillsborough County football by winning the coveted Jimbo Kynes Lineman of the Year Award. He also earned First Team All- County and All-Conference honors as a wrestler.

"When I first started coaching at Plant, I knew that we had to start with character, so my first goal was to put great kids on my team," said Robert Weiner, the Plant High School head football coach. "I actively tried to encourage Kevin to join our football team. He worked hard during our strength and conditioning program, but we had no idea that Kevin would become one of the most accomplished defensive ends in Hillsborough County history."

While opting to not play football in college, Kevin continues with his rigorous academic regimen at the University of Florida.

Christopher Prosinski
West Region
Buffalo High School Buffalo, Wyoming
Wyoming Chapter
(Attending University of Wyoming)

Christopher Prosinski accomplished more in high school than most adults do in an entire lifetime. A true leader in every sense of the word, Prosinski exhibits an intense desire to excel in all aspects of his life, creating a legacy without peer in the state of Wyoming.


During his junior and senior years, Prosinski led Buffalo High School to two undefeated seasons and back-to- back state championship titles. A First Team All- State selection at quarterback and linebacker, Prosinski had 30 passing and 32 career rushing TDs while accumulating 3860 yards of combined offense over his three years. On defense his senior year, he had 104 total tackles and three interceptions.

Selected to play in the Wyoming Shrine Football Bowl his senior year, Prosinski claimed multiple football accolades, including the Milward Simpson Award as Wyoming's Outstanding Senior Male Athlete and the Wyoming Offensive Player of the Year Award. Prosinski also captained the basketball team, earning All-State honors twice and three times in track as well.

Graduating first in his class with a 4.0 grade point average, Prosinski won the admiration of his fellow students and teachers alike, earning a reputation as the go-to guy on and off the field. A three-year member of the National Honor Society, Prosinski served as the vice president of his class.

"In every sense of the word, Christopher is a winner," said the school's dean and athletic director Janet Johnson. "Christopher approaches each situation with enthusiasm and a positive attitude."
A tremendous role model with strong convictions, Prosinski's many community service activities included the Meals on Wheels program, raising money for cancer victims and speaking to young people about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. In addition to playing football at the University of Wyoming, Prosinski plans on studying business with a graphic arts concentration.
 
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I only got to see Bryant play his junior year, but did get a chance to meet him briefly at the Euclid Hoops sectionals last year when I took my son to check out Rose and Hines on the hardwood. Really nice kid. Cordial and polite, he reminds you of a real life "Fat Albert" (A Big kid with a big heart and great values). Bryant at this point in his career just carries too much weight in his butt and in his stomach. Once the staff moves that weight up into his chest and shoulders he could be a real force by his redshirt junior and senior seasons.

This post by BB73 is excellent. Bryant is exactly what's good about intercollegiate athletics. He's obviously loved by the other students he was around at Glenville as he was class president. Also, to watch little kids gather around him at the basketball game like he was God was refreshing to see. I hope Bryant remains in the Cleveland area after his College days are over. He seems to have the head, the smarts, and even at his youg age the charisma to do wonders in the community. Don't be surprised to see this kid get into politics at some point. Hell, he could proably be elected Mayor of Cleveland tomorrow.
 
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