Long Beach Poly senior-to-be linebacker Bryun Parham had a special birthday present for his father this week. Parham told his dad, Bryson, that he won’t have to worry about any college payments, as Bryun committed to San Jose State.
“It’s a great fit for me, I can fit in the system and compete for a spot right away, and that’s all I’m worried about,” said Parham.
A physical linebacker for the Jackrabbits, Parham has shown an increased ability to drop into coverage as well as thumping running backs. He said after conversations with the San Jose State coaching staff, he’s prepared to play inside or outside ‘backer in college. He also said that picking SJSU now as opposed to waiting until later in the year was an easy call for him, especially having seen Poly alum Josh Love quarterback there and then sign with the Rams this year.
“The only thing that matters in college is whether you’re on the field and how you play, just look at Josh,” he said.
The commitment shows how far Parham has come since a tough sophomore year. After breaking a Poly discipline rule, Parham was held out of spring ball, a moment that he said was an eye-opener.
“Me and coach (Stephen) Barbee had a meeting with my dad and grandma and brother and we talked it through,” he said. “I realized I’m trying to get somewhere–it humbled me. I wasn’t handed a spot, I had to come in and work and earn it, and learn to play with my teammates.”
The result was a standout junior season with 102 tackles and eight sacks, earning first-team All Moore League honors.
He said that transferring schools wasn’t in his head when he had to sit out as a sophomore.
“I just feel home at Poly, that’s where I always wanted to be,” he said. “People look out for me there, people care about me.”
Parham said he’s been working on footwork drills and DB work to improve his pass coverage during the shutdown, all the while craving to be back on the field with his teammates.
“We’re going to come together and make a statement this year,” he said. “We have some really good, physical players–we all played together in Pop Warner so we’ve all been friends for a long time.”
