Morgan State: Immediate playing time for Gentry?

Brian Gentry is a physical receiver with speed.

It's not all that often that incoming freshmen are expected to come in and produce immediately in their first year of college competition. And for good reason.

Making the successful transition from high school to college isn't easy. In many instances, 18-year old athletes aren't ready to deal with the psychological ups and downs associated with living up to lofty expectations.

Brian Gentry, who signed with Morgan State earlier this year, embraces the challenge. The former East Forsyth wide receiver possesses an inner drive which pushes him to deliver beyond expectations. Even as a college rookie, there's no denying how the Bears view him as a coveted prospect who can make his mark this fall.

Gentry, 6-feet-3, 200 pounds, runs the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds, but equally important are his 37-inch vertical leap, sure hands and physicality. His skill set will allow the Bears to move him around in different formations to create favorable match-ups for Morgan State's offense.

A look at Morgan State's web site makes it clear what the expectations are for Gentry, who played in the East-West All-Star Game last month. On the website, Gentry is a described as an additional big target with exceptional breakaway speed who will contend for immediate playing time.

Gentry was a three-sport athlete
at East Forsyth High School (NC).

“As a receiver, I feel like I have an advantage over anyone who guards me,” said Gentry, a two-time all-league pick in the Piedmont Triad 4-A Conference. “I don't say that to sound like I'm cocky. But I've learned how to use my size and speed to get open and make plays.”

Gentry was recruited by Wake Forest and UNC Charlotte, but decided that Morgan State would be the best for him. “There was a strong connection there, which really got my attention,” he said.

During his time at East Forsyth, Gentry, who also played basketball and ran track, produced noteworthy numbers over the past two seasons. During that stretch, he had 1,400 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns, which included 17 scoring receptions.

As a junior, Gentry wasted no time in putting his game-breaking skills on full display. In his first two games of the 2013 season, he scored six touchdowns, which included four TD catches and one scoring pass.

Even though much is expected of Gentry, he's not taking anything for granted. He fully understands that gaining the full respect of his coaches and teammates is all about performance.

“I'm coming as an underdog and I'm starting out all over again (to prove myself),” he explained. “There's a lot to learn. Being the underdog is something I'll have to get used to because I'm so accustomed to being on the field all the time. The key for me is to keep working. I'm looking to play right away.”

Although Gentry has chosen to attend a school that's 370 miles from his Kernersville, NC home, he'll get his opportunities to play in his home state during his career. Since Morgan State is a member of the MEAC, he'll return when the Bears visit North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T.