How QB LJ Funk fit in at Pearl-Cohn after moving from Brentwood High

Josef LJ Funk, a 6-foot-2, 180-pound senior quarterback, transferred to Pearl-Cohn High School from Brentwood High School. Upon arriving as a sophomore, he quickly secured the starting quarterback position from a senior competitor and led the Firebirds to the TSSAA Class 4A semifinals in his first season. Funk's performance that year was remarkable, completing 67.3% of his passes (173-for-257) for 2,902 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions, while also rushing for three scores.

For the 2025 season, Funk aims to propel the Firebirds to a state championship. The young athlete expressed initial hesitation about moving to Pearl-Cohn, as he considered several other options. However, after learning about the school's football program, he decided to transfer, driven by the opportunity to play at a higher level.

Pearl-Cohn, located 15 miles from Brentwood, is a predominantly minority school with a 99% Black enrollment. Coach Tony Brunetti highlighted Funk's work ethic, growth, and respect earned from his teammates, which contributed to his success. Off the field, Funk's ability to adapt and fit in with diverse environments, including his time in Brentwood, contributed to his seamless transition to Pearl-Cohn.

Despite occasional teasing from his teammates, Funk remains true to himself, embracing his unique style and maintaining his country music preferences.