Playing his first season of football as a senior, Clyde Gross, an All-County second-team basketball player for Broadneck, has "brought a lot of swagger to the team and been one of the most important factors in our success," Bruins football coach Jeff Herrick said. Gross, a 6-foot, 165-pound defensive back and punt returner for the Class 4A state semifinalists, is a member of what Herrick said is "one of the better overall secondaries we've had."
What made you take up football in your senior year?
When I was younger, football was my favorite sport, and I played in the Cape St. Claire and Mago Vista rec programs. My first year at Broadneck, I was going to go out, but I didn't get the physical done in time to try out. My teammates had been trying to get me to go out. [Defensive back] J.J. Hicks and a lot of the other guys and I played little league football together. So, this year I decided to go out, and it's been a lot of fun.
How has it been playing for Coach Herrick?
I really like his style and love for the game. He knows when to be tough, but I make him laugh.
Coach Herrick says you are a character. What does he mean by that?
Because like I said, I make him laugh. Sometimes he laughs at things I say, and sometimes he doesn't. I like to have fun and joke around, but I like to win, too. And making it this far [in the playoffs] has been a big thrill.
Your brother also was a pretty good football and basketball player, right?
My brother James Bowen played at Spalding and was a really good athlete on a really good team. James played basketball in college for coach Greg Jackson at Delaware State and now is a salesman.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I think I would like to play at Delaware State for Coach Jackson. I just need to get a little bigger. I've been a little lazy with the weights and need to work harder.
How is this year's Bruins basketball team?
We're going to be good and can go as far as the football team this year. During the summer we lost to Glen Burnie in the championship game [of the Lake Waterford summer league]. We could be the top two teams.
What's the tattoo on your arm say and mean?
My grandfather, Norbert Bowen, was a hero to me, and I will never forget him. He was always there for me. The tattoo is a cross with a ribbon going through it, and it says, "N.D. Bowen, 6-07-39 to 7-24-00." I miss him.