FOOTBALL 2017: Choice, Bryant capture national title

THOMASVILLE — In early January, Thomas County Central alums Adam Choice and Austin Bryant anxiously stood on the sideline at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. Their Clemson Tigers were on the brink of doing away with a 35-year title drought — and the label of a team that was always good, but not good enough to win the big one.

 They had been in the same position against the same Alabama juggernaut the year before, coming up just short of the elusive goal of calling themselves champions. It was a moniker that always eluded them throughout their football careers, going back to high school.

But not on this night. 

Down 31-28 with six seconds to play, Deshaun Watson threw his fateful go-ahead touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow with seconds left against the Crimson Tide, and the long-awaited celebration began. 

“As soon as he caught it, my mind just went blank from there with the adrenaline rush,” Choice said. “It’s a dream come true. It’s surreal because I wasn’t able to win a state championship, but to go out and win a national championship, it takes it to another level knowing that you’re a part of the best team in the country. It was an amazing feeling — we felt like we were on top of the world.”

Bryant, a defensive end, was on the sidelines for the first half, but when Clelin Ferrell rolled his ankle, he stepped in to help finish the job. Bryant contributed a quarterback pressure and a deflected pass during his time on the field. 

“They were big, but every team has big players,” Bryant said. “They weren’t superhuman but they were great competition. To come back the next year, same team, same situation and to be able to win the game, it was a blessing and a great experience.”

During the title game, Bryant had his left wrist taped up. On it, written in Sharpie, was a one-word reminder of what he was playing for: Pavo, his hometown.  

“It’s probably what I’m most proud of,” Bryant said. “To be able to do something of that magnitude, something you dream of as a kid growing up, and to know that your entire hometown — Pavo, Thomasville, Meigs, Coolidge, the whole Thomas County is rooting for you… It’s a great feeling. 

“That’s part of my ‘why,’ why I do this every day, to make people back home proud. I was able to do that, and there’s no better feeling.” 

After all the confetti had fallen from the air, the Tigers began their celebration tour. They returned to campus with thousands of fans waiting to give them a hero’s welcome — a parade followed by a packed rally at Death Valley.

The Tigers also were invited to the White House to meet President Trump, and Choice was on hand to take everything in at the nation’s capital. 

“We ate lunch and then got some time to walk around some certain areas,” he said. “We got to spend some time walking around and seeing the history, President’s portraits, the library, stuff like that. Even that little part, it was surreal.”

As great as winning a national championship is, Choice and Bryant are how laser-focused on the new season. Bryant is figuring to be a starter at defensive end this year. Choice, a running back, will compete for a spot in Clemson’s backfield, perhaps as the No. 2 guy. 

Both Central graduates have had to deal with injuries during the past few years. Bryant suffered a foot fracture right before the start of Clemson’s championship run, and Choice spent most of last season recovering from a torn ACL he suffered against Boston College in 2014.

Both are feeling healthy and are hoping to make more of an impact to this year’s team.

“I feel great,” Bryant said. “My feet are fine. I was able to do a lot of stuff over the offseason to strengthen my weak points.”

“The knee hasn’t given me any problems at all since surgery,” Choice said. “We’re just ready to get to work. Whatever you earn in the game is earned on the practice field.” 

With Clemson reaching the top of the college football mountain, both Central products now know the euphoria that comes with being a champion. The challenge now: Move on, start over, and chase that goal all over again.

“You can’t become complacent,” Bryant said. “You have to continue to work like you’ve never had any success. If you don’t, you’ll never have any more.”