Two Childhood Friends Now Have the Best HS Backfield in the Nation

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Greg Bryant and Marcus Davis started playing together in the first grade.  They now form the most powerful backfield in the nation.  They are competing for their school’s fourth state championship in six years.  The story is a remarkable one.  Both are headed to major division one colleges on football scholarships, and they dominated the opposition last year with a 30-3 win for the state title.

American Heritage (Fla.) QB Marcus Davis holds offers from Boise State, Boston College and Cincinnati, among others.

Courtesy of Rivals

Greg Bryant and Marcus Davis were beginning grade school when they first teamed up on the gridiron. A decade later, Davis still hands the ball off to Bryant as part of arguably the most star-studded backfield in all of high school football.

Delray Beach (Fla.) American Heritage won a Class 3A title last year behind a backfield that featured Davis at quarterback, Bryant at tailback and Tyler Provo at fullback. Since then, Bryant has committed to Oklahoma, Provo has committed to Syracuse and Davis has received offers from several major-conference programs, including Boise State, Boston College and Cincinnati.

Before heading to college, they’ll try to cap their high school careers by helping American Heritage win its fourth state title in six years.

“It’s really hard to stop us,” Davis said.

American Heritage’s only loss in 2011 came during an early-season showdown with Class 5A power Belle Glade Glades Central, a 41-34 overtime thriller. Bryant rushed for 202 yards in defeat.

In fact, it was a sign of things to come. Bryant went on to rack up 2,180 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns. He carried the ball 39 times for 243 yards and three touchdowns in the Stallions’ 30-3 state championship victory over Madison County.

“I just remember after the game, how good it felt,” Bryant said. “I don’t remember the plays, but I knew how good it felt.”

Bryant’s dominant individual effort didn’t surprise Davis, and for good reason. He’s been witnessing similar performances for the better part of 10 years.

Davis was just six years old when he started playing alongside Bryant on a Pee Wee football team. The squad coached was by Bryant’s father, who now works as a defensive line coach at American Heritage. Even then, Davis played quarterback and Bryant running back. They continued together for much of their childhood, and that foundation bred success in the high school ranks. After a few years apart, they reunited as high school sophomores. Davis transferred from Boynton Beach (Fla.) High to join Bryant, who already captured a state championship during his freshman season at American Heritage.

“We just have a vibe on the field,” Bryant said.

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