South Alabama Jaguars: Brandon Bridge Rising Up NFL Draft Boards
South Alabama Jaguars: Brandon Bridge Rising Up NFL Draft Boards
Standing at 6-5, 235 pounds, it is easy to see why South Alabama Jaguars’ quarterback Brandon Bridge impresses teammates, coaches and scouts.
Gifted with a strong-arm, gazelle like speed and great instincts, the 22-year-old’s unique blend of physical and athletic tools have the word “potential” glued to him.
After recently being named to the prestigious NFL Senior Bowl’s watch list, the former Peel Region standout looks primed to fulfill his potential with accomplishments.
Bridge’s ascension up NFL scouts draft boards started on a sticky Louisiana evening back in mid-July at the Manning Passing Academy.
Sep 13, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; South Alabama Jaguars quarterback Brandon Bridge (7) runs the ball against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the third quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mississippi State defeated South Alabama, 35-3. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
That evening in Thibodaux, Bridge showcased his potential in the Air-It-Out Challenge, finishing ahead of last years Heisman trophy finalist’s Marcus Mariota and Bryce Petty.
Although Bridge did not win the contest, eventually losing to Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion in the finals, he left quite the impression on those in attendance. He even garnered high praise from the NFL’s royal family, the Manning’s. As both Eli and Peyton Manning were impressed with Bridge’s skill set.
Ever since that sticky summer evening in the Bayou, Brandon Bridge is one of the hottest “sleeper” names on NFL draft boards.
Everywhere you look, Bridge and the rise of South Alabama football are synonymous. Analysts and player evaluators can’t get enough of Bridge.
Recently, both CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler and former Cleveland Browns Player Personnel Director, now Senior Bowl Executive Director, Phil Savage, have compared Bridge to current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
“Bridge is tall and lean with a rocket launcher on his right shoulder like the 49ers quarterback and has more than enough velocity to toss ropes to all levels of the field,” said Brugler.
Savage quickly agreed with Brugler’s assessment, deeming Bridge as “baby Kaepernick” on his personal Twitter account.
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While the praise of Bridge’s potential continues to flow in, he is not worried about the pressure that comes with it.
“I’m not worried about the pressure,” Bridge said. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this. I’m not going to let the opportunity slip by.”
After dismantling the Appalachian State Mountaineers 47-21 this past Saturday, South Alabama’s record improved to 3-2, tied for third place in the Sun Belt Conference. Bridge played very well on Saturday, throwing for 339 yards, three touchdowns, as well as 23 yards rushing and another touchdown.
More importantly, Bridge led the Jaguars’ offence to a season high 582 total yards, as well as the schools highest point total since 2010. Overall, Bridge has played well through five games, compiling 1,205 total yards and 8 total touchdowns.
If Bridge can continue his level of play, the growing sentiment is that Bridge has a good chance to become the third Canadian born quarterback to play in the NFL, joining Jesse Palmer and former Washington Redskins Super Bowl Champion Mark Rypien.
As Bridge’s season continues on, who would have known that his biggest pass completions might actually be the moving golf carts he hit from 10, 20 and 50-yards out back in July.