BHS alum prepares for NFL Draft Day

By Kim Dunbar

Ron Brace will likely hear his named called during the NFL Entry Draft on April 25-26th. Yet it is hard to believe that this future NFL and Boston College standout never played football until he suited up for the Burncoat High School Patriots as a freshman.

“Growing up, there was a weight limit and I was always too big for my age group,” said the 6’3”, 324 lb. defensive tackle.

The Springfield native spent his teenage years in Worcester, where he left his mark as a multi-sport legend, garnering football honors and state shot put titles in 2003 and 2004 as well as playing basketball. This athletic versatility has shaped Brace into the athlete he is today. According to Brace, the three sports helped improve his footwork, speed and hand-eye coordination. Brace was prepared to show off his attributes at the NFL Combine in February: “Some people don’t think I can move as well as I can, so they’ll be surprised.”

Brace learned and excelled at the game of football by listening to his BHS coaches. “I listened to detail and to what they had to say,” he said, adding that the same philosophy worked at Boston College. “There are people who lose their jobs because they don’t do what they are told.”

Brace is also disciplined. “I have fun but I know when it is time to get work done,” he said, sharing that he finds motivation in hearing about other players’ preparation and pushes himself to out- prepare and overshadow them. “The sky is the limit for me. I haven’t reached my potential, I’m still learning the game,” he said.

Maintaining focus is what keeps Brace grounded as he awaits his future. While it is easy to get caught up in the excitement, he isn’t giving in. “I’m taking it day by day and learning whatever I can,” he said. And as far as what bloggers write about him, Brace doesn’t pay much attention. “Those are just people’s opinions. You never know what is going to happen until draft day,” he said.

While many in Brace’s situation use college as a vehicle to get to the NFL, he took advantage of his full scholarship and earned more than just high marks on the gridiron. Finishing his sociology degree was important to Brace, who graduated last August as a fifth-year senior. “Education comes before anything. The NFL will always be there,” he said. Brace, who is the second oldest of seven children, said finishing his education was part of being a good role model for his siblings as well as young fans. In fact, football is buying Brace time to decide what he wants to do with his degree (social worker and graphic artist currently top the list).

While Brace plans to spend draft day with family, he is living in the moment. “Nothing is guaranteed in life. You have to put your best foot forward every chance you get,” he said. “If you stay focused, all the chips will fall into place.” And he hopes those chips land in New England, with perhaps the chance to once again call himself a Patriot.