Pearl River Football Legend To Be Inducted Into PRCC Hall of Fame

Larry Brackins has had an incredible journey through his career of athletics, but he almost wasn’t a Pearl River Wildcat. After an eye-opening senior season in both basketball and football at Dothan High School in Alabama, he drew attention from Feather River College all the way in California.

Brackins decided to commit to Feather River and play only basketball where he was decently successful. However, he wanted to be closer to home and eventually made the decision to transfer. Brackins weighed his options regarding potential spots before being contacted by Pearl River football coach Tim Hatten.

Brackins talked with Hatten who was very impressed with his highlight tape as a wide receiver. He still wanted to play basketball, so they came to an agreement with basketball coach Richard Mathis.

In his first year as a Wildcat in 2003, Brackins made a statement to say the least. On the gridiron, he caught 45 passes for 772 yards resulting in nine touchdowns. Pearl River finished with a 10-1 overall record before claiming a MACJC title.

Once the season was over, his focus shifted to basketball. The team had already played four games in the season when he joined. Despite joining late, Brackins made an immediate impact as a small forward, averaging 17 points and 12 boards. The Wildcats racked up a 21-9 record and a MACJC Championship. Brackins was over the moon about his performance in both sports in his first year.

“Man, I was on cloud nine. I had won a championship in both sports,” Brackins said. “Not many people could say that.”

During the 2004 season in football, Brackins was even better. He racked up 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns, the most yards in single-season history for the program. Pearl River dominated with an 11-0 record and a berth in the National Championship game. The Wildcats faced defending National Champion Butler (Kan.), who were riding a 23-game win streak.

After some early struggles, Brackins turned the game around and finished with 11 catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Pearl would win the game 35-14 and claim its first National Championship since 1961.

As a result of his outstanding numbers in JUCO, several great schools offered him including Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Texas, Texas A&M and USC. However, he was getting advised to enter the NFL draft instead of staying in college. A month before the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers flew Brackins in for a private visit. Head Coach John Gruden promised Brackins that he would pick him.

On day three of the draft, his promise came true, and the Buccaneers selected Larry Brackins with the 155th pick. In the NFL, Brackins spent time in Tampa and the New York Jets before making a change to the Arena Football League. In 10 seasons, he brought in 484 passes for 5,778 yards and 177 touchdowns.

It’s no question that Brackins has built a hall of fame career. He will be enshrined as a member of the Pearl River Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on July 25.

Author administrator Kellen Walker