College Career
In his first 2003 season at Texas A&M, though Bryant was redshirted, he was named a team captain. In his freshman season, he became a defensive tackle and started in all games. He earned All-American and All-Big 12 honors from The Gridiron Report after making 34 tackles (3.5 of which led to a loss of nine yards), two deflected passes, and a blocked kick. In 33 defensive plays against the option, he was able to hold the opposing team down to 1.85 yards per carry.
In his sophomore season, he started in 10 games, but saw action in all 11. He produced 28 tackles, 7.5 of which led to a loss of yardage, forced two fumbles and three sacks. In 31 plays against the option, he held opposing teams to a minus-27 yards, or minus-0.87-yard average. The Texas A&M defense, however, finished the 2004 season ranked 107th out of 119 Division I teams, after allowing 443.82 offensive yards per game.
In his junior season, he was voted a permanent team captain. He started in 8 games and played in nine before agreeing to end his season by having surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament that he tore. He produced a total of 19 tackles, 1 sack, 1 blocked kick, and 5 pass blocks. When he was benched in the final five games of the season, the Aggie defense gave up 229.2 rushing yards. However, at the end of the season, the defense improved to a national ranking of 46, after allowing 322.62 offensive yards per game.
In his senior season, Bryant recorded 41 tackles, 1 sack that led to a safety, 1 field goal block that led to a touchdown drive, and six stops for losses of 19 yards. In the team's first ten games, he allowed only 43 rushing yards on 42 plays directed at him. The Aggie defense had allowed 160.9 yards per game overall. Along with 8 other Aggie players, Bryant received an all-Big 12 Honorable Mention.
After completing his senior season play, Bryant participated in the 2008 Senior Bowl, playing for the South team. At one of the practices prior to the game, he got into a fight with teammate Chris Williams, causing the coaches to break it up. In the game, he recovered one fumble made by quarterback John David Booty. The South team won the game 17–16.
Read more about this topic: Red Bryant
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