Montgomery pic

Jonathan Montgomery is a senior standout linebacker for the Byrnes Rebels. Montgomery has been a major force on the defensive side of the ball for the Rebels this year, forcing multiple turnovers and even returning an interception for a score in Byrnes’ last matchup against Boiling Springs.

GreerNews.com caught up with Montgomery to discuss his career as a Rebel, his favorite memories, and his plans for the future. 

GreerNews.com (GN): When did you first get into football, and how did you get into the sport?

Jonathan Montgomery (JM): When I first started playing, I was maybe four years old. I first fell in love with it at that same age, watching the 2012 Super Bowl between the 49ers and Ravens. I grew up around Baltimore and the Ravens, so watching those guys like Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense back then, that’s when I started to really love the game.

GN: Was there a player growing up that you knew you wanted to pattern your game after?

JM: Definitely. When I was a kid, guys like Luke Kuechly and Terrell Suggs were dominating. Those are the kind of guys I want to play like.

GN: Is there a game so far in your Byrnes career that stands out as your favorite or your best performance? 

JM: Probably in 2024 against Dorman. I watched a ton of film before that game on them, because we came in knowing how big of a rivalry it was. I was locked in that whole week. I think I had 12 tackles, a blocked kick, and a pass breakup. That was a really good game and a big win for us.

GN: What has been the biggest key to Byrnes’ success so far this year?

JM: We have really good chemistry as a team. We communicate well and relate to each other, and we understand everything that’s going on on the field. That’s why we’ve been able to be so good on both sides of the ball.

GN: What are your plans for the future, plans for after graduation?

JM: I’d love to play football in college. I’ve got a few schools showing interest in me in the area. When I get there, I want to study biology.

GN: What is your go-to pregame warmup song?

JM: I’m not sure about a specific song, but you can never go wrong with Chief Keef or NBA Youngboy. 

GN: If you could visit any stadium in the NFL, which stadium would you travel to?

JM: I’d go to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, because I never actually got to see my Ravens play there when I was growing up. That’s still something I want to do. 

GN: What are you going to miss the most about Byrnes when it’s time to hang it up?

JM: I would say the culture. I’ve made lots of friends and comrades here through the toughness and the tough coaching we get. That tough coaching is something I appreciate and love. I like getting that extra push because it helps me play harder.

For more coverage of Greer-area athletics, follow @GreerNewsSports on X.