Brightwell is a 6-1, 206, Sophomore running back. He played in every game last year primarily on special teams making 2 tackles. Brightwell was listed as a receiver last year because that unit needed more depth and gave him a better chance of seeing the field. He moved to running back in the spring and has a good shot at the number 2 spot. Brightwell looked really good in the open scrimmage, but left early for a leg injury.
As a high school Junior, Brightwell rushed for 1309 yards on 9.9 ypc and 19 TDs. He only played in 4 games as a Senior, but still ran for 519 yards on 6.7 ypc and 8 TDs. It is not his numbers that impress me most, but Brightwell's character, work ethic, and background. Zach Rosenblatt, AZ Star, wrote a great story on Brightwell last summer that highlights what he has overcome and what drives Brightwell. He has a great chance to be the #2 RB and a breakout star this year.
23 is the Arizona record for rushing TDs in a season set by Tucson's own KaDeem Carey in 2013.
Re: 23 Gary Brightwell
Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 7:33 am
by Chicat
I’m really interested to see what this running game looks like. I feel like for Tate to be successful, teams are going to also have to scheme for guys like Brightwell.
Re: 23 Gary Brightwell
Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 7:34 am
by azcat49
Looks like we are going to see a lot of this guy this year.
Re: 23 Gary Brightwell
Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 7:58 am
by Merkin
Whatever happened to Nathan Tilford? Thought it was a big pickup when the Cats got him, and now he rarely sees the field outside of ST, even when the top 2 RBs are hurt.
Re: 23 Gary Brightwell
Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 8:45 am
by azcat49
Tilford's running third. I think they like Brightwell and his ability to catch that swing pass that Mazzone so loves
Re: 23 Gary Brightwell
Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 10:38 am
by Chicat
Re: 23 Gary Brightwell
Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 1:11 pm
by BearDown89
Chicat wrote:I’m really interested to see what this running game looks like. I feel like for Tate to be successful, teams are going to also have to scheme for guys like Brightwell.
azcat49 wrote:Looks like we are going to see a lot of this guy this year.
azcat49 wrote:I think they like Brightwell and his ability to catch that swing pass that Mazzone so loves
I'm really interested to see if this kid has a breakout season. Been intrigued by him since we landed him. Looking forward to the new offense and some new faces . . .
Re: 23 Gary Brightwell
Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2018 1:27 pm
by ChooChooCat
BearDown89 wrote:
Chicat wrote:I’m really interested to see what this running game looks like. I feel like for Tate to be successful, teams are going to also have to scheme for guys like Brightwell.
azcat49 wrote:Looks like we are going to see a lot of this guy this year.
azcat49 wrote:I think they like Brightwell and his ability to catch that swing pass that Mazzone so loves
I'm really interested to see if this kid has a breakout season. Been intrigued by him since we landed him. Looking forward to the new offense and some new faces . . .
Definitely seems like Taylor will be 1A and Brightwell 1B. I think Tilford will play the Zach Green role.
Re: 23 Gary Brightwell
Posted: Sat Sep 01, 2018 9:31 pm
by whatisee
Explain to me like I'm slow why you didn't play more last year?
