Braylon Blanton’s name is one you hear mentioned a lot as a 2-sport star at Chesnee High School. The senior is a standout Wide Receiver and Free Safety on the football team and is also a prolific Shooting Guard on the basketball team. As you might imagine, the natural inclination towards sports is one that began at home – and his home life is one of the things that drives his mindset of wanting to do whatever it takes to earn his shot at the next level.
“I got into sports playing in my front yard as a kid”, said Blanton. “I have a great relationship with both of my parents. Both are always at all my games and for sure they have been the biggest influence on my life. In everything I do, I just want to do whatever it takes to make them proud.”
Aside from the desire to make his family proud, Braylon has also always been driven by sheer love of the game and the community at Chesnee High.
“I have always been driven to be different. I like to be outside and playing the game I love. But I also live for Friday nights. There is just nothing that beats the Friday night lights. I enjoy the environment the fans create at Chesnee, and I also love the fight that we play with every game”, Blanton said.
Being a 2-sport star, he has had the opportunity to be molded by 2 fantastic coaches in Brett Chappell and Zach Baldinelli – both of whom have taught him one valuable lesson that Braylon knows he will carry with him in every aspect of life long after his playing days have passed him by.
“The key thing my coaches have taught me that resonates is that I have to hold both myself and my team mates accountable”, Blanton stated with humility. “I also have learned from balancing life and school with playing 2 sports that you just have to find a routine that works for you and stay consistent at following it”, he later added.
Staying consistent is also the advice that Braylon would give to the aspiring young players that look up to him – along with a health tip that is relevant to avoid the annoying cramps that are so common during this point of the season.
“Stay consistent and persistent in everything you do and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water. You don’t need soda!” Blanton said with much emphasis.
Asked about his plans once the clock hits triple zeros on his senior year, Braylon once again emphasized that he was willing to do whatever it takes to and go wherever he has to in order to get a shot to play at the next level.
“I want to go to college and continue playing football”, said Blanton. “I don’t care where. It does not matter what school. I just want to do whatever it takes to earn a chance to play college ball for whatever school is willing to give me the chance.”
Braylon will have another shot to keep earning that chance at the next level this Friday Night as the Eagles make the trek to Blacksburg for their first region game of the season with kickoff set for 7:30 PM.
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