As starting quarterback Ben Bryant ’18 steps onto Bennett Field, his relaxing and calming presence soon changes as he calls out plays and organizes his offense. Bryant, who last year started as a sophomore, now looks forward to improving his abilities as a junior. In the opening game on August 26 against Warren Township, Bryant completed 12 of his 14 passes and threw for 175 yards.

“Last year’s first game didn’t go as well as I wanted, I was very nervous and had jitters,” Bryant said. “But this year I felt more comfortable, aware and focused.”

Coming off a first round play-off loss to New Trier High School last year, Bryant has begun to improve both his skills and leadership.

“We have to focus week to week and not get too far ahead of ourselves,” Bryant said.

He knows this won’t come so easily, as currently two starting offensive linemen, Charlie O’Connor ‘18 and Jack Hangsterfer ’18, are injured. However, Bryant looks to see past that fact in their upcoming games. In the 2015 season, Bryant led the team to a four game winning streak at the beginning of the season.

“I think we will do well in these upcoming games. We are more prepared then ever,” Bryant said.

Bryant has begun receiving calls from Division 1 football programs such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Central Michigan University.

“It was really surprising to get calls this early,” Bryant said. “I went to some camps over the summer and the schools started to recognize me.”

Bryant spent long hours during the summer improving his skills. The team has improved as a whole over the summer, he said. Another strong contribution to his success is the strong relationship he has built with Quarterback Coach Jon Beutjer. Beutjer has been coaching Bryant since he was in 6th grade. Over the years their relationship has strengthened.

“Bryant is a team guy and wants nothing more than to win conference and lead our team to a state championship,” Beutjer said. “He works extremely hard, is calm under pressure, and goes above and beyond to be the best quarterback that he can be.  His overall understanding of offensive schemes and reading defenses has improved as well.”

Beutjer said that Bryant is a positive player and wants nothing more than to win. He and Bryant consistently talk on and off the field.

“If I am watching film and I see a play I want to use against the opposing team, I’ll text Coach immediately,” Bryant said.

Beutjer is a former quarterback at the University of Illinois and has seen incredible progress with Bryant this season.

“He is much further ahead than I was,” Beutjer said. “He has a stronger arm and a much quicker release than I did as a junior.”

Not only has Bryant developed a strong bond with his coaches, but with his teammates as well. Reggie Terrell ’17, the current starting running back, said Bryant is the smartest player on the field.

“He works extremely hard and doesn’t only make plays with his arm, but also with his feet,” Terrell said.

Last season Bryant was more timid with his run game, but this year that has changed. He has turned into an effective mobile quarterback, Terrell said. The bond between a running back and a quarterback is typically strong, but with Terrell and Bryant it is even more.