Durrell Bridgett (#5, green and white) combines for a tackle against Leon. It was Bridgett's eight-tackle performance against the Lions that earned him a starting spot at defensive end.  

LIVE OAK — Suwannee Spotlight highlights outstanding local athletes. This week’s spotlight is on SHS football player Durrell Bridgett.  

Bridgett is a senior defensive end. Although he didn’t begin the season as a starter, a strong performance in the second half against Leon earned him a starting job.

“He played outside linebacker in the spring for us,” SHS head coach Kyler Hall said. “We were getting kind of deep there, but we needed him on the field, so we moved him down to defensive end. He gives us some speed off the edge there. He’s one of those hybrid players where he can play multiple positions because of his athletic skills.”

SD: Did you play other sports growing up? What’s your football career been like?

DB: When I was a kid, I played baseball. Freshman year was the first time I played football. I caught on pretty fast. We had a good season last year. We had a lot of defensive lineman that were seniors. Last year, I didn’t start.

SD: How did you earn a starting spot this season?

DB: Coach Hall just gave me a chance and I made the best of it. At first, Madison game, I didn’t start. Leon game, I got in after halftime. I got eight tackles.

SD: How are you successful against bigger lineman? 

DB: I think I’m good for my size. I’m the smallest person. Me and (Cameron) Potter are the smallest people on the line. I use my quickness against the big guys. 

SD: What do you like to do away from football? What’s the best part about football? 

DB: There’s not much time for other things. I come to practice, go to school and go home. The best thing is shining on Friday night.