2008 Recruiting: Defensive Back Derrick Bryant

via vmedia.rivals.com
Derrick Bryant
Suwanee, Georgia
Peachtree Ridge High School
6'1" 185#
4.55 sec 40

Derrick Bryant is a 3-star player on both Scout and Rivals.  He is listed as a cornerback, but I think he may be more of a nickel-back type (I can't bring myself to type the name of that horrible band) or a free safety type than a true cornerback.  He turned down offers from Tennessee, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Virginia Tech, and others to come to LSU.  There is not a ton of video on him, but there is some, including from his senior year.

Even if you believe his listed 40 time, which I almost never do, his 4.55 speed is not great for a cornerback.  Decent, but not great.  For reference, it's actually a little better than Chevis's and Zenon's at their combine, but theirs was widely considered disappointing, and frankly most recruits exaggerate their 40-time.

His videos show very good overall athleticism.  Of course, like most D-1 calibre athletes, he plays both offense and defense.  He shows very good coordination and body control.  He plays the ball well both from the corner and wide receiver positions.  Even his videos, when he has the ball in his hands, he lacks the speed to really break away from defenders.  When making a tackle, he's physical and also wraps up well.  

He's got great size for a corner at 6'1" and 185 pounds.  He lacks the top end speed, but he's the sort of guy who could quietly develop into a very solid starter because he is a good athlete and has physicality.  I think he's a solid player.  I just think his upside may be somewhat limited.  While he can potentially be a very good college player, I don't think he is going to be an All-American, 1st round draft pick type.

I would expect a redshirt here, and then evaluate where he is in the Spring.