Sophomore CB Is Ready for Spring Competition

With the graduation of two senior cornerbacks, it opens up a starting spot which will be battled for by three players that the Seminoles signed in the class of 2004. One of those players got a leg up on two of his classmates by getting on the field as a freshman.

True Sophomore J.R. Bryant impressed coaches enough to get on the field early.  The Territory caught up with the former four-star standout from Miami (Fla.) Killian. 
 
“Mat drills are difficult in the beginning but the whole team is starting to look very good,” Bryant said.  “I’m especially impressed with the entire freshman class because they are holding their own with the older guys.”
 
Bryant, who added ten pounds of muscle in the off season, has been informed by coaches that the starting jobs will be open to everyone this spring.
 
“The starting jobs are open to all of us,” the 6-foot-1 and 180 pound standout said.  “It’s all even.   This is going to be a big-spring because the rotation will be determined on the field.  It’s all open.”
 
Bryant, who played in nine games as a true freshman, has some lofty goals for the fall.
 
“I’m really looking forward to the season,” he said.  I’m looking forward to contributing to another Florida State National Championship team.  I can’t wait to get out there and make plays for Coach Andrews and Bowden.”
 
Publisher’s Opinion:
 
Bryant has a leg up on Tony Carter and Trevor Ford for a starting job because of getting some early playing time as a freshman and a lot of practice reps.  Carter and Ford were limited due to injuries.  Bryant might be one of the best cover-corners on the team and bulking up some will help him be a more complete defensive back.