The stats and numbers simply jump off the spreadsheet, the accolades begin with number one or top-ranked, and the amazing skills are matched only by the unlimited potential.

But for Bryce Underwood, Belleville High School’s top-ranked player in the country and recent Louisiana State University commit* (as he indicated in an interview prior to press time), football shares the stage with family and they are equally important in his young life.

The family roster features dad, Jay; mom, Beverly; and younger sister, Jayce, 12. And they have not only shared in all his success on the football field but have played a big part in it, keeping him motivated, guided and protected. It’s said that no one has your back like your family.

Bryce’s dad handles the football side of things, his sister keeps him grounded and humble and his mom “handles everything else.”

“My mom and dad are always teaching me to be a better person every day and always looking ahead,” Bryce said. “They motivate me every single morning to do the best I can that day and keep me grounded. They motivate me to get ready for school or football or whatever it is I have going that day. They are my motivation every day.”

Underwood has a small but loyal circle of people in the center of his life.

“It’s the same people I’ve known since I was younger,” he said. “My family and group of friends I have grown up with. I like keeping the same people around me because I know they are looking out for me.”

Bryce is a four-year starting quarterback for the Belleville Tigers. He went from MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year as a ninth grader to Gatorade Michigan Player of the Year as a junior to the number-one-ranked high school player in the country as a senior. He entered his final year with a 40-2 record as the starting quarterback and 141 touchdown passes.

In January, Bryce committed to LSU, turning down every other major program in the country to play for the Tigers, who have an impressive quarterback tree. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) was the Tigers’ starting QB in 2018-19 and Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders) in 2023.

“LSU has been my dream school since sixth grade and after they won the National Championship in 2019, I knew it’s where I wanted to be,” he said. “My dad played a big part in helping me get to where I wanted to be and what the best program was for me.”

Underwood was in the eighth grade in 2021 when he received his first “letter of interest” from a college program. He wasn’t even playing football when the University of Kentucky reached out to him.

At the time, Underwood was training with Donovan Dooley, founder of Quarterback University, who works extensively with NFL, NCAA and high school quarterbacks and teams. He also was playing 7 on 7 football, an Amateur Athletic Union-style league that emphasizes the passing game.

The recruiting process was stressful but his parents helped guide him through it every step of the way. And they were certainly proud of how he handled all the attention.

“I’m proud of how Bryce is able to succeed academically as he perseveres through his busy football career,” Beverly said. “He's been an honor student throughout high school. Both of our kids support each other and they have a wonderful relationship. I couldn't ask for better kids.”

It was an important moment in Bryce’s life when he signed with LSU and football and family came together on the big stage.

“My first thought was that I’m almost there to my ultimate goal of playing in the NFL,” he said. “I was glad and thankful my family was there and they were all excited. I was surrounded by everyone I love and that really made it special.”

*After press time, as of November 21st, Underwood has announced via a video posted to Instagram that he has flipped his commitment to the University of Michigan.