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When Barryn Sorrell is given his large playbook as a rookie with the Green Bay Packers, he may get stuck. It'll be new material and language for the team's fourth-round pick, after all.
He'll be learning what defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley wants from him for the first time.
But Hafley and Packers fans should know that Sorrell's mindset is to persevere and find the answers to succeed.
His experience as a college student shows that.
His economics professor at the University of Texas-Austin shared this week the mindset of Sorrell's work ethic, determination and dedication to improve in the classroom — all traits that will serve the edge rusher well on the football field with the Packers.
Michael Brandl, who's now retired from teaching, noted on Facebook May 5 that Sorrell was one of his students in an introduction to macroeconomics in the 2022 spring semester.
But Sorrell was struggling. He hadn't done well on the first exam, Brandl recalled. But Sorrell was looking to improve his grade.
Given his commitments, Sorrell couldn't make Brandl's in-person office hours but agreed to meet with him over Zoom every week to go over the course material.
Brandl said that, while most students never take him up on this offer, Sorrell did.
And not just once. Every week, Sorrell was there.
They discussed the readings and lectures and Sorrell's "hard work paid off," Brandl said.
The result? His exam scores improved and greater knowledge and understanding of economics grew as well, the professor noted.
"So when you hear Barryn talk about his work ethic in interviews, let me reassure you: that is not just hype. He works his butt off," Brandl said. "He is truly inspirational story on many levels."
Sorrell responded on X to another former student at Texas posting about Brandl's message with appreciation toward his former professor.
"Professor Brandl was a blessing and is part of the reason I was able to graduate in 3.5 years," Sorrell wrote. "Forever thankful for him and how he met extra with me."
Here's a look at Barryn Sorrell, an edge rusher from Texas whom the Packers selected in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sorrell was in attendance for the draft on the third day and took the stage to a rock concert-like environment outside Lambeau Field.
Barryn Sorrell was one of eight draft picks for the Packers in 2025.
He has already signed with the team.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Texas professor gives inspiring story on Packers rookie Barryn Sorrell
Continue reading...
He'll be learning what defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley wants from him for the first time.
But Hafley and Packers fans should know that Sorrell's mindset is to persevere and find the answers to succeed.
His experience as a college student shows that.
His economics professor at the University of Texas-Austin shared this week the mindset of Sorrell's work ethic, determination and dedication to improve in the classroom — all traits that will serve the edge rusher well on the football field with the Packers.
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Michael Brandl, who's now retired from teaching, noted on Facebook May 5 that Sorrell was one of his students in an introduction to macroeconomics in the 2022 spring semester.
But Sorrell was struggling. He hadn't done well on the first exam, Brandl recalled. But Sorrell was looking to improve his grade.
Given his commitments, Sorrell couldn't make Brandl's in-person office hours but agreed to meet with him over Zoom every week to go over the course material.
Brandl said that, while most students never take him up on this offer, Sorrell did.
And not just once. Every week, Sorrell was there.
They discussed the readings and lectures and Sorrell's "hard work paid off," Brandl said.
The result? His exam scores improved and greater knowledge and understanding of economics grew as well, the professor noted.
"So when you hear Barryn talk about his work ethic in interviews, let me reassure you: that is not just hype. He works his butt off," Brandl said. "He is truly inspirational story on many levels."
Sorrell responded on X to another former student at Texas posting about Brandl's message with appreciation toward his former professor.
"Professor Brandl was a blessing and is part of the reason I was able to graduate in 3.5 years," Sorrell wrote. "Forever thankful for him and how he met extra with me."
Barryn Sorrell, Texas edge rusher, Packers draft pick
Here's a look at Barryn Sorrell, an edge rusher from Texas whom the Packers selected in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sorrell was in attendance for the draft on the third day and took the stage to a rock concert-like environment outside Lambeau Field.
Packers NFL Draft picks 2025
Barryn Sorrell was one of eight draft picks for the Packers in 2025.
He has already signed with the team.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Texas professor gives inspiring story on Packers rookie Barryn Sorrell
Continue reading...
