Belle Vernon Class of 2024 quarterback Braden Laux announced that he committed to Eastern Michigan last Saturday.
Laux, who starts at quarterback for Belle Vernon, will transition into a tight end when he joins Eastern Michigan. He fits the build of a strong tight-end, standing at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds.
While this might prove difficult to some people, Laux is excited to play a new position once he gets to college. He has played at different positions throughout his time at Belle Vernon, playing linebacker and defensive end. He also said he is open to playing any position on the field, anything to keep playing the sport he loves.
“They really just do everything,” Laux said on the tight end position. “They block, they run, they catch the ball, they sometimes got to get handoffs, they got to motion. Still got to be smart with the play, you aren’t just like an extra lineman.”
Laux demonstrates his athleticism week-and-week-out as a quarterback, especially in 2022. He threw for 1,025 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed 96 times for 482 yards, 5.0 yards per carry, and eight touchdowns. He also played as a defensive end last season, making 32 tackles and 5.0 sacks.
His play, along with the rest of the team, led the way to the school’s first ever state championship in a 9-8 win over Neumann-Goretti in the PIAA 3A title game. Laux made a crucial interception in the win, while also throwing for 78 yards and rushing for 64 yards.
Eastern Michigan tight ends coach Brandon Blaney is the one who has contacted and built the relationship with Laux. The main reason Laux gave for joining the program is that they provided a family atmosphere, even with the position change.
Laux has one season left as the signal-caller for Belle Vernon, where he’ll play a large role in the quest for another state title. He’ll make sure to find time to practice for his new position, before he gets to Ypsilanti in fall of 2024.
“Just got to play one game at a time,” Laux said. “Obviously want to head back [to states] but can’t think too big. I definitely just got to keep running routes on my own, catching and doing anything I can to prepare.”
