Malik Garrett Brings Versatility to Bridgewater State Football Team

By Jim Fenton, The Enterprise (Brockton)

BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- He joined the Bridgewater State University football team in the summer of 2014 as a quarterback.

After getting on the field for only a few games at that spot as a freshman, though, Malik Garrett was moved away from that position as a sophomore.

With Danny Higgins, who this season became the program’s all-time leading passer with 5,898 career yards, at the top of the depth chart, Garrett transformed into a multi-threat weapon.

For two seasons now, the Boston resident has lined up as a running back and wide receiver in addition to throwing four passes while taking direct snaps.

Garrett, who made the All-Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference first team this season and was on the second team in 2015, has brought versatility to the Bears’ offense.

That variety was on display two weeks ago when BSU defeated Framingham State, 28-27, in overtime for the MASCAC championship.

Garrett scored two rushing touchdowns, ran for 124 yards and caught four passes for 70 yards and a score to earn the conference’s offensive player of the week award.

Bridgewater State is preparing for its fourth NCAA Division 3 tournament with an opening-round game at 15th-ranked and unbeaten Alfred University (N.Y.) Saturday at noon.

“Malik has turned into a phenomenal weapon right now,’’ said coach Joe Verria. “He can throw it, he can catch it, he can run with it.

“He’s a tremendous athlete. He’s one of those kids you couldn’t keep off the field. We had Higgins and (Alex) McLaughlin (at running back), and Malik can do both of those things.

“Coaches (Rene) Moyen and (Pat) Callahan (the co-offensive coordinators) have done a tremendous job this year adapting our offense to our personnel.’’

Garrett is second on the team with 441 rushing yards and leads BSU with 10 touchdowns on the ground (tied for the conference lead). He is fourth with 31 receptions for 317 yards and is the conference’s top scorer with 86 points (14 TDs and a 2-point conversion).

Moving from quarterback to becoming a running back/receiver has paid off for Garrett and BSU.

“I really didn’t know which one I was going to do,’’ said Garrett. “They didn’t really know which position I was going to do. So they put me in the middle.

“I definitely looked at it as a challenge. All I really knew at that moment of time was my position (quarterback). It opened my eyes to something new and I took the chance and now I’m here.

“I miss having the ball in my hands all the time, but it wasn’t too big (of an adjustment). I’m an athlete. There are a lot of things on the field I can do to help the team.’’

With the passing of Higgins and the running of McLaughlin (1,068 yards this season), opposing defenses have plenty to worry about. Throw in a talented group of wide receivers and the versatility of Garrett and it makes things even more difficult.

“They have to game plan for everyone,’’ said Garrett. “When it comes down to who they’re going to take care of, me or any of my teammates, somebody will be open.’’

Garrett is inspired by his grandfather, Earl Garrett, who was one of the top Division 3 players in New England during the 1970s.

Playing at the former Boston State College, Garrett was drafted as a defensive back in the 17th and final round by the Minnesota Vikings in 1974.

He went to camp with the Vikings after being the 441st out of 442 players chosen that year and was also a 26th-round pick of the Detroit Wheels in the World Football League.

“He’s a big influence,’’ said Malik Garrett, whose grandfather watches him play at BSU. “He wants me to be better than he was. I just try every day to go my hardest and do it for him and the rest of my family and friends.’’