Greenbrier standout lands at Lehigh

College coaches weren't always watching Bryan Andrews during his senior season at Greenbrier High School, but he knew the camera was.

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The Wolfpack defensive back and receiver knew the game film eventually would be reviewed by coaches who didn't see him play in person, and that he had to play as if they were always watching.

"One thing I've always done is hustle through the whole game, no matter what it is," Andrews said. "Because you're always on film and they're always going to see you."

Andrews sent film to a number of schools after his senior football season. He signed his letter of intent May 19 to play for Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, Pa., a school that valued his grades as much as what they saw on film.

Andrews said he was first in contact with Mountain Hawks coaches after the Wolfpack football season, but decided to wait until after basketball season to make a decision.

He was a standout guard on the basketball team and was hearing from schools interested in his hoops ability.

Lehigh drew Andrews with its academic prestige, and the chance to play for a Division I program.

"When you start comparing things academically, Lehigh was far above everybody else," Greenbrier football coach Brian Smith said. "I think that was one of the things that swayed Bryan. He's a smart kid."

He also showed a rare athleticism. He played receiver, defensive back, running back and kick returner for the Wolfpack football team and guard on the basketball team.

The play that stuck out in Smith's mind, and probably on Andrews' highlight tape, was a touchdown off a trick play against M.L. King.

Greenbrier was down big to the Region 2-AAAAA foe, and Smith called for a hook and ladder. A Wolfpack receiver caught a pass and, as he was taken down, flipped the ball back to Andrews.

Andrews broke a tackle and sprinted 45 yards for a score.

"I was determined to get a touchdown," Andrews said. "If we ever ran that play, I promised coach Smith, I was going to score no matter where we were on the field."

Andrews was a scorer on the basketball court as well, leading the Wolfpack to a win in the Region 2-AAAAA Tournament and a Class AAAAA playoff berth.

Schools expressed interest in Andrews joining their basketball programs, but he was offered an opportunity he couldn't refuse.

Andrews said Mountain Hawks coaches are bringing him on as a defensive back but that offensive coaches also have talked to him about playing that side of the ball. Smith said he believes his former standout could also make an impact on special teams.

"I'm comfortable with either one," Andrews said. "That's one of the things that got my attention, the chance of being able to start and come play immediately."