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| LONGVIEW - Several words that begin with eh letter "S" describe Bryce Redman. An offensive guard for Longview's football team, he is strong, sturdy, stable and has quite a bit of savvy.
Yet among all these standards, one trait beginning with an "S" provides the substance for everything else he does. "I'm a stubborn person," Redman said. "You have to be determined to get to your goals, or you won't really get there." Being stubborn has sent Redman to a level among the best in the state. He has helped the Lobos return to the Class 4A Division I State Championship game, where a rematch against Lake Travis awaits 6 p.m. Saturday at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco. Redman has also set a standout personal standard. He was a first-team selection on the Associated Press Sports Editors' Class 4A all-state team, which was released on Wednesday, Redman has received even higher praise from his coach John King, who was an offensive lineman at Norhwestern State in the 1980s. King compared Redman to former Longview standout Trent Williams, who currently plays for the University of Oklahoma and received All-America honors earlier this month. "With strength, speed and toughness, Bryce is as good as I have ever coached," King said. "At the same stages of their high school careers, Bryce is a better football player than Trent." Redman has been an anchor for Longview's offensive line, starting 45 games the past three seasons. King said hone he saw Redman play middle-school football four years ago, he knew he would be a good football player. Before that happened however, Redman's body had to catch up with his skill. Redman got a taste of varsity football as a freshmen, playing in the second half of Longview's 68-0 obliteration of Dallas Bryan Adams in a Class 5A Division II bi-district playoff in 2006. Back then, Redman weight 225 pounds, and he said that year's playoff experience taught him he had to gain weight in muscle. He went on a offseason training schedule where he lifted weights at a minimum of five days a week, pushing his weight closer to the 276 pounds he currently has on his 6'2 frame. "When he came back after his freshmen year, Bryce was all-muscle," said Longview nose tackle Bubba Vactor, a frequent sparring partner with Redman. "That was the beginning." While he was in the lineup for the 2007 season, Redman still had plenty to learn. Redman said one particular lesson was against John Tyler defensive lineman Adren Dorsey, in a game Longview won 10-6, but the Lobo offense played poorly. Dorsey currently plays for Texas A&M. "During the game, he told me, 'You ain't big enough yet youngster,'" Redman said. "I learned there's always somebody bigger and better. That was something to remember in the weight room." A strategy for Redman was putting on weight while eating healthy. Redman said his typical breakfast is a protein shake. A common lunch is canned chicken on a baked potato, which he confesses can irritate his friends because the chicken "smells really bad." Redman said he will eat normal dinners, his favorite is his mother Cathleen's chick fettuccine. "I like sugar. I love Dr. Peppers, but I don't think them anymore," Redman said. Since Redman has been in the lineup, the Lobos are 39-6. Longview defensive end Jeremiah Farley said by this season, Redman's technique was outstanding, especially with his arms. "Once he gets his arms extended on somebody, they won't get away," Farley said. Longview quarterback Aaron Johnson said Redman has improved the most on balance, after opposing lineman got him off-balance in his sophomore year. Longview offensive tackle Tevin Ratcliff said Redman has taught other offensive lineman to keep their composure, which cuts down on jumping offsides. Yet while Redman is usually composed, Longview running back Tyler McCray said Redman gets intense in the game, especially when an opposing defensive lineman avoids contact with him. McCray said when Redman is intense, his skin gets flushed. "When Bryce gets mad, he turns red. Redman becomes the red man," said McCray, with a laugh. McCray said this intensity can also be inspiring. This was the case this season when Longview led arch rival Marshall 23-22 at halftime before pulling away for a 47-30 victory. "At halftime of the game, he told everybody to come into a circle. He gave a speech that was about focus and encouragement," McCray said. "That was the best speech from a player I have ever heard." Redman's personal matchups have evolved from Dorsey in his sophomore year, to playing Jamarkus McFarland of Lufkin (who is currently at the University of Oklahoma) in his junior year. Going against McFarland, Redman helped Longview win a 45-37 triple-overtime decision. Redman's ultimately test may have been this past week, when he faced Denton Guyer defensive tackle Taylor Bible, who has verbally committed to the University of Texas. Redman's play against Bible helped the Lobos have three 100-yard rushers in a 49-28 win over Guyer in a state semifinal, after Guyer had allowed just two 100-yard rushers earlier this season. "I knew I had to keep up my blocks and play my best game. I shot inside and got my hands on his chest," Redman said. "It was just another opponent for me, but it was kind of special since he's going to Texas." Redman said Vactor is the best opposition he has faced in high school. Redman also gives credit to his father Morty for providing him inspiration for his play, and some of his natural size. Morty was a 5'11, 315-pound standout lineman for San Angelo Lake View from 1983 to 1985. "His play reminds me of mine, only Bryce is bigger, faster and stronger," Morty Redman said. King said if Redman was two or three inches taller, he could have been able to play college football anywhere he wanted. Redman verbally committed to the University of Houston in June, a decision he said he will almost certainly stick with, especially since Farley and Johnson have also committed to UH. King said he believes Redman could be a three-or four-year starter for Houston, playing for coach Kevin Sumlin. His goals for the future brings up a couple words beginning with the letter "S" which don't describe Redman: standing still. "I will try to start work for the next level right away. I want to weigh 290 pounds by the time I hit college," Redman said. "Coach Sumlin is not afraid to play young players." |