Football already feels different to Grayslake Central’s Bryce Carlson this season.
A third-year varsity player and the leading receiver for the Rams in 2024, the 6-foot-1, 170-pound senior is poised to make an even greater impact. But he has gone back to work without his older brother, Braden, a quarterback who began camp at Illinois Wesleyan this week.
“It feels a bit strange not having him around,” Bryce Carlson said. “The last two years I had gotten used to riding back and forth to practice with him, and I’ve been catching balls from him forever.”
As it stands in mid-August, Bryce Carlson will be on the receiving end of passes thrown by either senior Eli Gillette or Nick Norberg, or both. Each started one game at quarterback for the Rams (4-5) last season, and Bryce Carlson said he has known both almost his entire life.
Neither signal caller has as much experience as Braden Carlson did. But having Bryce Carlson, who made 33 catches for 468 yards last season, will be reassuring.
“I think my catching ability is a strength,” Bryce Carlson said. “I take pride in not dropping the ball often.”
Bryce Carlson also has the ability to get open, making him an attractive target.
“What really sets him apart is how he recognizes coverages,” Grayslake Central coach Brent Pearlman said. “Players are told to run certain routes, but against different coverages he knows what the spacing should look like. Some guys won’t run off a route, but he will because of the feel he has. He’s definitely a go-to guy for us.”
Bryce Carlson suggested the sheer volume of snaps he has under his belt gives him an advantage.
“My route running I’ve bumped up to a new level this offseason,” he said. “Everything just feels more natural. I used to think about what I was doing during a route. Now I don’t think about breaking off at a certain yardage. I just get to a spot so the concept works.”
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Pearlman also cites Bryce Carlson’s commitment, particularly in the weight room since last season. Pearlman isn’t the only person who has noticed that.
“I’ve never seen anyone work out as much as he does, and he comes in every day ready to work,” Grayslake Central senior center Sam Ullrich said. “He may not be the biggest guy out there, but mentally he thinks he is, and he’s not going to go down with the ball without a fight.
“When we get the ball in his hands, we’re in good shape.”
Bryce Carlson said he has added 15-20 pounds of muscle since last season. He attributes that in part to sibling rivalry.
“I’ve always competed against my brother, and he’s always been bigger than me,” Bryce Carlson said. “We would always go to the gym together, and I was hoping I’d catch him, but I haven’t.
“I still want to put more weight on but also want to still build speed and athleticism.”
By doing so, Bryce Carlson may open more doors to college football. So far, he has one offer — from Illinois Wesleyan.
Following in his brother’s footsteps would be an attractive proposition, but Bryce Carlson isn’t ready to commit.
“That would be a great option,” he said. “I love the coaches, it’s a great school and obviously my brother’s there. I’ve talked to a few other coaches, and I’ll plan on sending out my film to others.
“Right now, though, I’m just committed to my senior year and seeing what happens.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.