We would like to welcome our next Diamond In The Rough to Gridiron, Brynnum Chaney, a 5’11” 180-pound Class of 2027 Wide Receiver out of Rosepine High School. Chaney has a 3.7 GPA entering his senior year of high school and recently attended the Rosepine Gridiron Football Elite camp, where he performed well enough to be selected for the 2026 Gridiron All-American Bowl at the end of the year. He even had to leave the camp early to prepare for Prom that day, but he still performed well enough to earn acceptance. In his junior season, he totaled 60 catches for 512 yards and two touchdowns. He currently has over 1,800 all-purpose yards and ten total touchdowns. He combines size and speed to make himself an elite receiver in his district and is also an effective kick returner. He can also block extremely well, and his Hudl junior year tape has a couple of clips where he pushes defenders as far as 10 yards downfield. He is open to playing college football anywhere and with whoever gives him the best offer.
Here is my conversation with Brynnum Chaney:
What has your football journey been like? At what age did you start playing football, and what inspired you to play football?
I played flag football here and there when I was younger, and then I kind of stepped away from it and went hardcore into baseball. I think, around when I was 11 or 12, I got a little bit of size on me, I guess you could say. I had a few buddies who wanted me to play tackle football with them for the middle school team, and I kind of took off with that, and I have been playing football ever since. My dad, in ways, always wanted me to play it, so I’m glad I am.
Who have been some of the biggest influences in your journey? Family members, coaches, etc?
My dad, he’s was a big football player as well, so he always wanted me to play. My head coach and my offensive coordinator. I have a really good bond with them as they are always there for me. They’ve helped me a lot with camps, reaching out to college coaches, and so forth. My mom and her moral support has been huge for me.
How would you describe the football culture at your school and community?
It’s a pretty good culture. We’re kind of building new things. We’ve had a rough few years at football so far. We’re trying to build a new culture where everyone has to show up and be all in and dialed in. Have everyone show up to the workouts with the proper mindset of just getting bigger and stronger as a team for this upcoming season.
Do you have a core memory of playing flag football or when you first started playing?
I was younger than everybody, and I played like two ages up with my older cousin, and I remember running down the sideline, running away from everyone. I don’t remember how long a touchdown it was, but it felt pretty far because I was younger than everyone.
Was playing wide receiver something you always wanted to do, or did you have another position in mind at first?
I played running back like I think I always wanted to play running back but I think I’m a bit too short like I feel like I don’t have the size on me yet to play that position at the next level and I have the height for a reciever so once I got to high school, it’s kind of what I started playing and it has fit me very well.
What’s something about your game that you think separates you from other players at your position?
I believe speed and the ability to get open for me. Even if it’s like a busted play, find a way to get open and help my quarterback get the ball out to me or any of my teammates.
What part or parts of your game do you feel like have improved the most over the years, and what would you like to improve on?
I’ve definitely gotten much faster off the line over the past year or so, like I’ve been working on not taking a false step and getting off the line quickly. I definitely say I have good hands, but I’ve used the machines a lot to get better at them. I’d say I have pretty hands, but having that is what I need right now.
Walk me through your preparation during a typical game day.
Wake up, eat a nice breakfast, eggs and bacon, I’ll drink those Body Armor fruit punches, lots of water. Just give me a few of those, and I’ll be ready to play. I’ll have a light snack, a banana, and a flash of IV before the game, and then I’ll make sure I take care of my body after the game. I got my headphones in and try to lock in throughout the day, stay quiet, ready for the game, looking forward to it.
What were some of the toughest challenges you faced over the years of playing thus far?
Honestly, the losing part. As I’ve said, we’ve had a rough past few years, and I’ll say staying positive has been a bit of a challenge and a bit rough for me because it does suck losing, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to stay positive, and everything is going to be alright.
How would you describe yourself as a leader to your teammates?
I’m always asking my quarterback or my younger guys to go out on the field and run routes. I try to coach them up, and if I see something they need to work on, just let them know how to fix it. For any of the young bucks who are doing something wrong, help them out and make sure they are staying at the top of their game.
As you go into your senior year, what are some of your personal goals and goals for the team?
I want to try to reach 1,000 receiving yards, get at least 10 touchdowns this year, and, as a team, win as many games as we can and try to get a district championship.
When people look back at your high school career, what do you hope they say about you as a player and person?
I didn’t give up throughout the tough years we had. I was a leader, always helped others, and was a great football player.
Did you play any other sports when you were younger, or do you do any others now?
Yes, I did baseball.
What about other family members?
My dad played football, my mom played softball and ran track, and my younger sister plays basketball, softball, and runs track. My youngest sister is six years old. She just started tee-ball, and then she does basketball.
What was the Rosepine Gridiron Football camp experience like for you?
It was a great time. It was my first camp, and I really wanted to try to get an invite to the Gridiron Bowl game, showcase my talent, see what I’m capable of, and just meet new people and have a good time.
What was going through your mind as you got accepted into the Gridiron All-American Bowl Game?
So at the camp, I had to leave early to prepare for Prom. So I wasn’t there for the award ceremony or anything. I told one of the guys who ran it, “Hey, it was nice to meet you, and I have to leave early for prom.” He ended up saying he watched me during the drills, invited me, and I was shocked. I knew I was doing well in the drills, but I just did not think I would get invited. I thought I would have to put up big numbers during the season, but I’m very happy.
What were some of your biggest takeaways from it? What is something you learned the most?
I learned some new cone drills for footwork and getting out of your break, and a few other buddies taught me some drills to get faster, your 40, and the broad jump.
What has the recruitment process been like for you? Are you getting in contact with any college coaches?
I have a few. I’ve talked to UL, and they invited me out to one of the practices. I’ve talked to Northwestern State; they wanted me to keep in contact and invited me to one of the practices. I’ve talked to McNeese a little bit, but other than that, that’s kind of it.
Is there a specific college or colleges you have in mind that you want to play for?
Honestly, I don’t have one. Whoever offers me and the best offer, I will take the route.
Why do you believe you can be a difference maker wherever you end up?
I have a really good work ethic. When I want something, I’m going to go get and I’m very hardworking.
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