Richard McBryde’s childhood dream of playing football in the Southeastern Conference gets closer every day he wakes up, and he said he is ready to work for it.

Although he will be  just a junior in the fall, McBryde is already on the radar of several SEC schools, including Kentucky, Auburn and defending national champion Alabama.

McBryde, a two-time Messenger All-Area selection, has developed a knack for breaking up plays, and an uncanny ability to read opposing offenses.

Charles Henderson head coach Mike Dean said that numerous times during practice, McBryde will read and react to play so quickly that offensive coaches believe that he stunted in to the gap.

“He can make plays, and has made plays all over the field,” said Dean. “If he keeps his focus, and maintains his grades and stays out of trouble, which he does a good job of, the sky is the limit for Richard.”

McBryde, listed at 6’2  and 215 pounds, has yet to take the ACT, and therefore formal scholarship offers can not be made, but verbal offers have been placed by Kentucky and Jacksonville State.

In addition to the SEC schools, McBryde has drawn interest from Southern Mississippi, and Jacksonville State.

Chuck Dunn, inside linebackers coach at JSU, was McBryde’s defensive coordinator at Charles Henderson in 2012.

McBryde said that he doesn’t think after the ball is snapped, but instead reads and react.

“Coach makes the calls, and I help make sure everyone is in the right place pre-snap,” McBryde said. “After that, I just react to what I see. I try to make every play I can, but know that the rest of the defense has my back.”

McBryde led a Trojan defense last season that allowed just 14.5 points per game, en route to a quarterfinal playoff spot in Dean’s first year on the job.

With new schools inquiring nearly every day, McBryde said that he still holds one school a little higher than others.

“I’m an Alabama fan,” said McBryde. “I always like their linebackers and how they play. The defense and schemes are awesome to watch.”

Dean said that both Auburn defensive coordinator and Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart have personally been to Troy to meet with McBryde.

“The offers will come,” said Dean. “There is no doubt about it. By the time we get started in August, he will be a popular player.”