MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Stephan Bracey has been balling out since his high school days at East Kentwood.
Now, the Central Michigan Chippewa wide receiver is ready to take the next step.
Moving forward this year, we are really looking to take off.
After one year in Mount Pleasant, one thing is apparent.
"He's got great skills," Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain said. "He can run. Boy, can he run."
Bracey has showcased that speed before at the Division 1 level at Wisconsin. The transfer runs a blazing 4.3 40-yard dash. However, he did not get the time on the field he wanted in Madison and decided to take his talents to the MAC. Bracey knows what he can bring to the table.
"Me at my best, I am not going to lie, that's kind of scary, obviously for the defenses," Bracey said. "Just really feel like there is not a ceiling to be honest, where I am at. I feel like there is no limit to what I am capable of."
Raising the roof is exactly what head coach Jim McElwain expects of Bracey, who tallied just 10 receptions on 66 yards in an injured-riddled 2023 season. The coach believes more is on the horizon.
"He is a guy that has got to develop into a go-to guy for us," McElwain said. "He's got great speed. He gets nicked up here and there. We've got to get him through those injuries to get on the field."
The 23-year-old knows he can be that number one guy on the field if he keeps being consistent on a regular basis.
"Showing you are that guy every time whether it is walkthrough or practice, the game, just being that same person wherever you are," Bracey said.
And in what could be his final season at the collegiate level, Bracey plans to put it all on the line.
"It's a last ride, what do I have to lose type of deal," Bracey said. "Might as well give it everything I got. There isn't a reason to hold back on anything. Just keep fighting."
Bracey has big goals for 2024. He aims to be first-team All-MAC on offense and special teams.
He is studying public administration and will receive his bachelor's degree in May. Whenever he is done playing football, he hopes to become an athletic director for a high school.
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