STAB’s Stinnie commits to Tribe

By Ryan Yemen Daily Progress correspondent
Published: September 29, 2008

When Bryan Stinnie came to John Blake before his junior season, he had aspirations of becoming a collegiate level football player.
Blake was more than happy to help the former basketball player become a quality defensive end.
“He came to me after his sophomore year and said, ‘Coach, I want to be a college football player,’” Blake said.  “We told him what he had to do and he’s just taken off with it.”
Now in his senior year, Stinnie’s hopes of playing college ball are a reality as he has accepted an offer from William and Mary.
“I’m just starting, just beginning,” Stinnie said.  “I’m still learning and getting better. I just want to be the best I can be.”
Stinnie was recruited by a number of schools including Connecticut, Duke, Virginia Tech and North Carolina, but felt most welcomed by William and Mary.
“I felt like I was most wanted there.  And, I’m looking for a good education,” Stinnie said.  “So William and Mary was the place for me.  They really sold me on the school.”
At 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, Stinnie’s presence physically gives him a competitive edge. Stinnie was a first team all-state Division II selection last season.
“He has good enough feet to play,” Blake said.  “He’s a big lanky guy, so you don’t really get blocks on him and he’s got long enough arms to keep you at bay.”
It also doesn’t hurt that Stinnie has a solid work
ethic and aggressive mindset.
“He’s a great athlete and he’s worked very hard in the weight room,” Blake said.  “He works hit butt off and he does everything right. He’s just got the tools and the mentality.  He loves to hit and loves to get after it.”