November 14, 2007
No. 28 is shifty and he is so shockingly quick and fast.
He is Bryant Salmon, and he is Farley Salmon's grandson.
Bryant Salmon ran for 230 yards and four touchdowns in the first half of undefeated Prep's 38-0 trouncing on Pillow Friday night. He has accounted for 5,295 yards in three seasons at Prep.
"Bryant Salmon is as fast if not faster as any player I have ever coached," says Prep veteran coach Ricky Black, who has coached in public schools and at Mississippi State. "He ran a 4.35 40 last spring. But he's more than just fast, he's a football player. He's the real deal."
Bryant Salmon, who made 31 on the ACT and is a National Merit semi-finalist.
IF HE CAN PLAY ...
Nevertheless, despite his speed and smarts, Bryant Salmon has been lightly recruited by Division I-A schools. Mississippi State and Southern Miss have recruited him but haven't offered a scholarship. Vanderbilt is actively recruiting him. Bryant Salmon has one visit scheduled, to Harvard in December.
"I understand why the big schools would be worried about my size," Bryant says, when asked about it. "I'm small for a Division I running back, but I think I could help somewhere, maybe slotback or something like that."
Or kick returner, or cornerback, or wide receiver, or third-down back. ...
Don't think Salmon thrives only because he plays against private schools competition. He was outstanding in Prep's two victories over Class 3A Newton County (10-1) and Class 4A Pearl (3-7). In fact, he took the opening kickoff back 97 yards against Pearl.
Says Black: "He can play anywhere."