UHND has been highlighting Notre Dame football players on the verge of breakout seasons for 2014. To date, UHND has profiled tight end Durham Smythe, wide receiver Will Fuller, safety Max Redfield, and running back Tarean Folston. The latest edition of breakout candidates stays in the Irish backfield with sophomore – though he still possesses four years of eligibility – running back Greg Bryant.
Pedigree
When you think of a complete running back, Greg Bryant should come to mind. Standing at 5’11” and weighing 197 pounds – all while boasting a 4.48 second 40-yard dash – it should be no surprise that the American Heritage High School standout from Delray Beach, FL, rushed for over 3,500 yards and 44 touchdowns his junior and senior seasons.
Bryant’s size, speed and production led to him being tabbed as a 5-star player and the #3 running back – as well as Top 20 overall in his class – on Rivals.com. The talented running back boasted offers from every major power in college football, including Alabama, Florida State, Ohio State and USC to name only a few.
A one-time Oklahoma commitment, Bryant opened up his recruiting options in order to take a better look at Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina. Given his SEC focus, a question as to how Bryant ended up with Notre Dame is a fair one. The Florida standout developed a strong relationship with legendary Notre Dame recruiter, Tony Alford, and Bryant’s father placed a premium on academics. However, Greg Bryant keeping Notre Dame on the periphery during his recruiting process can be directly attributed to the Fighting Irish’s undefeated regular season, which led to an official visit during Notre Dame’s annual awards banquet when Bryant ultimately committed.
Why Greg Bryant Will Break Out
The major reason Greg Bryant may have a breakout campaign in 2014 is pretty straightforward: talent. The Sunshine State native is one of the most physically gifted running backs Notre Dame has had on its roster in decades, and his much anticipated potential was flashed vividly for all to see during this year’s annual Blue-Gold game. Bryant rushed for 101 yards on 12 carries, averaging 8.5 yards per touch. One of the carries included a jaw-dropping 51-yard scamper that left Notre Dame fans buzzing about what the future may hold for the gifted rusher.
Another reason for optimism is that the distractions that plagued Bryant throughout his freshman season have been removed. Bryant, who was expected to play a large role in Notre Dame’s offense his first year on campus, was ultimately forced to sit out the season while battling tendonitis in his knee. Making matters worse, Bryant was attempting to adjust to a new and rigorous academic workload while battling homesickness through one of the worst Midwestern winters in decades.
The snow has melted, Bryant’s knee is healed and he is now comfortable in his surroundings. After overcoming so many obstacles his first year on campus, Bryant is radiating confidence with the feeling he has battled through the hardest part of his college career, and this newfound confidence makes for a potentially explosive season.
Why Greg Bryant Might Not Break Out
There are several factors that could prevent Bryant bursting onto the scene this fall, and chief among them is the transition along Notre Dame’s offensive line. The loss of left tackle Zach Martin and left guard Chris Watt to the NFL means Notre Dame will have to replace a combined 89 starts on the left side of the offensive line alone. Despite the fact Notre Dame has brought in arguably the best offensive line classes in the nation the past two years under offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, the overall cohesion of a new offensive line unit may take time to develop, negatively impacting Notre Dame’s rushing attack in the process.
Another obstacle to overcome is the depth Notre Dame currently enjoys at the running back position. Senior running back Cam McDaniel has been a reliable producer in crunch time, and Bryant’s fellow classmate Tarean Folston had an excellent freshman season and should have an even better sophomore campaign as an encore. Greg Bryant’s upside is greater than any other running back on the team, but will he receive enough carries to truly shine?
2014 Outlook
Notre Dame’s offensive line is indeed undergoing a transition and the depth at running back is great. However, it is difficult to imagine a scenario other than injury that could prevent Greg Bryant from having an extremely successful season for Notre Dame in 2014. The immensely gifted former 5-star recruit should catapult himself to stardom this fall, and an argument can be made that no other Notre Dame football player will have a bigger breakout season in 2014.
Scott Janssen is a blogger for the Huffington Post and has authored several nationally-featured articles, including an appearance on MSNBC as a sports contributor. He talks football 24 hours a day, much to the chagrin of his fiancée. Scott can be reached at scottjanssenhp@gmail.com
One word for Greg, B-E-A-S-T. If he stays healthy along with TF and CM staying healthy, it will be a good 1-2-3 punch in the mouth to opposing D’s. Along with the potential of having a QB who can put velocity on his throws to some potentially deadly receivers, I can’t wait to see this offense on brand new field turf, YYEESSSSSSSSSSSS.
