CB / Safety
Mathews (NC) Butler
Ht: 6-foot-2
Wt: 200 lbs
Class: 2011
Mark Bridges is that rare type of athlete that has the size of a Safety and the hip rotation and coverage skills of a Cornerback. He runs the 40 yd dash in 4.5 seconds and has a vertical leap of 36 inches. The Butler Bulldog secondary is formidable but this rising Junior could be one of the best to come out of Butler and that is saying a lot considering numerous former Bulldog DB’s have gone on to play at various BCS programs
Mark has a relentless work ethic and his in season preparation is only rivaled by the offseason program he puts himself through at his High School along with the extra core and agility work he does with his Trainer Jed Hartigan @ Velocity Sports Performance.
In April at the VTO Sports Elite 100 Showcase Mike Farrell (National Recruiting Analyst Rivals.com) stated “Mark Bridges from Matthews (N.C.) Butler will be one to watch as he's emerging as one of the top prospects in his class.” The recruitment of Mark is definitely ramping up with a recent offer from Central Michigan and based on the talent of this young man there are many more to come.
Mark?
What do you enjoy most about the Butler HS Football Program? First and foremost the players, coaches, and fans. We all support each other in everything that we do. The College structure of our program with the field work, scouting and film work really prepares us for the HS and College level.
Who do you look up to as an example of how you play the game? Eddie Whitley who is a former Butler Bulldog and a current Virginia Tech Hokie. He had a lot of football smarts and studied routes, tendencies, and formations. His physical style is one that I admire and put into my game. Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens I also watch because he has such good instincts and is versatile DB who can play multiple positions.
What advice would you give to younger less experienced players? Always strive to do the right thing. Listen to your Coaches and be coachable. You have to watch film and learn your opponents so you can react quickly when opportunities to make an impact present themselves.
When you graduate and leave the Butler HS program how do you want to be remembered?
On the field: That I was a leader. One of the best DB’s to come out of Butler HS and did everything I could to help my teammates and coaches help us be the best Team we could be.
Off the field: That I was a good student, had the respect of my Teachers and Administration, and that I represented the values of my school and family.