The Big Men On Campus

Bryant Hornets offensive linemen Brooks Edmondson and Will Diggins understand the importance of teamwork. Throughout the last three years, they’ve harnessed that superpower both on and off the field by putting in the time, energy, and focus it takes to deliver multiple state championships and continue to build upon a legacy. 

Will Diggins’ introduction to football began at four years old in South Bend, Indiana. He recalls playing defense for a year for a youth football team, but being one of the biggest kids in his age group made him a great fit for the offensive line. From that moment on, he never looked back. 

Diggins moved to Arkansas right before high school and chose to go to Bryant because of its excellent football program. The football team has been a place for him to learn and hone his craft. “I’ve learned a lot about hand placement,” said Diggins. “When I don’t understand, I always ask questions. The older guys helped me see what I’m doing wrong and what I’m doing right.” Now, as a senior, Diggins helps his younger teammates improve as he has in the last three years. 

It’s been a childhood dream from Brooks Edmondson to play college football. He began playing in the third grade, and while he played a number of positions on the team, the offensive line was by far his favorite. “Football came naturally to me, but it is something I continue to strive for,” said Edmondson. “I started as a sophomore and I’ve worked really hard for that position.” 

The Lessons

Will and Brooks first met in the 8th grade and were rivals on the basketball court. Will played for Bryant Middle School and Brooks played for Bethel Middle School. Over a year of friendly competition, each player worked hard to out-score the other. Little did they know, they would meet at football camp and spark a friendship. As they began their sophomore years, these former rivals would be starting for the Bryant Hornets on the offensive line. “It’s been really fun to work with him and grow up together,” said Edmondson. “We are both better working together. He makes me better, and I maybe make him better,” chuckles Edmondson.  

Now as third-year starters, it’s those early lessons Diggins and Edmondson learned working together that are helping to pay dividends for the Bryant Hornets. When they aren’t battling it out by blocking their opponents during a play, they are strategizing and supporting one another on the sidelines. But make no mistake, their appetite for competition is still alive and well. “We have our days of competition: he lifts the more, but I’m faster,” said Diggins. “We’ll always have our competition but at the end of the day it’s all love.”

The Salt Bowl

As the reigning state champions for the third year in a row, the pressure is on for another strong start to the season. “The offensive line is at the top of the food chain,” said Edmondson. “If we don’t do our job perfectly every play, the play will not work. There is a lot of pressure, but we are used to it and we expect ourselves to be perfect. Our jobs are easier on Friday nights because we practice so hard.”

The 2020 season held a host of challenges, especially while trying to safely compete in the midst of a pandemic. The Salt Bowl was one of the first football games to take place in the state and all eyes were on Benton’s and Bryant’s teams. Summer football practice was postponed late into the summer, giving the incoming team members but a brief window of time to form the bonds they needed before the beginning of the season. The Bryant Hornets football team quickly made up for lost time by hosting Thursday night dinners before each Friday night game. 

“Our coaches made sure everyone was included and that we kept the locker room a safe environment for all of our team mates,” said Edmondson. “We formed bonds and brought home the state title. In 2020, it felt like we overcame a lot of adversity.”

As for the 2021 Salt Bowl, Edmondson, Diggins and the Bryant Hornets have been working hard to bring home another win. 

The Future 

Bryant Hornet Head Coach, Buck James sees a bright future for these young men. “The thing that sticks out to me about both of them, is they are unselfish and committed to the team,” said James. “We rarely have to say anything to them about what it takes to be a great team member, a great teammate. They have gone above and beyond; they acted like they belonged and did everything it took to be successful; it’s been a pleasure coaching them, that’s for sure.”

Diggins currently has multiple offers to play college football. He has enjoyed the thrill of touring colleges across the country. “It’s been a really cool process to tour the schools. They all know you and your capabilities,” said Diggins. “One minute you are watching a game on TV and the next you’re at the school meeting the coach.” 

Edmondson also had several offers to play football around the country. “I would love to play college football—it’s been a dream since I was a young kid,” said Edmondson. “It would be fun to take what I’ve learned in high school and use it in the next level.”