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| Chris Bryant (image via AnnArbor.com) |
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 325 lbs.
High school: Chicago (IL) Simeon
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #58
Last year: I ranked Bryant #44 and said he would be the backup right guard. He broke his leg and did not play at all.
I've been high on Bryant for a few years, so last year was disappointing - more for him than me, I'm sure. Bryant broke his leg just before the season started and missed the entire year. He didn't have much of a chance to beat out the three fifth year seniors who manned the interior positions last year, anyway, and luckily they all stayed healthy. But that also meant Bryant missed out on some valuable practice time, and when the spring game arrived, he appeared to be running with the third team.
If the spring game depth chart is to be believed, Bryant isn't a front-runner for one of the vacated guard positions. A couple walk-ons and a couple redshirt freshmen seem to have slid in front of Bryant, although there's a chance that Bryant could make a push as his body recovers. Some players have talked about him being the most powerful offensive lineman on the team, but word is that he struggles with pass blocking. This year may not be his year to step up, but there may be another opportunity in 2014; after Taylor Lewan and Michael Schofield graduate, there will likely be some reshuffling of positions.
Prediction: Backup offensive guard
Did he get a medical redshirt for last year? He came in two years ago, so he should be a RS soph.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a great sign for his future if he's dropped down to 3rd string, considering (1) his competition is all either younger than him or Joey Burzynski and (2) that the group coming in behind him is as or more talented as the players he's fallen behind.
Hopefully his demotion is due to setback from the injury and he can at least be 2nd string behind Kalis and Braden (or Glasgow) once the season gets here.
Minor correction: Bryant is a RS Sophomore.
ReplyDeleteI've been waiting a long time to see this guy on the field... here's hoping that he rebounds well from the injury and gets himself into the rotation.
ReplyDeleteI'm really hoping he makes a strong comeback this fall. He could open up some nice holes in the middle.
ReplyDeleteGreat rundown, I look forward to reading it everyday. Have you thought about putting the rundown so far in the drop down menu and linking each article? It would also be nice to have the scholarship count in the drop down menu too.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly passes the eye test.
ReplyDeleteDon't get the sense that Bryant is in the mix this year, and that is not a great sign. Braden is not a natural LG based on what I saw in the spring game and if Bryant cannot outplay him there, that does not bode well for his future. I see Kalis and Bosch taking command of the OG spots long-term.
ReplyDeleteStill some hope for him given his talent level and youth, but so far he's headed on the Richard Ash path to irrelevance.
ReplyDeleteSchofield and Barnum were both on that same path at the same point in their careers.
DeleteI believe Bryant will end up as a starter. He has great feet & speed. He is also VERY intelligent!! That goes a long way for an offensive lineman. Decisions are made after they go to camp. It's his time!!
ReplyDelete