Blog
How Bryce Backus has Gone From 4th Grade Foundations to Division I Dreams
Bryce Backus is exactly why long-term athletic development matters.
Now a Junior quarterback at Caledonia High School, Bryce balances football and Varsity basketball while preparing for a future at the college level. With Division I offers from Toledo and Kent State, his goals are big—but his journey didn’t start with offers, rankings, or exposure. It started in 4th grade, learning how to move.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION EARLY
Bryce began training at PowerStrength when he was just a kid.
“When I was in 4th grade,” he said when asked when he started at PowerStrength.
Like many young athletes, Bryce didn’t come in polished or advanced. In fact, he’ll tell you himself how different things were back then.
“I would say I was fatter, slower, and everything back then. So I mean, it’s changed a lot.”
That early stage of training wasn’t about football plays or position-specific drills. It was about movement—running, coordination, and athletic fundamentals. And the impact was immediate.
“I didn’t even know how to run exactly at that age,” Bryce recalled. “And I think just coming here for like, a year just made a huge difference. I actually learned how to run like an athlete and be an athlete.”
That foundation has carried Bryce through middle school, high school, and now into serious college conversations.
GROWTH THROUGH STRUCTURE AND INTENTION
As Bryce got older, the training evolved. Structure increased. Expectations rose. And eventually, Bryce earned his spot in Premier, PowerStrength’s most advanced training program.
“Premier especially has helped me,” he said. “They gave me diets and stuff to help.”
Premier isn’t just more intense workouts. It’s education. Bryce has learned how recovery, nutrition, sleep, and consistency all compound over time.
“They really helped me build a regimen,” he said. “They’ve helped with how much time I’m supposed to sleep, what exactly I’m supposed to eat, and especially in here, just lifting weights, it’s crazy intense, and it helps a lot.”
TRAINING AROUND THE RIGHT PEOPLE
One of the biggest differences Bryce points to in Premier is the environment.
“The biggest thing that sets Premier apart is the athletes that you train with. When you’re training with top-tier athletes, that really helps. You want to push yourself and become better.”
That daily exposure to other committed, college-bound athletes raises the standard—and keeps it there.
BALANCING VARSITY BASKETBALL AND PREMIER
While training in Premier this Winter, Bryce is also playing Varsity basketball at Caledonia, making his schedule even more demanding.
“Since my main sport is football, I really have to utilize my time,” he said. “The PowerStrength coaches help me, especially if I have to make up a workout on the weekend, and then I’m able to go straight to basketball.”
That flexibility allows Bryce to stay consistent in the weight room without sacrificing performance on the court.
SPEED, SIZE, AND CONFIDENCE ON THE FIELD
On the football field, Bryce has seen tangible changes—especially in speed and physical development.
“PowerStrength has helped me gain speed drastically,” he said. “I lost a lot of fat when I first got here, and then I’ve gained so much muscle since.”
At 6’3”, Bryce knows adding lean mass is critical for his position and long-term durability.
“I’d like to weigh 215 pounds.”
And with the right plan in place, progress has followed.
“I’ve already gained 5 pounds in just the last couple of weeks.”
LEARNING THE MENTAL SIDE
Premier training goes beyond physical preparation.
“The trainers give you lots of tips that not only help you in the weight room but also help you in general,” Bryce said. “Just having the little mental tips really helps you persevere.”
That mindset matters—especially for a quarterback navigating pressure, leadership, and expectations.
PREPARING FOR WHAT’S NEXT
Bryce’s Junior football season was shortened by injury, which sharpened his focus moving forward.
“We decided I needed to gain more muscle and weight because we think that’d be the biggest way to prevent further injury.”
With college decisions approaching and the transfer portal changing the landscape, Bryce is thoughtful about what comes next.
“If you look at any college, any kid that goes in there and doesn’t fit in, immediately just transfers out,” he said. “So right now, I think the biggest thing with me is I’m trying to find the perfect school where that doesn’t have to happen, because it’s a much harder situation. The portal is making things pretty difficult.”
Still, he feels confident about where he stands.
“I feel good about where I’m at,” Bryce said. “But there’s always something in the back of my head telling me I want to be better.”
THE LONG VIEW
From learning how to run in 4th grade to earning Division I offers, Bryce Backus is a clear example of what intentional development looks like over time.
When asked how he describes PowerStrength, Bryce keeps it simple.
“It’s a great environment,” he said. “The trainers are excellent. There are many other places you could be, but I would for sure recommend this place.”
Wherever Bryce’s path leads next, one thing is certain: he’s prepared for it.
GET STARTED AT POWERSTRENGTH
4th-12th grade athletes of all sports and abilities can also sign up at PowerStrength at any time while spots remain. Choose the PowerStrength location most convenient for you – Alpine, Kentwood, Jenison, Plainfield, Holland, and Byron Center.
Visit https://powerstrengthpro.com/athlete/contact/ to learn more or click below to schedule your assessment and get started.