Bryant’s journey leads him to doorstep of a national title
JMU running back was an All-State player as a senior at Hopewell Valley
It was only nine yards, but without a doubt it was the most gratifying yards Lorenzo Bryant has ever carried a football into the end zone.
Bryant’s fourth quarter touchdown for James Madison in its FCS quarterfinal win over Montana brought his season and his career full circle.
“My emotions were all over the place,” said Bryant reflecting on the touchdown that sealed the 28-6 victory.
Bryant and the Dukes (12-1) now head to North Dakota State (12-1) for a semifinal showdown on Friday night in the FargoDome. The game is on ESPN2 at 8 p.m. EST.
The touchdown meant just as much to Bryant as the team.
After transferring from Rhode Island, the talented back who rushed for 1,699 yards his senior year at Hopewell Valley High, had to work his way into the lineup and then a knee and ankle injury sidelined him for several games.
“Montana was my first game back and then to be able to score on my first touch in a crucial game is amazing,” Bryant said. “I’m just so thankful to God, my supporting cast and the trainer and everyone that had a hand in getting me back.”
It has been an amazing football life for Bryant. He went from Notre Dame High to Hopewell Valley to Rhode Island and now JMU.
Bryant, who received a medical waiver to play this season, is oh so grateful to have the opportunity.
“I am very appreciative, honored and humbled for the opportunity,” Bryant said. “I didn’t play because of Covid in the spring and going into the transfer portal (JMU took) a chance on me and bring me in was amazing. Very thankful and I want to make the most of every
opportunity I have because I wasn’t promised this opportunity.”
He waited his turn to get some playing time in a backfield that includes Latrele Palmer, who has gained 858 yards this season. Then against Campbell, he suffered the injury that sidelined him for several games.
It’s because of those up and downs that Bryant is so grateful and thankful.
“Football has taught me to be humble and to persevere,” Bryant said. “I’ve been through so much physically, mentally and spiritually. It has taught me so much about the game of life and how to approach it. It has made me a better person in so many areas.”
One of those areas is the ability to take every moment as it comes and to enjoy it.
“I’m just soaking it all in and enjoying the view of this path I’m taking,” said Bryant of heading to the FCS semifinals. “At Rhode Island, we never made the playoffs and to be able to come to JMU and play in the semifinals and to be going to an historical stadium at NDSU is something to be excited for.”
Bryant knows the Bison, who have won eight FCS titles in the last nine years, are going to be a tough test for the Dukes.
“We want to go to NDSU and perform wonderfully,” Bryant said. “Then we want to go to Frisco and become national champions. I just want to do my part to be a national champion.”
With an eye toward a professional career, Bryant, who has a master’s degree in Public Administration, admits football and an unbelievable work ethic are a part of his heritage.
“Football is in my blood,” Bryant said. “My brother (Jihad) showed me how hard he worked, my mother and father sacrificed. My whole family has been there for me and allowed me to grow. So, my hunger and passion comes from those around me, that have believed in me and supported me.”
His brother, Jihad, was also a gifted running back at Lawrence High, but had an injury in high school curtail his career. He played collegiately at Western Connecticut.
“I’m following in his footsteps,” Bryant said, referencing his brother. “All along the way, he has helped me in so many ways.”
Family has been a big part of Bryant’s growth on and off the field. His father, Lorenzo Sr., mother, Toys, his brother, Jihad, and his sister, Lashay, have been his inspiration.
“My father told me at an early age that no matter how hard it gets you have to persevere and not just physically,” Bryant said. “You have to make educated decisions, think things through and form a plan and execute.”
The plan is to win two more games to execute the perfect ending.