Senior Curran Brandt becomes a Falcon

Although senior Curran Brandt only transferred to Aragon in his sophomore year, he is strongly committed to the football program.

“When I wear my Aragon football shirt out, I don’t want to use profanity or act inappropriately, because I represent the program that we have here,” says Brandt. “I remember when I started playing in fourth grade, they taught us to respect the older kids, teammates and coaches, which has made me a faster learner and better listener.”
Recently, Brandt committed to play Division I football for the United States Air Force Academy Falcons.

With an acceptance rate of only 10 percent, the Academy is challenging both academically and physically. The school offers 27 majors and a rigorous military program that all students must take.

The process of applying for the Academy is different from most universities: applicants must pass a candidate fitness assessment throw, pull-ups, shuttle runs, crunches, push-ups and a one-mile run. Additionally, all Academy students are required to participate in athletics.

“The level of discipline [appeals to me the most],” says Brandt. “I kinda need that extra push, because I feel like if I want to be successful, I need to be in a structured environment. After college, I don’t want to come out the teenager I went in. I want to be prepared for the world.”

Brandt recognizes the vast differences between playing high school and Division I football. He says, “Division I football is so competitive that you can run a 4.5 [second 40 yard dash], but only be 170 pounds, and there’s another guy that runs a 4.5 with 190 pounds, and he’ll be chosen just because he’s heavier. In football, you need every advantage you can get, and size is one of them.”

Brandt adds, “I still need to put on more weight because I’m going to play outside linebacker and I’m not quite as tall and heavy as most players. I’ve never been a big eater, so with football, I had to force myself to eat and be disciplined about my meals and working out.”

Still, Brandt is very devoted to his sport. “I go to the gym to train everyday, so I have to sacrifice my free time and not being able to play Xbox or Playstation with my friends because I made that commitment to play and be the best that I can be at football,” says Brandt.

Over the years, Brandt has learned how to balance school and sports. “I remember the beginning of junior year, I had so much homework and practice every day, so I was up until 12 and one [a.m.] some nights. I tried to completely focus on my homework for two or three hours, and then at 10 or 11 I’d go to bed, because I need the sleep or I’ll be too tired during practice the next day,” he says, “If I get a C or D grade, I’ll try to brush it off, but I can’t. I really want to do the best I can in everything.”

Overall, Brandt does not regret his choice to enroll in the Academy. “I think in five years, when I’m halfway done at the Academy, I’ll look back on it as an excellent decision. I wanted to put myself in the best position to be successful, not only in football, but also building good character, education, and adapting better habits,” says Brandt.