Anthony Bryant and Greg McLain are making progress

[Crimson Surfer]

The doubts about Anthony Bryant when he left tiny Sunshine High had nothing to do with the way he played football.

He was a 315-pound athlete with the speed to play linebacker and the athleticism to star on the basketball court. He was the state's top prospect on The Birmingham News' Super Seniors list and a Parade All-American.

Yet when he made the short drive from Newbern to the University of Alabama in 2000, Bryant was followed by doubts.

"A lot of people thought I had the potential to be an NFL player," said Bryant. "But a lot of people didn't think I could be a college student and get a degree."

Bryant is on track for one more year to impress NFL scouts. But that's only because he took care of his work in the classroom.

Bryant entered Alabama as a partial qualifier, which meant he was unable to play in games in his first year and would not be eligible for a fourth season unless he earned his degree in four years. That means that to play this season, he must already have his degree.

Athony Bryant: Tackling the books

Tide fans are longing to return to the “Moose”calls that went out through Bryant-Denny Stadium when Greg McLain had a rare rush in 2002. McLain was lauded for his blocking ability as one of the keys to Bama?s SEC-second-best 213 rushing yards per game, starting six games as one of only two true freshmen to play that year (the other was DeMeco Ryans).

Greg McLain has been slowed to a near crawl by injury over the past year, however. He suffered a concussion during the first day of Alabama football full pads practice last August. After talking things over with the team doctors, the coaching staff decided to move McLain from fullback to tight end.

“It was frustrating because I was really looking to impress the new coaching staff and I get a concussion on the first day (in pads),” he said. “It was a major setback because I couldn’t prove to the coaches what I could do.”

Greg McLain Making Progress

 

[TommyMac]

That says volumes about Anthony's character. He'll make it in the NFL if he maintains that mindset. Lord knows, he's got the physical gifts.

 

[mib3fan]

To be honest, I don't really buy into the NFL hype for Bryant unless he really makes some major progress in his final year. He certainly has talent, but has never been in good shape, and has never put up any real stats.

According to RollTide.com, Bryant is credited with 0 sacks a 3.5 tackles for a loss in a combined 1,164 career snaps. I mean I know the guy has talent, but if you were an NFL GM, would you really spend a draft pick on a guy who, despite having played three years in college and saw over 1,100 snaps, had yet to even record a sack or get 5 tackles for a loss?

I think Bryant has a lot of talent, but personally I think he'll have to have a big year in 2004 to be a legitimate draft prospect.

[This message has been edited by mib3fan (edited 06-22-2004).]

 

[toddhsv]

That's great for both McClain and Bryant. . .but I will tell you that I am very pleased with Kent Johnston so far from what I have seen and heard. Now I just want to see it come through on gamedays in the Fall.

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RTMF

 

[jdpas29]

i've always thought that Anthony just needed to shed a few pounds and he would do a lot more damage. it appears that he has done and is doing that so... no worries here. i think he's going to be unstoppable in 04 which really changes things when you have Todd Bates on the end and a speedy Mark Anderson on the other. BAMA's D-Line, barring injury or non-qualification by Bryant, is going to be hell on earth for our opponents.... at least for the first 3 quarters.

on the Greg McLain article... that is sad what happened to him and how the surgeries have not gone so well. i didn't really realize all that went down.

i hope he can get back in playing shape in time for the fall practices.

..... on a side note - i really want to see Nick Walker get some snaps. i know he should probably red shirt or whatever considering the number of tight ends that Alabama will have available, but this kid is something else... especially as a receiver. i don't know much about his blocking skills, but his team did win the championship... i think.

 

[POWERLINEMAN42]

thats great news on both. i wished childress wouldve stayed tho i always liked him. moose is faster than some think. i was a baseball coach mcclain's senior year and we had to play them. he is a GREAT kid that was very nice and we chatted about him goin to bama. he really seemed to be very happy to be heading to t-town. the kid has legitimate(sp?) speed. i think he told us 4.5 and when you seen him run on the diamond you could tell it was true. if the concussion effects are gone he has a bright future.

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R.I.P. Zach Culpepper (1980-1998)

 

[ROLLER]

When you can take two blockers on and loosen up things for linemates....that's when you can make the NFL(as a DT).

The loss of weight may really be the best experience for Anthony. If he can make plays it could be the difference in him going in the 3rd or 4th round to the 2nd. Those plays can come from better depth that still has to be shown.