Amador Valley’s star defensive end Brady Nassar (‘23) enters the offseason to prepare for not only the upcoming football season, but the varsity basketball team this winter.

Football, however, is his number one, as he continues to play at a high level and build a winning culture around Amador’s football team. For the class of 2023, Nassar is ranked 45th overall in California, 30th in the nation amongst edge rushers, and a 3 star recruit on Top247 rankings. 

“I feel like I’m very blessed in the place I am with my resources from my parents and the school I go to. I feel like it’s my job to do what I love to the best I can,” said Nassar.

College scouts will continue evaluating Nassar’s skill set, but all-around character and leadership should not be overlooked. Coaches and teammates have recognized the energy and leadership Nassar brings to the team each day. 

“In order to be a leader, you have to be able to treat people with respect. That’s a big reason why Brady is a leader. He builds relationships with everybody. It was kind of cool to see some of the seniors looking to a junior as a leader,” said Coach Jones.

Likewise, Nassar maintains a bond with teammates, creating an environment full of brotherhood and hard work. Center Dominic Varner (‘22) gives high praise regarding Nassar’s habits and character. 

“I know he really takes great care of himself. He plans his meals every day. He’s a great dude too, I love being around him. He’s a really big leader, one of [the] main leaders on our team,” said Varner.

Nassar’s consistent routines have paid off as he recorded 33 total tackles on the season. However, he has also picked a lot of non-football skills from the seniors. As underclassmen begin moving up to varsity, he embraces a leadership role that will be crucial for the 2022 season.

“[The seniors taught me] how to act around campus, how to be a good player on and off the field, and how to play every play like it’s your last. I try to be an example–lead by example. On and off the field, I try to do the right thing and I hope that everyone can follow me and do the same thing,” said Nassar.

At 6’5 240 lbs, Nassar has worked hard to build size, quickness, and strength that allows him to pressure the quarterback almost every play. As a result, he led the team in sacks (6) and tackles for loss (11) during the 2021 season. 

“He’s a very physical player. When you have a guy like that, you can count on him never coming off the field, but also dominating the entire game,” said Jones.

After playing on both offense and defense in football, Nassar will play for Amador’s varsity basketball team this winter. Despite being the team’s defensive leader, he is an efficient blocker and recorded 1 receiving touchdown along with 11 receptions for 172 receiving yards as the tight end. With all this action, Nassar understands the importance of conditioning and discipline. 

“We’re lifting 5 days a week, but Brady does a lot of stuff on his own too. I think what separates him is his maturity in the weight room [and] discipline with his diet…He uses basketball like a tool to get better with football. It helps with his footwork, his conditioning, [and] his change of direction,” said Jones.

Despite playing football in the fall and basketball in the winter, his training is not affected due to quality time management. On school days, squeezing in the maximum amount of training is a big reason his potential is so high. 

“I will either train in the morning before school or after basketball practice,” said Nassar.