Brock on the road to recovery

Expectations were high. The stage was set. Ty Brock was ready to take the 2015 season by storm. However, before the season could even start, the script was re-written.

Entering the season, Brock was regarded as one of the top 2017 recruits and earned Rivals250 status after a strong spring and summer. Houston and McNeese State had already extended scholarship offers and coaches from several other top college programs were waiting to see junior tape.

As the College Station Cougars starting quarterback, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound dual threat prospect was poised to take on an expanded role during the 2015 season, but early in the Cougars only preseason scrimmage Brock saw his season come to an abrupt end.

"It was a dropback pass play," Brock said. "I dropped back and saw nobody open. So I stepped up to run and one of my linemen drove two defensive linemen backwards and they all landed on the back of my leg. It was estimated I had about 700-pounds of weight on the back of my leg."

Brock's leg was broken, his season was over, and in the moment he was "crushed."

"We knew when it happened the severity of it, but we also knew who Ty was and the character he has and the drive he has," College Station offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Kyle Walsh said. "We knew if there was anyone who could deal with it and overcome it, it would be Ty and he has done everything we knew he would do. He's gone through tough times and this has not been easy on him."

He underwent surgery to have a rod was inserted into his leg. He spent three days in the hospital and for about three weeks he rarely left his bed. It was not easy, but the outpouring of support and encouragement has helped keep his spirits high.

"It was huge," Brock said. "I don't know how I would have gotten through it without the people around me. Even people I didn't know, really the whole community has been doing a great job of helping me and my family out in a difficult time. Besides my friends and family, my faith has really helped me. I mean knowing everything happens for a reason, and knowing I can comeback from this and play again that's really what's been driving me."

Brock has also served as an example and rallying point for his teammates, who enter Friday night's match-up with Huntsville with a 5-1 overall record and 3-0 in district.

"I think first it was kind of a rallying point when it happened," College Station head coach Steve Huff said. "Everybody goes from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows just knowing how tough of a kid he is and what he's gone through, and the kids couldn't wait for him to be back around."

"I'd say more than anything just watching him with how he's dealt with this setback is motivation for the kids," Walsh said. "Ty has proven over time his character and who he is, and the kids know that and see that and I think that was part of what was so hard for some of the guys to deal with. They know him, so why does something like this happen to a guy like Ty who has done everything right and has proven time and time again his character.

"That's one of the hardest things is when something like this happens to a guy like Ty. So just the way he's dealt with it and it's ok to hurt a little bit. It hasn't all been easy on Ty and it continues to not be and that's ok. So to see the human side of him, but also just the reassurance that Ty's going to be alright. Particularly Ty's faith. His family's faith is rock solid, and just to see them live by that is just as motivating to our guys."

The last month has seen Brock return to the classroom and he is working out again. In the last few days he has gotten rid of his crutches and is walking on his own.

"I know he's been working his tail off in rehab because from where he was not that long ago to where he is now there's no way you get there that quickly without working your tail off," Huff said. "But whatever he can do weight-wise he's in there doing it and getting his lifting in and trying to gain his weight back."

He is also back with his teammates. He may not be in the huddle but he has doing what he can to help the team.

"Ty's support of Reece Easterling, who has stepped in and done a great job at quarterback for us, and Ty has been there and encouraged Reece and we're seeing Reece grow as well," Walsh said. "He's kind of been a rallying cry for our team. Our defense especially came out and had a couple of shutouts, and I think a lot of it has to do with playing with that extra motivation of Ty."

Brock has also taken some recruiting visits. Recently he was able to visit Houston.

Having fun at U of H tonight #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/WJijzyb72F- Ty Brock (@chewbrockka11) October 9, 2015

"It was nice," Brock said of the Houston visit. "It was kind of a relieving feeling knowing I can still play at the next level, and I'm going to be able to comeback from this and play the sport I love again."

He was able to spend time with Houston offensive coordinator Major Applewhite and tight end/fullbacks coach Corby Meekins, and he soaked in the atmosphere. This weekend he will take an unofficial visit to the Texas A&M-Alabama game, and he continues to receive considerable interest from Colorado State, Pittsburgh, and Washington.

A full recovery is expected, and possibly return stronger than ever. Brock's goals are to play baseball in the spring, 7-on-7 in the summer, and lead College Station next fall.

The script had a re-write in 2015, but Ty Brock is motivated and he is focused. The expectations remain high and he is excited about the future.

"His attitude has always been great," Huff said. "He's a winner. He is so driven to go and do and get better, that's just him."