TERRANCE BRAND
SENIOR, SENN SPORT: FOOTBALL
Why he’s got game: Brand has been the engine behind the Bulldogs’ 6-0 start. The quarterback had one of the best games in his senior campaign in Saturday’s 44-16 win over Austin, completing 8 of 11 attempts for 204 yards and two touchdowns (36 and 8 yards). Brand also rushed for two scores, both on quarterback sneaks of 2 yards. His performance against Austin raised his seasonal passing totals to 35 completions in 52 attempts for 876 yards and nine touchdowns. He also has rushed 25 times for 211 yards and three scores. While Brand has been rolling up the yardage on offense, he plays opposite a Bulldogs’ defense that started the season by shutting out its first four opponents.
What is your favorite sports movie? ” ‘The Program’ with Omar Epps. He’s my favorite actor. I liked it mostly because his character showed a lot of leadership.”
Do you have a pregame ritual or superstition? “I talk to the team, both on the bus and in the locker room before we take the field. I just want to make sure everyone stays focused and that we’re on the right track.”
Are you surprised at the level of success you’re having? “Yes, I just expected a normal season. Then we started off and no one scored on us, and I got to thinking that we were pretty good. I didn’t expect that to last all season.”
If you could be one person for one day, who would it be and why? “Michael Jordan. I like the leadership he exhibited on the floor. It helped make all of his teammates better. I also respect the work he’s done in the community with Boys & Girls Clubs.”
What’s the hardest part about balancing your football responsibilities and schoolwork? “My teachers are always comparing football to schoolwork. They tell me that if I do that well on the football field, I can do just as well in the classroom. It shows that they want me to do better and it shows that they care about my education.”
