By Owen Gotimer
LoCoSports Editor-in-Chief
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Ashburn (January 28, 2016) — Broad Run High School senior Brendin Brooks has made a commitment to continue his football career at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania beginning in the 2016-2017 academic year.
“I chose Cheyney because it seemed like a great fit for me,” the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Brooks said. “Cheyney hasn’t won a game in nearly four years, and I’m willing to help this program become a winning team over the next four years.”
In the midst of a rough patch, the Division II Wolves have not won a football game since September 1, 2012 when they beat Lincoln University, 34-21, in Oxford. Since then, Cheyney has gone 0-43, but that record has not stopped interim head coach Chris Roulhac from preparing his team for success.
“I think I’ll add a lot of athleticism, aggressiveness and effort to their line,” Brooks said.
Brooks – who played mainly offensive line for the Spartans last fall – will transition to the defensive line at the collegiate level.
As a Spartan offensive lineman, Brooks helped create holes for superstar junior running back Meech Hembry and pockets for first-year starting quarterback Kyle Brickerd as Broad Run finished their 2015 campaign at 8-4 falling to Ashburn-rival Stone Bridge in a VHSL 5A North region quarterfinal on November 20.
“I’ve had the time of my life playing for Broad Run. We’ve made unforgettable memories on and off the field, and I would do anything to relive Broad Run football. Coach [Matt] Griffis is a great coach, and I would like to give him and coach [Jarod] Toler all the credit for me making this commitment.”
Even though he will be travelling to Cheyney – which is located just outside of Philadelphia – next fall, Brooks hopes to maintain the relationships he created with his Broad Run coaches and teammates throughout his life.
“I play football because I love the sport with all my heart. You create a bond with strangers who eventually become some of your closest friends,” Brooks said. “As soon as I started playing in AYFL in 2007, I knew football was the sport for me. I can’t imagine my life without it.”
