James Bryant / Wide Receiver / Western Colorado
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
James Bryant: Height is 6’0, weight is 200. Next week, I will be able to do my forty at CGS all-star game in Texas.
Alex Khvatov: What was it like to get an invitation to the College Gridiron Showcase?
James Bryant: I am excited about it. A couple of my friends from my last school are going there. I will be able to showcase what I can do. It is going to be on January 18th. We will do the drills and run the 40. I will be able to show my route running and my hands during practice.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you decide to enter the 2021 NFL Draft?
James Bryant: I felt like this is the best time for me. With my age, I started college late. I didn’t have any offers out of high school. I was working two or three jobs in Las Vegas after high school. If I wait any longer, it will hinder my chances. I am currently 26 years old.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the draft?
James Bryant: In Pueblo, Colorado. I haven’t settled on a facility. I plan to go back next week to Western Colorado.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
James Bryant: I did track. I did the high jump, triple jump, and long jump. I won state competition as a senior in high jump and I placed third in triple jump.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
James Bryant: I played receiver, CB, and safety. They moved me on defense as an athlete.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
James Bryant: Coming out of Vegas high school, I graduated in 2013. I had a decent football year. I was a state champion in the high jump and third in the triple jump. I couple of JUCO’s in CA offered me. I came from a single parent family, so I couldn’t afford it. I started working. I needed to make some money. I needed to help my mother out. I had to get my body better. I was 160 pounds when I graduated high school. I got my weight to about 190 pounds.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose the University of Charleston?
James Bryant: I sent out 200 emails to almost every D-II, D-III, and NAIA schools. I introduced myself to the coaches, gave them my measurements and accolades. I told them about my high school track career. Charleston responded and they wanted me to come and showcase that I can play there. Track offered me a partial scholarship, and then football offered me a scholarship after the first year.
Alex Khvatov: How would you sum up your career at Charleston?
James Bryant: I played football and ran track there. I redshirted in both sports. In 2016, I was learning and understanding the game more. We had WR Joey Augustin who came off a big year. It was his senior year. We lost in the first round of the playoffs. In 2017, I got on the field. I rotated where they needed me whether it was on the outside or in the slot. In the spring of 2017, I went back home and missed track season. In 2018, I was the starter. I got moved to the outside. I had three total targets the entire season. It was the design of our offense. We threw the ball to the other WR, Mike Strachan. I ended up leaving. I had some family issues. I needed to get closer to my family. In 2018, we won our conference in track.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Western Colorado?
James Bryant: I reached out to every D-II team. I talked to a bunch of schools. I spoke with Dixie State and Adams State. Western Colorado gave me an offer.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your 2019 campaign (junior season).
James Bryant: I came in the spring of 2019. They let me know what they needed from me in this offense, and they gave me free rein. The team was coming off a 1-9 season. We had a goal to turn this program around. I got named team captain for the spring game. We went 5-6 during my junior year. A month before the season started, I tore a hip labrum. That was a huge setback. It took a month for me to just jog again. I missed the first game against Idaho State. I came back the following week. I was able to practice once or twice a week. I had to do physical therapy for my hip. It hindered me, but I had to push through it. It was the first injury I ever had to deal with. At Charleston, I didn’t have more than 100 yards in a season. At Western Colorado, even with an injury, I had 48 catches for 485 yards and three TD’s in 2019.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
James Bryant: My playmaking ability. My hands are my strongest asset. My catching radius and my route running is good.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
James Bryant: I definitely need to get better with my forty time. I need to have good combine numbers. I also need to get sharper with my routes.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
James Bryant: My 2019 season at Western. It was a very proud moment for me. I got an opportunity. I played through an injury and had a good season.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
James Bryant: Do your job. You are one of 11 players on the field. You can’t worry what everyone else is doing. Make sure you are doing your job. Blocking, running the right routes, and doing your assignments.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
James Bryant: The Steelers.
Alex Khvatov: Is there an NFL WR that you aspire to play like?
James Bryant: Keenan Allen. He is so smooth with his route running and releases. He has been doing it since college. I love the way he plays.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
James Bryant: Nose guard Will Lydle. CB Darrious Gaines is a big special teams guy for us. He is a gunner. He is a great defensive guy as well. WR Malik White and QB Connor Desch.
Alex Khvatov: Which CB was your toughest matchup throughout your career?
James Bryant: Chadron State CB #31 (Deandre Barthwell). He was my biggest competition.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a WR?
James Bryant: You have to catch the ball and make plays downfield. The main thing is downfield blocking. Blocking is a huge deal for us as receivers.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
James Bryant: I have so much fun out there. I started playing the game at six years old. It is more than just a game. I truly enjoy doing it. It makes me happy.
Alex Khvatov: How has this journey of perseverance made you stronger?
James Bryant: Going through this journey, I have experienced every emotion, but I never stopped. I want to make it to the next level. I am never going to stop. I am not going to give up.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
James Bryant: I enjoy working out, reading, and video games.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
James Bryant: Charleston will give me an opportunity to complete my degree. I should get a bachelor’s degree in May. I have to complete the paperwork and submit it. I will get a degree in business.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
James Bryant: My personality. My ability to never give up when everything is going bad. Keep persevering.
Alex Khvatov: What characteristics off the field set you apart from the rest of the guys?
James Bryant: I am passionate, loyal, unselfish, and honest.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
James Bryant: Hard working, gifted, courageous, brave, and independent.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win the Super Bowl and why?
James Bryant: This is the year for the Bills. They have great team chemistry. It is unmatched. Their offense is dangerous, and their defense is good. They have a crazy team.
