DITR: Braeden George

There is a lot of talent around the Baton Rouge area, but perhaps, the biggest sleeper that not a lot of people are talking about comes from Episcopal High School and his name is Braeden George. At 5’10, 175 pounds, George is one of the top running backs in the 2024 class for Louisiana. He also gets his work done in the classroom posting a 3.5 GPA and a 29 on his ACT.

“I think my biggest strengths are my patience and explosiveness working hand to hand. Over the course of last season, I got better at letting my blocks set up then taking off the moment I saw an opening.”

When George saw an opening last season, most of the time it resulted in six points. Last season, the Knights speedster accounted for over 1,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. His quickness, smooth running style, and ability to catch the ball out of the backfield mimics a current NFL superstar.

Episcopal RB Braeden George made the transition from defensive back to running back last season and made it look easy rushing for over 1,000 yards and accounting for close to 20 touchdowns. (Photo courtesy of Braeden George)

“A running back I’ve watched a lot and have tried to emulate is Alvin Kamara. I’m a big fan of his patience and how his running seems almost effortless. He has very little wasted movement.”

With a lot of uncertainty heading into the season at the running back position replacing its two leading rushers from the season before, all George and his counterpart Reid Chauvin did was combine for over 2,000 yards and 30 touchdowns while leading the Knights to a fourth straight nine game plus winning season. Filling the shoes of program greats Thomas D’Armond and Ethan Carmouche, the Knights’ running game did not lose a beat and with both George and Chauvin returning in 2023, the 1-2 punch could be even better this upcoming season for Episcopal’s Wing T offense.

“I love having Reid in the backfield with me because the defense has to split their attention between the both of us. Me and him both bring something to the offense that can really give the defense problems and being a Wing T offense, me or him can get the ball on any given play so the defense really has to be on top of their game to stop us. Even after this year, I think during his senior season, he’ll be an even bigger threat.”

Right now, George is the Knights’ number one option in the backfield and it has to do with his incredible quickness and patience. Those were some of the traits that helped him make the transition from defensive back to running back.

“I think the biggest aspect of playing defensive back that has helped me transition to running back is having to recognize the movement of my opponent and react to that movement whether it be a quick cut or a spin move to help me get past a defender.”

While his skills helped George make the seamless transition from defense to offense, it was a former NFL star that helped George get the most out of his potential in Jimmy Williams. The late, legendary Episcopal star had a great football career at Vanderbilt and in the NFL before coming back to his alma mater and helping young men grow as not only players, but young men.

Tragically, Williams passed away in July of 2022 after battling cancer, and even though he is gone, the impact that Williams has made still lingers with George to this day.

“My favorite memory from being coached by Coach Jimmy has to be the pregame talks he gave the dbs after we finished the Big Cat. Every single game, he had a new speech that got us motivated and had us ready to go out and knock someone’s head off. What I learned the most was to soak up information like a sponge and always be ready to play no matter the circumstances. The first thing he told me when I arrived as a freshman was to learn as quickly as I could because at any moment, I could be the next man up.”

Episcopal RB Braeden George had the fastest 40 at the Gridiron Football Elite Camp with a 4.53 time. (Photo taken by Andy Bryson)

Despite being a star for Episcopal, George still does whatever is necessary for his team including being that next man up whether it is on defense or on special teams. In fact, the biggest highlight this past season from George came on the defensive side of the football when he returned an interception for a touchdown against Ascension Catholic to give the Knights a late lead in a big non-district game.

His ability to make the big plays in big moments will help the Knights in 2023. This upcoming season, the two way 1st Team All-District selection has big goals for not only himself, but the entire team.

“My biggest goal for the upcoming season is to go undefeated in the regular season and hopefully the playoffs too. With all the young talent we have, I don’t think we’ll have a problem coming out on top this season.”

George is not only hoping to lead his team to a successful season, but he is putting the work in during the offseason to do so as he has worked with not only Skillz Evolution South coach Craig Brodie, but Gridiron Football as well.

“The things I want to improve on the most would be my effectiveness in the short run game and my breakaway speed after breaking through the first couple levels of the defense.”

Episcopal RB Braeden George catches a deep ball in the Gridiron Football Elite Camp at Rayville. (Photo taken by Jason Saucier)

Last week, the Knights 2022 Team MVP made the drive up to Rayville to take part in the Gridiron Football Elite Camp where he had the fastest 40 time of the camp with a 4.53 while also posting a nice 4.38 shuttle and a 8 ft. 11 inch broad jump. Not to mention, he also shined in 1v1 competition as a receiver against defensive backs.

“I feel like I did a decent job at the camp. There were a couple things I thought I could have done better, but overall, I’d say I accomplished most of my goals.”

One of those goals was getting invited to the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game at the end of December, and George was certainly surprised when he heard his name being called to take part in the prestigious event.

“My initial reaction was surprised. It means a lot to me that I was seen as a skilled enough player to be given the chance to compete against some of the best athletes around.”

Episcopal 2024 RB Braeden George (third player from far left) shows off the ring after getting invited to the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game. (Photo taken by Jason Saucier)

This summer, the rising senior has gone to a lot of camps and has taken a bunch of visits, but he is still searching for his first offer.

“I have not yet been offered, but Southern Miss, Southern, ULM, Mississippi State, and Nicholls State have shown interest.”

What is interesting about George that despite being a football standout, it is futbol that he enjoys watching the most as a fan.

“An interesting fact about me is that outside of film or certain players, I don’t watch much NFL or college football. I’m more of a soccer guy when it comes to my choice of sport to watch.”

However, Braeden George knows where his bread is buttered and that is on the gridiron. He is ready to make a statement why he will be the next Episcopal player to star at the college level.

“My message to college coaches is that if you want someone who is simply a football player, I’m your guy. I don’t care what position or role you need me in, I’ll accept it gladly and do it to the best of my ability.”

Learning under a great like Jimmy Williams, Braeden George will try to carry those lessons with him while doing so at a high level.