A Deshler High School graduate, Brent was a four sport athlete for the Tigers, playing football, basketball, baseball and track. He was a valuable contributor in all four sports but it was football where he excelled. He was a member of four area championship teams from 1994 through 1997 and two regular season undefeated teams during that span. He started on defense at tackle for four seasons and three seasons on offense playing both guard and tackle. He recorded over 300 career tackles from 1994-1997. Brent received numerous awards during his high school career including being named the Times Daily 4A-6A Player of the year, the A.C. Curry Award for the Shoals Areas best lineman that same year and was named All-Area as a sophomore, junior and senior. He was also named to the 4A All-State team in both his Junior and senior seasons, chosen USA Today Honorable Mention Alabama Player of the Year in 1997 and played in the North-South All Star game. Following high school he received a football scholarship to Samford University where he was a team captain his senior season in 2001.