Bryce Carlson - Grayslake Central - Class Of 2026 - WR - 6'0, 170lbs
By: Jenny
Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Jersey #: 1 // Positions: WR // Height & Weight:6’0, 170lbs // 40 Yard Dash: 4.6 // 5-10-5: 4.3
Vertical: 30 // Bench: 215 // Squat (lbs): 335lbs // Deadlift (lbs): 400lbs // Clean (lbs): 225lbs
Bryce how did your junior season go?
It went pretty well in my opinion. I was looking forward to my final year with my brother at Quarterback (Braden Carlson, C/O 25), as he was a senior, but unfortunately he tore his ACL for the 3rd time in high school during Week 4, so it was tough for me after that.
You’re a two sport athlete and baseball season is about to begin, but how did your off-season workouts go?
I’m actually a three-sport athlete, as I played varsity basketball this winter. But besides that I’ve been playing 7 on 7 for TNT Ignite and training at Throw It Deep. I’ve been consistent in the gym, gaining 15 pounds and increasing my max lifts.
How has playing baseball helped your hand-eye coordination and tracking ability as a WR?
Definitely a lot. It’s helped my footwork as well as my hand eye coordination. It especially helps when you play for such a successful program and under a great coaching staff.
What techniques do you focus on to create separation from defenders?
I always like to start off by getting as much separation at the line as I can with a successful release. After that I like to use my crafty route running and strength to create extra separation for my quarterback.
Do you see yourself as more of a deep threat, route technician, possession receiver—or all three?
I definitely see all three in myself, but I feel my strength is in my route running.
Do you have a favorite route to run or a favorite play to make?
My favorite play to make is turning a small play like a hitch or a slant into a big gain, preferably a touchdown.
What’s been your most dominant or breakout game so far, and what made it special?
I feel my most dominant game is either my sophomore year when I had 3 touchdowns in the first half, and that was special as it was against our rivals and it was me and my brother's first game starting together on varsity. Another game would be this year, when I had 100 yards and 2 touchdowns late in the 4th quarter.
Playing three sports and you have a 4.0 GPA-how do you balance it all?
Since my time after school is mostly spent with my family or at sports, I really focus on locking in when I’m in the classroom, to get all my work done and understand all the material I’m learning.
You’ve been invited to a lot of camps and college visits. Do you plan on attending any this summer?
Definitely. I want to try and get to as many college camps this summer and get in front of as many coaches eyes as possible, to show off what I can do and how I compete.
Who do you look up to as a player or role model, and why?
I would say my brother. He’s torn his ACL three times now, and he’s never lost his fire and passion for the game. He’s faced so many setbacks and yet he always comes back hungry for more.
What do you want college coaches to know about you?
I would want them to know how hard of a worker I am, and that I love to compete every day.
What can we expect from Grayslake Central football this season?
A lot more. These past few seasons we’ve come up short on our expectations, and my teammates and I are excited to get back out on the feild and prove the doubters wrong, and more importantly prove ourselves right.
Who on your team would you say is going to have a breakout season this year?
It’s definitely hard to say one person for sure, but someone who is going to truly break out season is Cordell Johnson. Cordell is a class of 2026 Defensive End, and he’s put on a lot of muscle and speed. Be on the lookout for him. Another shoutout is my Center named Sam Ulrich, he’s going to play both offensive line and defensive line, and he’s probably one of the most athletic lineman I’ve ever seen while maintaining a good size and strength.
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