A signing ceremony was held Thursday afternoon at Warren Gym for three Brownwood senior student-athletes continuing their athletic and academic careers, as Lion Brandon Still is bound for Hardin-Simmons and its nationally-ranked football program.
Still, a first-team all-district choice at left guard as a senior, helped clear the way for a Brownwood offense that averaged 30 points and 367 yards – 264 rushing and 103 passing – per outing.
“This means a lot. Football is my passion and this gives me another four years to pursue by passion,” Still said of the opportunity to continue his football career at the next level.
Of his decision to attend Hardin-Simmons, Still said, “First off, early in recruiting the coaches were very friendly and supported me and said I had the perfect build for them. They were looking for people like me, people with good character, so it just shows me they are looking to have good people on their team and they’re looking to win, so that’s why I decided to go there.”
Still added he was also considering Howard Payne and Southwestern.
Brownwood Lion head football coach and athletic director Sammy Burnett said of Still, “He’s a great example of delayed gratification. He worked for everything he had, served his time and when his time came he was ready. He was the rock of our offensive line and everything’s he gained he’s earned and he ought to be proud of that. Thank you for setting an example, thank you for trusting your coaches and understanding one day your time will come.”
Lions offensive line coach Dex Dennard echoed similar sentiments regarding Still.
“As an offensive line coach you look for three things – are they big, are they smart and are they tough,” Dennard said. “He was first team all-district left guard in probably the toughest district in the state in 4A. I’m extremely proud of Brandon as a worker, he preserved. In a day and age where kids want that instant gratification of being the man right away, Brandon had to wait his turn and he’s the highest-graded offensive lineman we’ve had since I’ve been here. College recruiters want to know if players will stick it out, it’s a marathon and not a sprint, and Brandon Still will stick it out.”
Looking back on his time as a Brownwood Lion, Still said his fondest memories are, “The brotherhood I had with my other O-linemen. We were a family.”
Still plans on majoring in Engineering at Hardin-Simmons.
As for his goals on the field, Still said, “I plan on being the best I can be and helping the team win.”