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Bryant Serves As Role Model For Younger Irish

Oct. 5, 1999

by Ken Kleppel

Actions certainly speak louder than words.

Just ask Notre Dame defensive end Lamont Bryant and the fifth-year player will easily demonstrate how.

“I just want to go out everyday and work as hard as I can work,” says Bryant. “Hopefully. that work ethic rubs off on the other guys and they can see that it won’t hurt to go out there and give it a 110 percent.”

Such an attitude qualifies Bryant as a veteran leader on a squad distinguished by its youth and enthusiasm.

Sophomore cornerback Clifford Jefferson is one of those players who looks to Bryant for inspiration.

“Lamont comes onto the playing field seriously,” says Jefferson. “He knows when to play and how to play. I think he is certainly the defensive leader. When it is time for everyone to be serious, he quiets the defense and takes over.”

Teammate Grant Irons, who has played alongside Bryant for three seasons, confirms the notion.

“Lamont is a great example off the field, as seen by how he interacts with people and treats them with utmost respect,” says Irons. “On the field, he turns a switch on. He sometimes can appear to be out of control, yet he teaches by example at the same time. I can honestly admit that he’s been the main ingredient to the improvement of my game. I appreciate his attitude as he looks at each day as another challenge.”

Challenge is such an important word in describing Bryant, as his success does not come without unique trials.

A near-tragic automobile accident almost ended Bryant’s college playing career before it began. Just hours before the first snap of the 1995 freshman camp, Bryant was thrown from his van in an accident that took place when he was driving to South Bend from his native Georgetown, S.C. Significant injuries resulted causing him to miss the first months of practice and ultimately the entire 1995 campaign.

However, Bryant’s response translates into his finest hour.

“My greatest accomplishment here at Notre Dame is certainly defeating the adjustment process,” says Bryant. “When I first got here I was pretty much all to myself. I avoided people and stayed away from the social environment. I just wanted to somehow feel comfortable.”

Fortunately, the help of former Irish players facilitated the process.

“Some of the older players really helped me out,” remarks Bryant “Renaldo Wynn and Corey Bennett, in particular, became good friends of mine. I would go up to their room and spend time with them. Things really began to change.”

Today, the roles are reversed. Bryant is able to utilize his experiences and help younger players develop.

Freshman defensive lineman Darrell Campbell offers testament.

“Off the field Lamont is like a big brother to me,” Campbell says. “He responds to my questions and lets me know about the little things. On the field, he is so determined. He seems to be a typical role model. He is someone I really want to be like.”

What a remarkable comment, considering Bryant’s quiet persona and inward nature.

“People probably could just look at me and say, ‘well, he’s a mean guy because of his demeanor, someone that doesn’t want to be bothered,'” Bryant explains. “But that’s not the case. Don’t judge a book by its cover.”

Over the past four years Bryant has become an extremely recognizable fixture on the Notre Dame campus. Shouts of “What’s up, L.B.?” are frequently heard across South Quad or LaFortune Hall.

“Now it is much easier,” says a smiling Bryant. “I know plenty of people around campus and have great friends that are not on the football team. In fact, in my time here at Notre Dame, my dorm life was one of the things I’ve really enjoyed The guys in my section were really fun to be with. It was constant laughs all the time.”

Fortunately for football enthusiasts, Bryant’s friends have always made a great impact. Growing up in Georgetown, there just was not much for an 11-year old Bryant to do for fun outside of football.

“I started playing at first because I just wanted to hang out with my friends more. After school, I knew they were outside enjoying each other, laughing with one another and I was at home by myself watching television. I wanted to get a break from that and so I started playing.”

It is likely that his friend’s backyard is no comparison for Notre Dame Stadium.

After earning significant playing time on the special teams and as an outside linebacker throughout 1996 and starting each regular-season contest as rush linebacker in 1997, Bryant tore knee cartilage and ligaments in the final game of his junior season at Hawaii. He was unable to participate in drills the following spring due to reconstructive knee surgery in December.

Nevertheless, the 1998 campaign proves to be his breakthrough year. Starting the final six games of the regular season at the outside linebacker spot, and again against Georgia Tech in the Gator Bowl, Bryant led the team in tackles for lost yardage and in fumble recoveries. His impressive play in each contest includes recording seven tackles in just 32 plays against Purdue and scoring a touchdown off a recovered fumble against LSU, helping to spark a Notre Dame comeback each afternoon.

Prior to the start of spring workouts, however, defensive coordinator Greg Mattison converted his squad to the 4-3 alignment.

Accordingly, Bryant switched to the defensive end position for this season and lines up with his hands on the ground as a pass-rush specialist.

As for Bryant and his defensive counterparts, the new four-man front alignment clearly has its merits. However, a period of adjustment is first required.

“The switch to 4-3 is promising, but you have to put a lot of effort into making things happen up front,” Bryant notes. “Hopefully, things will turn around this season. I am sure they will because it is a great defense. It allows linebackers to run and defensive lineman to make plays as well.”

After four contests in 1999, Bryant’s success has continued. He is the seventh-leading tackler on the team this season with 16 stops and also has two tackles for a loss and two quarterback sacks along with a pass breakup.

Bryant received a number of preseason honors this season as he was rated as 10th among defensive ends in the country by The Sporting News and was 12th according to Lindy’s.

Despite all his success, his approach to the game remains remarkable.

“I just want to go out there everyday and try to get better,” Bryant says. “I never want to take a step back. Everything I do is hopefully working towards a step forward. I am very critical of my mistakes. Each time I see a mistake I hope that’s the last time I make that mistake. That’s the way I approach practice. I don’t want to go out there and regress and have the coaches say you had a better day yesterday than today.”

First-year graduate assistant coach Taver Johnson is able to see Bryant’s attitude and development up close.

“When I first got to Notre Dame in January, Lamont looked to me like he was playing hesitant on film because of the knee injury,” Johnson says. “Yet, through a good spring practice he really turned it on. I think he got in his mind that he wasn’t going to let anything stop him and that he is going to be relentless. He is someone that experienced guys look up to On the field, when he’s practicing he is all business. When we’re in the lockerroom, players are able to approach him and he is an open guy. He takes football seriously and that is something you have to like as a coach.”

The 1999 season marks Bryant’s final season playing for the Irish. It is a special one to the defensive standout for a rather surprising reason.

“I’ve finally become a true Notre Dame man,” Bryant says. “This year, more than ever, I feel like I am a part of Notre Dame.”

The unassuming leader is not only part of Notre Dame, but his actions help define it.

Lamont Bryant
Notre Dame senior defensive end Lamont Bryant has started 22 games during his Irish career and has reigstered 162 career tackles – 15 of them for a loss.