MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama senior linebacker Bryson James is this week’s nominee for the 2013 Discover Orange Bowl-FWAA Courage Award, the Football Writers Association of America announced.
Beating the Odds From Birth
James, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound native of New Orleans, was born prematurely and weighed one pound. He had not yet developed skin and could be held in one hand. Doctors expected him to be mentally disabled and believed he would never walk.
His family has faced further hardship. His mother, Valorie, has undergone two brain surgeries, the most recent during his senior year of high school to correct blood flow and remove a tumor. The family also sustained extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina and Tropical Storm Isaac.
Four-Year Letterman
James has lettered in all four of his seasons with the Jaguars. He has recorded 107 career tackles, including four for loss, along with two interceptions, two forced fumbles and six passes defended.
He has 16 tackles this season, six of them in South Alabama’s 31-24 win over Western Kentucky.
About the Award
The Courage Award was created by ESPN senior columnist Gene Wojciechowski. Nominees must display courage on or off the field, which can include overcoming an injury or physical handicap, preventing a disaster or living through hardship.
This is the eighth consecutive year the FWAA and the Discover Orange Bowl have named weekly nominees during the season. A select panel of FWAA members will choose the winner from all of the nominees, with the announcement coming at the end of the season.
South Alabama, coached by Joey Jones, is in its first full season of Football Bowl Subdivision play as a member of the Sun Belt Conference.
