Herrien officially signs with Georgia football team

Georgia officially picked up a new running back and two new fans.

The running back was New Manchester senior Brian Herrien. Herrien signed his financial aid paperwork Tuesday to attend Georgia, making him the 21st player in the Bulldogs’ class of 2016.

Herrien was a late addition to the class due to academic concerns. While other teams opted to pass on pursuing GHSA Class AAAAA’s leading rusher, Georgia head coach Kirby Smart opted to wait it out as Herrien tried to improve in the classroom.

The wait paid off, as Herrien recorded the necessary ACT test score and second-semester grades to become eligible.

“I’d like to thank Coach Smart and the staff at UGA for giving me the opportunity,” Herrien said. “They believe in what I can do.”

Herrien’s decision brought New Manchester head coach Myron Terry into the Georgia fan base.

A former defensive back at Colorado State, Terry laughed when he mentioned his alma mater was among the programs interested in Herrien’s services when it became clear he would be eligible. Miami also called, although neither the Hurricanes or Rams offered a scholarship. Georgia State, Georgia Southern and Tulane also expressed interest in Herrien.

Terry has coached Herrien since his seventh-grade year and said he knew right away the young teenager had the makings of something special.

When his football future became clouded due to grades, Terry said Herrien really proved his work ethic.

“There were several schools on the outside looking in that gave up on him,” Terry said. “He’s showing us that when he puts his mind to something, he can persevere. He humbled himself and he worked hard.”

Herrien’s mother Teresa also admitted she has not always been on the Bulldogs’ bandwagon. She said she first sat down with Smart and the rest of the staff back in March when it was still uncertain whether Herrien would qualify. Although it was a considerable burden then, she said all that stress finally paid off.

“It was a little bit overwhelming, just sitting down with Coach Smart,” Teresa said. “You guys have a new fan. I’ve never been a Georgia fan, but I’m happy for him. It was nerve-wracking as a parent. All I can say is I’m proud of him for not giving up.”

Terry and Herrien’s mother have more than just Herrien to follow with the Bulldogs.

McEachern wide receiver Tyler Simmons was on hand for Herrien’s big day and got a special mention from Herrien in the ceremony. The two have known each other since they were 4, which convinced Simmons to speak to the Georgia coaches on his friend’s behalf.

Whether that played a factor in the Bulldogs’ recruiting Herrien is unknown. What is clear is that a childhood dream for the pair has become reality.

“It excited me just knowing that I was going to be there with someone I know,” Simmons said. “We’ve known each other since kindergarten. We always wanted to play D-I football, and now we can do that together.”

Although the stress of exams and final grades has subsided, Herrien still has plenty of work ahead. He will report to Georgia on June 1 and join a backfield with top-caliber players such as Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and fellow freshman Elijah Holyfield. Herrien said he expects the challenge of finding playing time to motivate him as he has never had to fight for carries against teammates better or as good as he is.

With football finally the focus again, Terry commended Herrien’s play, calling him a bruiser of a running back who also has the finesse to make defenders miss. He said with all the options considered, the situation played out to near-perfection for all parties involved.

“Now he gets to play on Saturdays and he’s not very far away so his family can see him play,” Terry said. “He’s a Georgia kid; what better place to play than at the premier program in the state?”

This story was originally published May 17, 2016 at 4:11 PM with the headline "Herrien officially signs with Georgia football team."