Shemar Bridges

Wide Receiver / Fort Valley State

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Shemar Bridges:  6’4, 210, and 4.5 at the junior pro day.    

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Shemar Bridges:  I have been grinding and working with my stepdad.  His name is Damian Swain.  He played WR for Alabama State.  Then he was on a practice squad with the Ravens and played in the Canadian league.  He is smart.  He knows football.  He taught me everything I know.  I also go workout with some other guys from the area.   

Alex Khvatov:  Your conference decided to postpone the football season until the spring of 2020.  What is your reaction to this news?

Shemar Bridges:  It was a bit frustrating at first.  It happened last week.  It is tough.  I never had a fall without football.  I want to play.  I woke up the next day and felt positive.  I won’t complain.  I will continue to work hard and prepare.  We will still play in the spring. 

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Shemar Bridges:  I played basketball a little bit during my freshman and sophomore year.  My high school is a big basketball powerhouse. 

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Shemar Bridges:  I played receiver and DB from time to time. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Shemar Bridges:  I didn’t have a lot of college interest.  I had D-II schools and D-III schools near Tennessee and South Carolina areas.  After my senior year, I got interest. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at Tusculum? 

Shemar Bridges:  It felt like it was a good fit.  A lot of the coaches came from Jacksonville University.  I am from Jacksonville, FL.  My friend signed with them too.  He played DB.  It was the best visit out of all of the schools.  I felt like I was wanted.  I spent three years there. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Fort Valley State?

Shemar Bridges:  Tusculum was heavy on their run offense.  I wasn’t getting the reps.  I had a couple of different schools.  It was a feeling I had.  It was a good fit at the time.  They wanted to throw the ball.  I felt like I would fit right into their offense. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your junior season?        

Shemar Bridges:  It was solid.  I got all-conference and made the Don Hansen all-region team.  I am my toughest critique.  I proved that I was one of the best receivers in the conference.  I helped the team as a receiver and as a leader.  It was a special year.  I expect to get much better. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Shemar Bridges:  I have a wide catch radius.  I make a lot of tough catches.  As a big receiver, I can run any route.  I can lineup outside and in the slot.  I understand coverages and pick up on things quickly.  I bring versatility and can do a lot of things on the field. 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Shemar Bridges:  I need to get in and out of breaks quicker.  I need to have a quicker twitch.  Not rush with my releases.  Use more effective moves off the line.  Continue to get stronger and grow mentally. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Shemar Bridges:  When we beat Florida Tech on their field.  I had a game-winning TD against Clark Atlanta.  It was a back-shoulder throw with 50 seconds left in the game. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Shemar Bridges:  Being consistent and coming to work every single day.  You have to understand that we are blessed to be here.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Shemar Bridges:  Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Shemar Bridges:  Saints WR Michael Thomas. 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Shemar Bridges:  RB Emmanuel Wilson is a transfer.  He had over 1,000 rushing yards at Johnson C. Smith last year.  Safety Zach Anderson, DL Jahseari Patterson, and DB Mike Hicks.  Our receiving group and O-line as a whole. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Shemar Bridges:  FAMU.  Their team was really talented.  They played fast. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a WR?

Shemar Bridges:  The play can change at the line. You need to react and think on the go. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Shemar Bridges:  I love the game.  I love working hard.  I love grinding and seeing how I have grown.  The feeling of a Saturday game.  The crowd, the band and the atmosphere. 

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Shemar Bridges:  Being able to be really humble.  I am personable with everybody.  I treat everyone with care.  I am big on faith.  I am a leader of the team.     

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Shemar Bridges:  I play video games and listen to music.  I am a laid-back guy. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Shemar Bridges:  I want to pursue ministry.  I want to help the youth.  I am big on faith.  I also want to stay involved with the game whether it is coaching or training players. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Shemar Bridges:  Humble, hardworking, leader, perseverance, and determined.