Everything started with last year's spring game in which he scored four spectacular touchdowns: an 80-yard kickoff return, punt returns of 63 and 56 yards and a 90-yard reception that was overthrown, but he still ran it down.
Marvin Bracy of Boone High School.
Photo by Darrell Laxton
"When that hit the internet, the next thing I've got people calling from all over the place about this kid," Ziglar noted. "When you put pads on him he carries the ball with more speed than I have seen in 36 years. It's how he changes directions full-speed and never misses a beat. He is a phenomenal football player."
It was déjà vu, according to Bracy, because in his first varsity game he matched his first JV game by returning the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown against Orlando Olympia.
"I was kind of nervous," Bracy admitted. "The ball came straight at me. I just did what I had to do."
Opponents rarely kicked to him again last fall. Still, he finished with 11 touchdowns, including two punt returns. He had 26 catches for 463 yards and six touchdowns, while rushing 28 times for 387 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Ziglar pointed out that powerhouse programs such as Florida State, Alabama, Nebraska and Oklahoma are among the many schools courting his young superstar.
The veteran coach added proudly, "A lot of people in our community know he is a phenomenal young man (off the field) and very humble. It's a pleasure to see as a coach. He is handling (his success) with a lot of class and character. He's a good ambassador for our school."
Ziglar started nine sophomores last year and took some lumps. The Braves should be administering some of their own lumps next fall. But Bracy is in track now and he's dead serious about making some big waves.
"I do two practices a day," he pointed out. "I practice with my team and with my personal coach (Ricky Argro). I really don't chase times. If I can win the state every year, I'll be satisfied."
Down the road, he wants to try out for the 2012 Olympics and also expects to play college football for four years.
Shearouse is excited, because as he puts it, "We still have a whole another year to see what he can accomplish."
That goes for football and track.
"I'd like to try pro track and football," Bracy affirmed. "I'm never going to pick just one unless I have to."
