The Next Chapter: Bryton Constantin tells story behind Clemson commitment
Bryton Constantin was reeling in big offer after big offer in February and March, but now we are in April, and he has found his school. The linebacker out of Baton Rouge (La.) University has committed to Clemson.
He tells his story behind his decision to be a Tiger.
It has definitely been a wild ride for these 17 years of my life. Football has opened doors for me that I used to dream of having. But before I get started about my God-given gift, I would love to tell you guys about my mom. If it wasn't for her, there is no way I would be anywhere near the position I am in now.
She raised me as a single mother my whole life. She had no other focus other than to help me follow my dream, teach me how to do what's best for me and not to worry about the opinion of others no matter what. She had to teach me how not to worry about the opinion of others no matter what because the school I went to from Kindergarten-fourth grade.
I was one of a few African-Americans there and that was not easy. I had to keep control of myself and I always just told myself not to worry about it and to keep going. Every time I got home, she would comfort me and just explain to me that everything would be OK.
Growing up I always took little things for granted. Like her taking me to practice, buying me cleats and getting me everything I needed and wanted. Now, since I am older, I grew up and appreciate my mom much more. I realized that the little things are the things that mean the most in life because not everyone does and not everyone recognizes them.
When I was 10, my mom had my little brother, Beckett. When she had him I realized I wasn't the only one and the only focus anymore, so I had to do a little bit more on my own. She was still a single mother, so I had to help around the house and with as much as possible.
For the past eight years, she has raised him and I single-handedly, but now, she has to restart the process with him and all of his needs and practices. Watching her raise him and I at the same time only makes me work harder every day, because I know my little brother wants to play football just like me and I know that one day I have to pay my mom back for all that she has done for me.
Football has been a walk in the park for me. Growing up, I was never the fastest or the biggest, but that only made me find another way to be ahead of other people — I had to out-smart them. Doing that improved my game when my body finally developed and all of my physical attributes rose to the level of my peers.
I didn't start playing linebacker until I got to high school and that was life changing. I transferred to University Lab School my freshman year after spending four years at Parkview Baptist school. The day I got here, my coaches saw potential in me and I cannot thank them enough for pushing me every day. They have made me a better person and football player. Without them, I would not be the player I am today.
My freshman year I was on the team with Dylan Moses and Laryon James, two great linebackers that I learned from every day. My sophomore year was the time for me to step up at a young age and show everyone that I can play. In my junior year, I knew that if I ever wanted to make a name for myself, this was the year to do it.
The team had a great year, coming out as the best team in the state and the No. 38 team in the country. After this amazing season my recruiting process picked up big time. Plenty of schools have offered me a full scholarship to be part of their program. I want to thank every school that has wanted me to be part of their team and every coach that has recruited me.
The whole process has been extremely fun and I know it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, but the next best step for me is commitment. There have been a couple of schools that have stood out to me, but there is one that just fits me perfectly, so I want to seal that deal.
The first day I talked to the coach, we connected and I knew he would be able to make me the best man and football player I can be. With that being said, I am pleased to say that I am 100-percent committed to Clemson University!
Thank you mom!
