THIS YEAR: One of the top newcomers in the program, junior college transfer James Brunt literally and figuratively fills a hole on the defensive front ... Expected to have a great impact on opposing ground games ... Could push for postseason honors ... Strong and physical.
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played 1 season of junior college football for head coach Mark McElroy at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Calif. ... Used primarily as a defensive tackle, tallying 20 tackles for the 7-3 Gauchos ... Did carry the ball once as a fullback, rushing for a yard ... Attended Santa Ana (Calif.) College but did not play.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played 4 seasons of varsity football for head coach Bruce Rollinson at state power Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, Calif. ... Played both defensive end and running back ... As a 2005 senior, rushed for a team-leading 689 yards on 161 carries (4.3 avg.) while registering 9 TDs ... Best game came against league rival St. John Bosco, rushing for 113 yards on 21 carries with 3 TDs ... Named All-Serra League first team for his play ... Was a 4-year starter at fullback, including as a 13-year freshman in 2002.
PERSONAL: Born Oct. 19, 1987, in Santa Ana, Calif. ... Parents are James (aerospace machinist) and Whitney (administrator) Brunt ... Has 1 brother (Andrew) and 5 sisters (Priscilla, Janet, Jessica, Jacquelyn, Jayden) ... Majoring in business ... Would like to go into personal finance ... Plays the piano and enjoys art.
