GILROY — Though Tuesday was Gilroy coach Brian Boyd’s birthday, the cake and balloons in the school’s library weren’t for him. He did, however, receive one very special present in the form of his son Brandon signing with Pacific University in Forest Grove, Ore. on an academic scholarship where he will play football next season.
“It was a great present,” the coach and father said. “We knew this day was going to come. We knew Brandon was going to play football somewhere. For him to get an academic scholarship, we’re extremely proud of him as a family.
“They have a back that’s fast, they have a back that has good hands, but he’s the package. They haven’t recruited a back that’s been the complete package, so we’re extremely excited about that opportunity.”
Brandon racked up 2,238 yards and 32 touchdowns for the Mustangs this year, helping them to a 5-5 overall record and their best record in his four years at the school. Game after game, Brandon credited his success to his teammates or as he considers them, his family. He’s hoping to find the same atmosphere at Pacific. The enrollment at the university is just 3,300 students, so the close-knit community and family feel was a major factor in Brandon’s decision to continue his playing career with the Boxers.
“I’m pretty excited. I don’t know much about Oregon, but I guess I’m going to learn,” Brandon said. “I chose them because the whole school felt like a family and it’s not too big so I won’t lose track of everything. Class sizes are small, so I’ll succeed there hopefully.”
Though Brandon will change from Mustang blue to Boxer red, that doesn’t mean he’ll be redshirting. He’ll get a chance that most incoming freshman don’t, a chance to compete for a starting position.
Pacific coaches were impressed with Brandon from the get-go. Brian said that within a half-hour of receiving Brandon’s film, the Boxers were on the phone. Despite receiving interest from several other Division III schools, Brandon said Pacific was the clear choice.
“The coaches told me that I could possibly start my first year, so that was a big thing,” Brandon said. “Pacific was actually the first DIII that called me and I really liked how the coach talked to me. He talked to me for about an hour. He was really nice.”
Bradon’s presence will be greatly missed by the Mustangs next season and Brian said it still hasn’t hit him that his son won’t be there next year. But many Gilroy players and coaches will still get to see Brandon play as roadtrips have already been arranged to visit Lincoln Park Stadium next season.
The Boxers open their season against the College of Idaho Sept. 6 at home.
“I’m just excited about getting up there and playing some college football,” Brandon said.
2,238 total yard by the senior running back this season
32 touchdowns
5-5 overall record
