No. 4 in the Dandy Dozen
Aaron Bryant joins the Mid-south’s Top 12 college football prospects.
When the photographer gave Aaron Bryant his request for the next picture, a sheepish grin spread across the defensive tackle’s face.
A second later, Bryant yelled out. He yelled right into the camera, without hesitation, on a downtown Memphis street crowded with people.
Not more than 10 minutes later, Bryant sat on a bench, explaining how shy he has always been and pointing out that most people who know him as a football player are surprised by his demeanor off the field.
Described by his dad as a “gentle giant,” the 6-foot-4, 306-pound senior carries himself quietly. The loudest
thing about him is the smile on his face at all times.
The Southaven player is No. 4 on The Commercial Appeal’s 2021 Dandy Dozen, a collection of the top 12 college football prospects for the Class of 2022 from the Mid-south as picked by the newspaper.
The three-star defensive lineman is the No. 10 prospect in Mississippi and No. 66 defensive lineman in the country, according to the 247Sports Composite.
SEC interest on the rise
Interest in Bryant rose rapidly after his junior year highlight tape dropped. The reel was shared on Twitter, as well as to individual college coaches and recruiting coordinators via emails from coaching staff at Southaven.
Bryant had just one offer from Liberty when the season ended. Not even two weeks after his tape was shared, the offers began to roll in.
Southaven coach John Stevenson remembers Bryant receiving calls from the likes of Ole Miss, Arkansas and Mississippi State all within 48 hours of each other.
His final three are Alabama, Texas and Texas A&M. He is set to announce his college decision Aug. 26.
Bryant, whose dad has been a pastor since before he was born, credits his relationship with God for much of his sudden recruiting success.
“It’s huge. Without it, I don’t think I would be here,” Bryant said. “I don’t think I would have these offers, without that connection. It’s a whole
lot of praying that went into it. I believe that that prayer was God giving me opportunities — a year ago, it didn't seem like I had these opportunities.”
His faith kept him grounded throughout the recruiting process, and still now, it remains a huge part of Bryant's football career. The Southaven star regularly prays before games and participates in Bible study with teammates.
Learning to be loud
Growing up immersed in the church also helped break Bryant out of his shell. Though that same shyness still persists, Bryant said he is a lot less timid than he used to be. His parents pushed him to get involved “out front” at church, participating in plays, giving speeches and even singing in the choir.
Now he is not afraid to speak up when he needs to, especially as a team leader.
“I always have a chip on my shoulder, I feel like I've always been the underdog. ... My teammates always knew how good I was, they always thought I was capable to play at the college level for football, but as far as my success — it recently happened,” Bryant said. “I'm not angry, I'm hungry, and I'm always looking to work.”
Claire Kuwana is a sports reporting intern at the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Contact her at claire.kuwana@ commercialappeal.com or follow her on Twitter @clairekuwana