(Player Spotlight) - Bryan Batchan #47 - Tailback and Specialty Teams *Member of the TTB—Triple Threat Backfield

Bryan was one of my favorite players on the gridiron. I played with him for five years, and I always knew that when he was in the backfield and about to get the ball, things would be alright. Our senior year in 1984, Bryan rushed for 1539 yards, 13 touchdowns and had ten 100-yard-plus games. He caught an additional 220 yards in passes and 3 touchdowns, for a total of 1759 combined yards and 16 TDs. During Bryan's career at Vanden he averaged 7.1 yards a carry. In 1984, Bryan was one of the top running backs in California and in the nation. One thing I really liked about Bryan and respected him for is that he wasn't a trash talker on the field. He let his play speak for itself. Bryan would run around defenders, and through defenders, but mostly over them, carrying them as he went. At 5'9", 165 lbs. in 1984 Bryan was a sight to see. He ran a 4.3-second 40-yard dash. He was fast and very hard to take down. Running backs are normally hunted by defensive players but not Bryan. He became the hunter and the 11 guys on defense were the hunted. He was unstoppable. As opposing players went to tackle Bryan he would either stiff arm them or lower his head, causing his helmet to hit their facemask, knocking them on their back, as he literally ran them over. Bryan could not be taken down by one player. Bryan played on three undefeated football teams in 5 years with a record of 45-4-2. During each of the three undefeated seasons in 1980, 1982, and 1984, Bryan rushed for over 1000 yards each year. Thanks for the memories, Bryan. You took names.