2024 PFN Player Profile: Getting To Know Pittsburgh Central Catholic Offensive/Defensive Lineman Sam Brackney
Tagged under: District 7, Game Photos-Videos, News, Player Previews
contributor | May 15, 2024
Sam Brackney
center
Pittsburgh Central Catholic
Class: 2025
Jersey: 63
Height and weight: 6’2, 280
Other sports: lacrosse
Awards won/earned:WPIAL 1st Team All-6A
Twitter: @sam_brackney
Words From the coach
1st Team All Conference Center as a Junior, part of a line that paved the way for 1,400 yard rushed Elijah Faulkner. Smart, athletic, tough player that sees the game like a coach. Very technically sound player with excellent feet and change of direction.
How long have you played football, along with the reasons you continue to play?
I have played football since I was 8 years old. I fell in love with the little things about the game, and I continue to play because of the love I have for the game.
What is the best part of being a student-athlete at Pittsburgh Central Catholic?
A lot of places claim to have ‘brotherhood’ and the term is thrown around loosely, but the people I have met at Central in the last 3 years have changed my life. I’d do anything for those guys; it’s the best to be able to hang out, go to class, and play football with my best friends every day. Central has the brotherhood and culture of excellence that every school strives for.
What is the toughest part of being a high school student-athlete?
Balance is the most difficult part. It can be difficult to balance watching films with all of my AP course work.
What is your favorite part of practice?
I love our inside-run period. It is the grittiest and most intense part of our practice. It is what Western PA football is meant to be, and I can’t get enough of it.
Who is the toughest teammate to square off against in practice?
Roman Thompson. He made me better every day last year and made me much better at climbing to the second level.
Who is the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the reason he was so tough?
Ryan Cory. He was super strong and made me better both times I played him.
Which side of the line do you feel you are better at?
I’m much better at the offensive line.
Which side of the line is the hardest to prepare for?
On the offensive line, there’s so much particularity and detail that many people don’t understand.
What are your goals for the 2024 season?
I want to be the best Sam Brackney that I can be. I want to be a leader for my team and the best teammate I can be.
With this coming season being your last as a high school player, are you preparing any differently?
I have a different chip on my shoulder this year. This is the last season with my brothers, and I’m going to give them my all.
After the season is over, if you are invited to play in any of the statewide all-star games, will you?
Yes, it would be an honor to play for and represent PCC.
Would you share with PAFOOTBALLNEWS NATION some of the schools that are recruiting you?
I have been getting recruited by Maine, Bucknell, Columbia, the Navy, and a couple of other schools.
What is your go-to snack?
I love ice cream. Most of my teammates call me the Ice Cream Man because of how much I love it.
Have you ever been to a Pittsburgh Pirates game?
Yes, of course. I used to go much more frequently when I was younger, but I still love a good Pierogi Race!
What is your favorite class or subject?
I love English; it’s super interesting to hear and learn about how literature has shaped our society and our culture over time.
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