Brendan Munnerlyn

Brendan Munnerlyn (February 2, 1990 - July 17, 2014) was an American Football Player, who plays Defensive Back, and Cornerback/Free Safety. He was one of few players denied of the 2014 NFLPA collegiate bowl. He was projected as an Undrafted free agent for the 2014 NFL draft.
Early years
Brendan Munnerlyn was born in Washington, D.C. But resided in Ft.Washington, MD and Oxon Hill, MD. Where he learned to play, watch, and Love the sport. He played at Oxon Hill Boys and Girls club. Playing football, basketball, and Track. Competing against childhood friends as wells as future NFL-prospects such as Roc Carmichael, LaMaar Thomas (teammates from age 7 until senior year of High School), Rodney McLeod, Joe Haden, Sirlee Monzee, even basketball standout Point Guard for Georgetown Markel Starks was a longtime childhood teammate of his. Before moving onto Pop Warner. He won 2 County Championships and Lost the Pop Warner state Championship. Munnerlyn was a standout individual every year. For his aggressive play, always starting on both sides of the football team every year, including all special teams. Competing in 3 of 4 all-star games. Where he was on the same team as Roc Carmichael and recalls even his first all-star game where current Indianapolis colts Linebacker Cameron Johnson took the #32 jersey he wanted.
High School
He also attended Friendly High School alongside Joe Haden of the Cleveland Browns and, Lamaar Thomas Wide Receiver of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Considering the chance to play Varsity, as freshman in the 9th grade. He was forced with a dilemma on whether to take the opportunity. At an underachieving Crossland High
His sole season at Crossland he registered in 9 games. Starting 5 on special teams and 1 on defense at Free Safety. Registering 10 solo tackles. 3 forced fumbles. 1 fumble recovery. Along with 2 pass break ups. Garnering a 4-6 record. Alongside With fellow incoming 2014 NFL draft prospect Devin Wallace, also was a freshman ninth grader. Improving on Crossland high School winless record compared to last year. Before transferring to Friendly, and even Westlake High School of Waldorf, Maryland practicing before being ruled academically ineligible and later being expelled, re-instated, and almost expelled again before transferring back to his hometown of Friendly High School. Where they would go on to win an Maryland 3A state championship season, undefeated at 14-0 against River Hill. Joe Haden's career record breaking all-time passing yard season also came this very year. Where disputes with some coaches led Munnerlyn to play only selective downs. His senior year they would post a 9-1 record before being disqualified for an ineligible player on the team. Where he starred as safety, cornerback, and special teams. Recorded 13 solo tackles, 7 assist tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception and 5 pass break ups.
Was highly recruited by schools such as Marshall University, Syracuse University, and Simpson College as well as Geneva College even though he was a 0 star recruit according to scouts.com in 2008. Verbally committed to Geneva College. On signing day but was arrested on gun charges exactly one month after his high school graduation. Becoming dropped from Geneva College football program.
Collegiate Years
After completing Lincoln College of Technology in the automotive program while on probation. Almost giving up on football. He was mentored by NFL alumni, Lamont Jordan he played on the same flag football team with him and continued to pursue an NCAA/NFL career which shortly after probation was finished he attended numerous colleges. Including a Yale Preparatory School referred to as Milford Academy. Which finished 11-1 and NEC conference champions, beating Yale in the Yale bowl, Wagner, St.Francis University, finishing the season 11-1. It's sole loss at the hands of Army University by one point,53-54. At the academy of West point. He has also competed against a plethora of collegiate athletes including some star NCAA standouts such as Marquel Wade of Arkansas, Jeremiah Kobeana Travon Burke, and Dyshawn Davis of Syracuse University. Alonzo Russell of Toledo University.
also was scheduled to face-off against Hargrave Military Academy and Martavious Bryant on November 14, 2010. This was the most anticipated preparatory meeting in history, until it was cancelled at the beginning of the 2010 Milford Season it was scheduled in Munnerlyn's hometown of University of Maryland, College Park, Byrd Stadium.
After the 2010 Milford Academy season which registered as the #1 prep school in the Nation. Even though he was highly sought after by then Syracuse head coach, Doug Marrone personally and the coaching staff of Rutgers and Greg Schiano. He verbally committed to the University of Marshall Head coach Doc Holliday and Defensive Coach, Mike Cassity. After a workout at University of Maryland turning down the local home state school, as well as Temple, New Mexico and most shocking, Pittsburgh University. After his prop 48 year at Marshall University his stepfather unexpectedly passed away. Leading him to take an immediate leave of absence. Before enrolling into College of Maryland but never playing football. Due to academic eligibility issues. Scheduled to transfer to Stevenson University for the fall of 2013 year he did not. Verbally Opting for the 2014 NFL draft as early as September 2013.
He has been ranked 39th overall small school Cornerback by nfldraftdiamonds.com. Has drawn considerable comparison to a taller Nickell Robey and Tyrann Mathieu by bleacher report scout Ian Wharton.
Personal life
He was the cousin of both Byron Leftwich through marriage and Captain Munnerlyn. Byron has always supported him and attended his football games since 1997 as well as the funeral of his stepfather, James LeGrant Jr.
Munnerlyn was killed on July 17, 2014 in a single vehicle accident in which he was a passenger.

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