by Bill Seals
East Mississippi Community College is known as Last Chance U. on Netflix, and that is certainly the case for many football players that go through the program in Scooba. But that is far from the case for an ACC bounce-back linebacker that has three offers before even playing a down for the Lions.
Iowa State this week became the first P5 offer for EMCC linebacker Emanuel Bridges, who signed with Georgia Tech in the Class of 2016 before transferring after one redshirt season in Atlanta.
“I was informed of my offer by Coach (Alex) Golesh,” said Bridges. “He followed me on Twitter, got in contact with me and informed me that I received an offer from the Cyclones. At first, he wanted to know my situation and why I chose to go JUCO. Then, he said to me that as a staff they were very impressed with my film and the things I put on tape. He said they're excited about my future.”
Coming out of Georgia’s Newman High School, Bridges had P5 offers from Alabama, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Nebraska, NC State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Tennessee and Wisconsin. A three-star with a 5.7 Rivals ranking, Bridges was the 24th-rated inside linebacker nationally.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Bridges, who will have three seasons of eligibility remaining once he becomes a December graduate from EMCC, said he’s eager to learn more about the Cyclones.
“I haven't had a chance to speak with the defensive coordinator yet because of our schedules in camp, but Coach Golesh feels as though I can bring speed and physicality as well as leadership to the defense,” Bridges said.
“I don't know much about the program yet, but I'm looking forward to see what they have to offer. Coach (Matt) Campbell, Coach (Tyson) Veidt and I are supposed to be talking as soon as they are through with meetings and practice and all of our schedules permit.”
Bridges arrives in Scooba just as the TV cameras and production crews have left and set up shop at Independence (Kan.) Community College for season three of Last Chance U. But regardless, Bridges said his decision to leave Georgia Tech for EMCC has been a good one.
“I feel like coming out of high school I didn't make the right decision, as far as choosing a school,” he said. “A lot of the offers I had that were close to home had closed up due to other people committing before me.
“Once I got (to Georgia Tech), I wasn't happy at the institute around the campus or the football program. I just felt like the best thing for me to do was to transfer, especially since I already received a redshirt year and I would have four years of eligibility left.”
Being around a program that produces several Division I prospects each year has provided Bridges with a competitive environment for the 2017 season.
“The first month it took some getting used to, as far as going from living in the city to coming somewhere that is not very populated,” he said.” Scooba has been good and has taught me a lot during my time being here. I feel like this was the best JUCO decision, because the coaches push us to be as good as we can be. I also practice against other guys who are skilled and that makes me better.”
In addition to his I-State offer, Bridges also has ones from Florida Atlantic and Tulane. He’s also hearing from West Virginia and Tennessee.
East Mississippi Community College is known as Last Chance U. on Netflix, and that is certainly the case for many football players that go through the program in Scooba. But that is far from the case for an ACC bounce-back linebacker that has three offers before even playing a down for the Lions.
Iowa State this week became the first P5 offer for EMCC linebacker Emanuel Bridges, who signed with Georgia Tech in the Class of 2016 before transferring after one redshirt season in Atlanta.
“I was informed of my offer by Coach (Alex) Golesh,” said Bridges. “He followed me on Twitter, got in contact with me and informed me that I received an offer from the Cyclones. At first, he wanted to know my situation and why I chose to go JUCO. Then, he said to me that as a staff they were very impressed with my film and the things I put on tape. He said they're excited about my future.”
Coming out of Georgia’s Newman High School, Bridges had P5 offers from Alabama, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Ole Miss, Nebraska, NC State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Tennessee and Wisconsin. A three-star with a 5.7 Rivals ranking, Bridges was the 24th-rated inside linebacker nationally.
The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Bridges, who will have three seasons of eligibility remaining once he becomes a December graduate from EMCC, said he’s eager to learn more about the Cyclones.
“I haven't had a chance to speak with the defensive coordinator yet because of our schedules in camp, but Coach Golesh feels as though I can bring speed and physicality as well as leadership to the defense,” Bridges said.
“I don't know much about the program yet, but I'm looking forward to see what they have to offer. Coach (Matt) Campbell, Coach (Tyson) Veidt and I are supposed to be talking as soon as they are through with meetings and practice and all of our schedules permit.”
Bridges arrives in Scooba just as the TV cameras and production crews have left and set up shop at Independence (Kan.) Community College for season three of Last Chance U. But regardless, Bridges said his decision to leave Georgia Tech for EMCC has been a good one.
“I feel like coming out of high school I didn't make the right decision, as far as choosing a school,” he said. “A lot of the offers I had that were close to home had closed up due to other people committing before me.
“Once I got (to Georgia Tech), I wasn't happy at the institute around the campus or the football program. I just felt like the best thing for me to do was to transfer, especially since I already received a redshirt year and I would have four years of eligibility left.”
Being around a program that produces several Division I prospects each year has provided Bridges with a competitive environment for the 2017 season.
“The first month it took some getting used to, as far as going from living in the city to coming somewhere that is not very populated,” he said.” Scooba has been good and has taught me a lot during my time being here. I feel like this was the best JUCO decision, because the coaches push us to be as good as we can be. I also practice against other guys who are skilled and that makes me better.”
In addition to his I-State offer, Bridges also has ones from Florida Atlantic and Tulane. He’s also hearing from West Virginia and Tennessee.
