Monett senior signs to play football at Missouri Southern

By Jared Lankford monettsports@gmail.com

Monett wide receiver Landyn Brandt realized one of his life’s goals in March when he signed a national letter of intent to play football for Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) in Joplin next year.

“I am beyond excited,” Brandt said. “I’ve forward to playing college football all of my life. I feel like I’ve worked hard to be in the position to play in college, and I am grateful that I have this opportunity.”

Brandt, a three-sport athlete at Monett, said football was always his passion. His senior season for the Cubs was by far his best, and area colleges took notice.

Brandt hauled in 89 passes for Monett for 1,083 yards and 11 touchdowns. He averaged 108 yards receiving per game.

“Landyn’s ability to lead and influence his teammates was big for us,” said Ben Mauk, Monett coach. “I don’t think people know how much he cares for the game and about being an inspiration for his team His coachability was a big key to his success his senior year.”

Mauk pointed to the fact that Brandt had three different head coaches during his high school tenure at Monett, but his willingness to embrace the new coaching staff and his role as a senior leader was a welcome outcome.

“I think of him as a glue guy on our team this year,” Mauk said. “He was the one who helped hold things together. He supported me and the new staff and helped bring kids on the team around to our ways of coaching.”

As Brandt prepares to take the next step in his playing career, Mauk said there are several intangibles that will benefit the season in college.

“Landyn has great length and speed,” Mauk said. “His quickness and willingness to work are going to serve him well. I’m excited for this opportunity he has.”

Brandt said his visit to MSSU made his mind up on where he wanted to play.

“When I took my visit to Southern, the coaching staff showed me a ton of love,” Brandt said. “It was amazing. It felt like home, so I decided to make my home there.”

For the senior, he understands that he needs to continue to work to get bigger faster, and stronger before he enrolls in the fall.

“I need to be working as much as I can,” Brandt said. “I still work catching balls with our quarterbacks and just focusing on getting my body and hands ready for when I get to campus.”

Brandt said if he could pass on one piece of advice to younger players it would be to work as hard as possible and never be embarrassed to outwork anyone.

The senior plans to major in business management. He is the son of Andy and Caseye Brandt.