The steady hum of stadium lights and the lingering smell of freshly cut grass is the calm before the storm on the Jasper Vikings’ football field. That storm has a name: Brodie Vinson.

Words by Erin Shockey | Photos by Al Blanton

The All-Star Senior defensive lineman has worked hard to succeed during his time at Jasper High School. There is no question about his talent on the football field, but his commitment to excelling academically is what makes him stand out from the crowd. Even as a young kid, Brodie always worked hard to achieve grades he was proud of. “I was always told that football can only take you so far; your education is the most important thing,” says Vinson.

With this mentality, Brodie has attracted the attention of many universities across the country during the recruiting process. Among these universities is an Ivy League school nestled in the Cambridge area of Boston—Harvard University. 

“I was a little in awe, but not shocked,” Brodie said of his recruitment by the prestigious institution. “I knew with my academic records and my level of play, I could go to an Ivy.” 

As a whole, Vinson says the recruiting process has been both great and humbling. Since on-campus recruiting has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he hasn’t had any face-to-face contact with any schools, something much different than years past. However, he says that the support that he receives from his parents, coaches, and teachers is unwavering.

“My parents, Anthywon and Lisa King, have always been very supportive. They are always at every game no matter how far we are traveling.”

On the football field, the JHS coaching staff challenges Brodie and his teammates to improve every week. Brodie says that his coaches push him to do his best in everything he does, whether in the weight room, in practice, on the field, or in the classroom. The Viking star has also won the admiration of Philip Bailey, who is in the middle of his first season as head coach of the Vikings.

"Brodie has worked extremely hard athletically and academically, and he is deserving of everything that comes his way,” said Bailey. “He is a product of the Jasper City School System and the Jasper community. I am proud of what Brodie has accomplished here and I am excited to see what God has in store for his future."

In the classroom, Brodie has had the opportunity to take Advanced Placement (AP) classes and dual enrollment courses. He attributes his academic success to the teachers and curriculum at Jasper High School that have pushed him to excel.

At this time, Brodie is considering offers from Harvard and the University of Tennessee at Martin (UT-Martin). Doubtless that the decision may become all the more difficult when he continues to get more offers as the recruiting season kicks into high gear. 

Whichever school he chooses, Brodie plans to major in business in hopes of attending law school and ultimately fulfilling his dream of becoming a lawyer. 78