http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/sports/9557248.htm
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Harriton’s Callahan Bright (77), a two-way lineman, is one of the nation’s top college prospects, along with West Catholic’s Marques Slocum (75).
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Posted on Wed, Sep. 01, 2004
Rams' behemoth Callahan Bright a dominant force
By Rick O’Brien
INQUIRER SUBURBAN STAFF
In trying to draw up ways to neutralize Callahan Bright, opposing coaches will no doubt endure sleep-deprived nights.
Bright is a dominant two-way tackle for Harriton High. With his pass-rushing and tackling abilities, the 6-foot-3, 320-pound senior is being recruited by top-flight Division I-A programs across the nation.
He's also versatile. While he will start at tackle on offense, he can also play guard or line up at fullback. The blue-chipper, who has been timed at 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash, showed his athleticism last season when he picked up a short punt and returned it about 35 yards for a score. And if the Rams ever need a fill-in quarterback . . .
"He might have the best arm on the team," Harriton coach Harold Smith said.
On defense, the 17-year-old from Bryn Mawr is capable of being a one-man wrecking crew. That is why he is expected to be double- and triple-teamed this fall. The health of quarterbacks depends on it.
"People say it's not possible, but I want to get 30 sacks this year," Bright said. "I really think I can do it."
According to one recruiting Web site, rivals100.com, Bright is ranked third in the country among defensive tackles. Last April, at a football combine held at the University of Virginia, he excelled in one-on-one drills.
After that eye-catching performance, scholarship offers started pouring in. At last count, according to Smith, 48 offers were on the table. Last week, Bright narrowed the list to seven: Miami, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Florida State, Texas A&M, Purdue and USC.
"I try not to let my head get too big," Bright said. "But, yeah, it feels pretty good to be wanted by those schools."
Bright plans to take his five official visits during and after this season. "It's not going to be easy," he said. "Each college has something different to offer."
Intimidating
Bright has worked hard in the weight room. He can bench-press 385 pounds, dead-lift 660, and squat 700.
"I've known him since he was in sixth grade," Smith said. "He's always been bigger and stronger than everybody else."
Harriton went 5-5 overall and 3-4 in the Southern Chester County League last year. In the Rams' 21-14 home loss to Great Valley, which won the league championship, Bright was a handful on both sides of the ball.
"He's intimidating," Great Valley coach Gary Phillips said. "You have to be aware of where he is on the football field at all times."
Sun Valley coach Joe Possenti was left with the same impression after the Vanguards were beaten by visiting Harriton, 33-19, in an SCCL matchup.
"He runs well, knows how to deliver a blow. . . . He's a load," Possenti said. "You can see he has a lot of potential."
Smith has countless times watched Bright overpower a lineman. "He can really do some damage," the coach said. "He's a physical player, very tenacious. He plays the game at a different level."
And how does Bright plan to handle the extra attention he gets from opponents when he is on defense?
"I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve," he said. "I'll do whatever it takes to fight off a block and get to the ball."
Detour
Bright did not arrive at Harriton until last year. After graduating from Welsh Valley Middle School, he attended Glen Mills for two years.
Glen Mills, located in Delaware County, is a school for court-adjudicated youths. Bright said he was sent there because of "behavioral problems."
According to Smith, Bright was required to spend sixth months at Glen Mills. "He ended up staying for an extra year-and-a-half," the coach said.
"He found it a positive place to be."
Bright agreed.
"It was tough at first," he said. "But, truthfully, that was the best thing that ever happened to me. I had to grow up and adapt to different situations. It taught me how to respect others."
Bright said he has made staying out of trouble a priority.
"I've matured a lot," he said. "I would rather work out or play sports than hang with a bad crowd."
Big brother
Callahan Bright is not the only star athlete in his family. His brother, Gene, graduated from Harriton in 2003 after excelling in football and basketball. He earned a football scholarship to Purdue, where he is a redshirt sophomore.
On Purdue's depth chart, the 6-4, 237-pound Bright is listed as a second-string defensive end. Smith said Gene Bright is "a very competitive kid. He loves any kind of challenge."
When it comes to sports, the brothers are a lot alike. "Actually, in football, I might be 10 times more aggressive than him," Callahan Bright said. "Football is what I wake up for. It's what I enjoy doing the most."
As a senior at Harriton, Gene Bright helped lead the basketball team to a 25-5 record and a PIAA District 1 Class AAA championship. The Rams advanced to the quarterfinal round of the state tournament.
Callahan Bright, who played for the Harriton lacrosse team last spring, plans to join the basketball team this year. Over the summer, he played in a couple of leagues with the Rams.
"He's aggressive, very athletic, and he's a strong rebounder," Clyde Jones, Harriton's basketball coach, said. "When he comes to play, he's a force."
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http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/spo...ol/9557114.htm
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Posted on Thu, Sep. 02, 2004
Callahan Bright: A Closer Look
School:Harriton.
Hometown: Bryn Mawr.
Position: Two-way tackle.
Height:6-foot-3.
Weight: 320 pounds.
40-yard dash: 4.9 seconds.
College possibilities: Miami, Oklahoma, USC, Nebraska, Florida State, Texas A&M, Purdue.
Favorite subject and why: Math. "Because my football coach [Harold Smith] is the teacher."
Favorite player and why: Warren Sapp, Oakland Raiders defensive end. "He dominates the game, really gets after people."
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Last edited by Buckskin86; 09-02-2004 at 08:00 AM.
Reason: added picture
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07-02-2004, 12:53 AM
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