Photo by Doug Neufeld
By Blake Chadwick
Inman junior Malachi Brunk has become one of the top all-around players in Class 1A.
Brunk is the Teutons’ quarterback and starting strong safety. Brunk’s leadership and playmaking on both sides of the ball give Inman a serious shot at returning to the state championship conversation like they were back in 2022.
“(Malachi) is the best player I have seen in a while,” junior Korbyn McClellan said. “He reminds me of Tanner Heckel.”
Brunk totaled 629 rushing yards, 234 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns last season. On defense, he added 55 tackles, two interceptions, and nine pass breakups — earning first team all-league defensive back and second team all-league running back.
“I would say my biggest strengths are my football IQ and work ethic,” Brunk said. “My IQ comes from me watching any football game I can. I’ve always been glued to the TV whenever there’s a game on.”
Brunk’s journey with football began in preschool, and his dedication hasn’t slowed since.
“I started playing flag football in preschool and continued up until 6th grade. I think this has helped me because I understand the game so much better.”
With high expectations entering his junior season, Brunk has his sights set on some big time goals.
“The team goal for the year is to win the state championship,” Brunk said. “Some individual goals would be 1st Team All-State, 1A Player of the Year, eclipse 2,000 total yards, and get seven interceptions.”
He knows that winning starts with leadership.
“As an upperclassman, more people will look to me to be the example and do the right thing,” Brunk said. “All the offseason work is for nothing if you can’t translate it to the field and make big plays.”