Stores, And a QB who can extend plays by avoiding a pass rush.
Well, Jimmy, I’m guessing, and it’s a mere guess, that Bryant will not be starting in the opener against Navy in Dublin. Nor will anybody elese.
But I still live evoking memories of that wonderful, joyous day!
… When nd needs to chew up tough yards vs less then elite defenses in September Cam McD will be the man.
With the determination he has shown throughout this spring and summer, it will be fun to watch Bryant this season. There is plenty of reason to anticipate that he will do very well. However, I’m not sure it does him any favors to tilt the article as much as you have. For instance, he does not have 4.48 speed. As we saw in the Blue-Gray game and is clear from his high school film, he is very good; but he does not at all have blazing speed. Speed has not been what has made him a good player. And to suggest that his play was hampered last year by cold weather in the offseason is silly, as is the idea that Tyrean Folston is an obstacle because he is such an all-around good running back. There will be plenty of carries to go around this season. If Folston gets more carries, it will be because he plays better and continues to stay slightly ahead of Bryant.
This makes sense and is insightful as well as informative.
Burgundy, it absolutely terrifies me when you say “I see your (sic) back again.” I’m getting a bad visual ………….
For Jimmy Irish, there are some things that you can never measure. The trip to Dublin was special and we’ll never know how much the Irish magic of the Dublin contributed to the Irish magic of 2012.
I can assure you that Ron has never seen my back. Still, no one has answered my original question.
Here’s your answer: yes you are a moron.
Can’t wait until 2 weeks from now when you post another question tied to an opener in Ireland.
JimmyIrish commented on March 12th, 2014 at 5:01 am
Women’s hoops… snooze.
Let’s talk football! When can I get a preview of the Dublin opener against Navy?
JimmyIrish commented on February 26th, 2014 at 5:28 pm
Great article, Duranko. It’s got me pumped for our season opener against Navy. Anyone else making the trip out to Dublin for that one?
Too bad Kyle and Frank aren’t taking notice. They really ought to fix the schedule on the sidebar of the UHND.com home page, right?
Also glad to see that Corey Robinson and Malik Zaire have committed. Can’t wait until those guys get into pads.
The big question is: do you think Bryant will start the opener in Ireland against Navy?
Ah, I see your back again with this same lame attempt at humor. Very clever.
Bryant will be a star. Period Paragraph
They lost that big defensive end yesterday
“Bryant’s size, speed and production led to him being tabbed as a 5-star player and the #3 running back – as well as Top 20 overall in his class – on Rivals.com.”
I read (AOL NCAA CFB Live Chat) that http://www.rivals.com is owned by Alabama Crimson Alum. Bryant’s five star ranking as a RB as it goes, bearing in mind Alabama’s Alumnus are a little jealous of ND, is pretty impressive.
Rivals is owned by Yahoo. It was started by the son in law of Don James, former UW coach.
Was it co-owned by any Alabama Alum to your knowledge at any time?
I believe my sources which also stated ND alum as well as Alabama were co-owners.
I see you disagree. The timeframe was between 2004-2006 that these conversations took place.
Quite a few tOSU grads, ESPN people and coaches throughout the USA were in on these AOL Chats ….& sports writers.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE: I was told two months in advance privately that Nick Saban was leaving LSU Baton Rouge for Miami NFL. It turned out to be accurate.
This chat took place back in 2004-2006 and you’re just now getting around to telling us about it? I thought you said you were fast.
Stick to sprinting not investigative reporting.
Truly you are the quintessential definition of rude.
With Tommy Rees now gone, I would like to think that the top priority for the O-Line shifts from constant, flawless, pass protection, to more of an attacking, aggressive, mauling style of run blocking.
It would appear, at least on paper, that the current coaching, past recruiting, and on going player development is leaning that way.
I believe all three running-backs can gain yardage.
The difference will probably be who best protects the football, can pick up a blitz, and catches the ball out of the back field.
excellent comments….food for thought. I hope you are right, Shazam. I like mauling our opponents…especially skunk bears and trojans!
woodrow
I am not worried about the O line and I think having the very mobile and strong-armed Golson in there will make our aerial attack lethal….opening up tremendous opportunities for our talented running back trio.
Biggest concern for GB is health, IMO. Hopefully he stays strong along with his teammates.
Go IRISH!
Woodrow