James Takes Leadership Role as Tiger QB

We sat down with Mansfield Tigers Senior High Quarterback, Brennan James in a Q&A to understand his thoughts on Tiger Football, the upcoming season, and the team perspective.
RP – What are your thoughts about the 2016 Football season?
Brennan – I’m really looking forward to it. I feel like everything that we have worked on, and pushing ourselves to the limit will give us an edge to a great season. The way everything is looking and how good everything is going I think we’re gonna win a lot of ball games because we rely on each other and the mindset we have of being a play off team is going to work out great for us.
RP – Tell us a little about your football career.
Brennan – I have played at the Quarterback position since the 3rd grade. I made the change to wide receiver last year, and now going into my Junior year I am back at QB and ready as can be.
RP – How has Bentley coming to Mansfield changed the mindset of Sr. High Tiger Football?
Brennan – Coach Bentley is an outstanding person. He accomplished a lot at Mena and he brings that same encouraging mentality to Mansfield. When somebody doesn’t show up for practice, he gets on the phone with them to ensure everything is OK. He speaks to us from a motivational perspective and it’s really got our team “Jacked Up” and ready to play.

BJ2 — Craig Bentley, Mansfield Head Football Coach added, “Brennan is a kid that immediately jumped put to me as a great leader. He has had a huge impact on the growth of the program over the past month. As the signal caller, you would think he has been playing quarterback his whole life with the way he leads the huddle and directs our offense. We expect great things out of him this year.”

RP – How did the team react to practicing at War Memorial stadium?
Brennan – Everybody’s reaction was awesome because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get to go and practice where the Arkansas Football State Finals is held and where we possibly can be one day. It was a great move to get us motivated.
RP – What are your goals for this upcoming season?
Brennan – First and foremost, I want to be the a leader on and off the field., Second, to do whatever it takes to make Mansfield Football better as a whole. My team goals is to win as many games as we can, work as hard as we can, and be able to make it all the way back up to War Memorial Stadium. Last but not least, I want to see and hear the Mansfield stadium seats filled, and louder than they’ve even been.
RP – What’s your perspective on the team as a whole, both offensively and defensively?
Brennan – Our offense has stepped up and caught on quick with all the changes going on, not only myself but the coaches have a lot of confidence in what is going on. Our O-Liine is strong, and ready to push the ball into the end zone. The defensive line is a strong and smart group of guys. They’re going to get the job done and do everything they can to get the offense back on the field. Our linebackers and defensive backs are also a bunch of smart guys that have worked extremely hard everyday to learn there position to get there job done. i have a lot of confidence in both sides of our program. We’re a team, and that’s important.
RP – Would you like to say anything to the Mansfield fans, and community as a whole?
Brennan – The Mansfield fan base is amazing and they give us a tremendous amount of support. We as a team want to hear a ROAR at every game, and see a packed house in the bleachers. It gives us encouragement not only to win, but to give them a reason to start a new tradition, and that starts this year!
Brennan is the son of Brandon, and Wendy James, both graduates of Mansfield High School. We would like to thank Brennan for his time, and wish him, and the the Mansfield Tiger Football team a great year!
Go Tigers.