If you stumbled on a practice field in Austin in 2020, you might’ve found Connally’s Jahdae Barron, Westlake’s Michael Taaffe, and LBJ’s Andrew Mukuba working out together. A couple of weeks ago, those three stood side by side as Barron accepted an award given to the best defensive back in the nation.
Bam Blake played football at Colorado State. Shortly after signing with the Packers, he suffered a brain aneurysm, ending his playing days. But that’s when Blake began Bam Performance.
“Coming from Austin myself, I wanted to start something to showcase abilities against Houston and Dallas,” said Bam Blake.
He trains and mentors some of Austin’s top talent, including the D-B trio at U-T: Michael Taaffe, Andrew Mukuba. And Jahdae Barron.
Before U-T, Jahdae Barron, Michael Taaffe, and Andrew Mukuba worked out together with Bam. During the pandemic, that meant every day, for two hours a day.
“Things you see on the football field now—those bonds, those relationships—they all grew off of each other and just how hard they were willing to work,” explained Blake.
“We would be working out with Bam, we would make each other run after workouts,” said Jahdae Barron.
From workouts with Bam to award ceremonies.
“I mean, they pushed me up to this point. I was supposed to go to Baylor, Taaffe wasn’t supposed to be here, Andrew was at Clemson. They pushed me to get to this point, explained Barron.
As Texas prepares for the Peach Bowl, there’s a new generation working with Bam.
Bam predicts a pick from each in the Peach Bowl. But no matter what, he’s proud.
The Texas defensive back trio of Jalen Green, D’Shawn Jamison, and Josh Thompson may have different playing styles and backgrounds, but their bond on and off the field was solidified by one common factor: their love for the game and their respect for former Longhorn standout Brandon Jones, affectionately known as “Bam.”
Jones, who now plays in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins, left a lasting impact on the young defensive backs during his time at Texas. His leadership, work ethic, and passion for the game inspired Green, Jamison, and Thompson to strive for excellence and push each other to be the best they can be.
The trio’s bond with Bam started during their first year at Texas, when Jones took them under his wing and mentored them on and off the field. He shared his knowledge, experience, and wisdom with the young defensive backs, teaching them the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in the game of football.
As they watched Bam excel on the field, the trio realized that they had found a role model and mentor in him. They emulated his work ethic, studied his game film, and learned from his mistakes and successes. They bonded over their shared love for the game and their desire to be great, just like Bam.
Now, as they continue to make their mark on the Texas defense, Green, Jamison, and Thompson carry on Bam’s legacy by embodying his leadership, passion, and dedication to the game. Their bond, forged by their shared admiration for Bam, continues to grow stronger with each game they play together, reminding them of the impact he had on their lives and their careers.
In the end, the Texas defensive back trio’s bond started with Bam, but it has grown into something even greater: a brotherhood built on respect, trust, and a shared passion for the game of football. And as they continue to strive for excellence on the field, they know that they will always have each other’s backs, just like Bam had theirs.
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- Texas defensive backs
- Bond between defensive backs
- Texas Longhorns football
- Bam defensive back
- College football defensive backs
- Texas Longhorns defensive trio
- Team chemistry in football
- Texas defensive back camaraderie
- Strong bond among defensive backs
- Texas football players bond
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