USA’s Bryson James Nominated For Courage Award
Senior linebacker Bryson James was nominated for the FWAA Courage Award. Photo by John Adams | usajaguars.com
The University of South Alabama senior linebacker Bryson James was named as this week’s nominee for the 2013 Discover Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award as announced by the Football Writers Association of America.
James, a 6’2″ 235-pound New Orleans native was born prematurely and only weighed one pound. He had not developed skin and was able to be held in one hand. Doctors believed he would be mentally disabled and would never learn to walk. He proved them wrong.
Additionally, his mother Valorie has undergone two brain surgeries, the most recent was wen he was a high school senior to correct blood flow and to remove a tumor. His family has also suffered extensive damage due to both hurricane Katrina and tropical storm Isaac.
He has lettered four seasons for the Jaguars while tallying 107 total tackles, including four for loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and six passes defended. So far this season he as 16 tackles with six of them coming in the Jaguars 31-24 win over Western Kentucky.
The Courage Award was created by ESPN’s senior columnist Gene Wojciechowski. A select group of writers from the FWAA vote on the winner each year. To be nominated, a student-athlete must display courage on or off the field, including overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship.
This is the eighth straight year that the FWAA and the Discover Orange Bowl will announce weekly nominees throughout the season. A blue-ribbon panel of organization members will determine the winner from all of the nominees. The winner will be announced at the end of the season.