Santa Maria Sun / Athlete of the Week

Athlete of the Week: Brian Price

BY FRANK GONZALES

During their intense 49-40 victory over Moorpark on Sept. 22, Brian Price came up with some big plays for Allan Hancock College’s Bulldogs. The freshman defensive lineman made six tackles, two of which were solo. This was only his latest performance in what’s turning out to be a great first half of the season for the Bulldogs and a great start for Price’s career with the team.

BRIAN PRICE PHOTO BY FRANK GONZALES

At 6-foot-4 and 316 pounds, Price’s imposing presence is ideal for a defensive lineman. A native of Lafayette, Indiana, this talented Midwesterner went All-Conference, All-Area, and All-State for two years at his high school. And based on his improving performances in each successive game with the Bulldogs, he’s headed for honors at the college level as well.

In only three games played, Price has already made 14 tackles, six of which were solo, along with one sack, which came during their victory against El Camino College. Price’s defensive instincts and physical power underline the importance of a good defensive line, helping the Bulldogs achieve their current 3-1 record. When asked about the success of the defense, Price noted the role of the switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3 setup, not missing assignments, and said, “We’ve done a lot more hitting. We’re going back to the fundamentals of the game actually to improve what we need to do which is tackling.” He added, “We have been doing a lot more play recognition in practices to help us out through recognizing different formations in games so we don’t get so stressed out during the plays.”

With half the season left after their upcoming home game, Price has ample time to continue improving and impressing with each game.

When not out on the field, Price studies communications and hopes to become a sports broadcaster if he’s unable to make a career in football. Regarding one of the highlights of the week, Price said, “Every Thursday the defense goes in to watch a film and eat popsicles. Popsicles all the way.” Keep a look out this season for the Bulldog’s No. 91 near the opposing team’s quarterback. After their home game on Oct. 6 against LA Harbor College, Price and the Bulldogs will play away at Cerritos College on Oct. 13. Their next home game will be against Ventura College on Oct. 27.