On most teams across the college football landscape, Auburn’s Big Kat Bryant would enter his junior season as a starter.

Yet here he is, likely to begin as a backup at defensive end and the Buck position on the depth chart. Of course, this is all due to a good problem for Kevin Steele and the Tigers’ defense: the return of end Marlon Davidson and Buck Nick Coe. Both could have entered last spring’s NFL Draft but opted to return and bolster their draft prospects for next April.

This doesn’t mean that Bryant, who has 20 career tackles in 2 seasons, will not be a key member for one of the best, if not top, defensive lines in college football. The opposite is true. His versatility will keep him on the field, sometimes earning as many snaps as the four starters.

Time at the Buck position might be readily available as Coe, who moved to that position from defensive end last season, will likely see time on the inside at tackle. Coe, 6-5 and 291 pounds, has plenty of power and athleticism to be able to produce at tackle, opening time for Bryant.

Teams will see a different “Big Kat” this year. The Cordele, Ga., product is up to 247 pounds and has spent the offseason on his explosiveness and hand work.

“I play hard, that’s always going to be me, but those two things in particular,” Bryant told AuburnSports.com. “(Defensive line coach Rodney Garner) always brings up guys like Dee Ford and guys he coaches because of the little things they did.”

Those extra pounds and the milliseconds saved from working on things such as footwork will pay dividends when going against some of the top offensive lines in the nation, including in the opener on Aug. 31 when the Tigers take on Oregon. The Ducks return all 5 starters and are considered one of the best lines in the country.

Providing pressure is one of Bryant’s specialities. As a sophomore in 2018, he recorded 4 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks and was credited with 4 hurries. In a defense built on forcing the quarterback to make quick decisions or face getting sacked, Bryant’s ability to get into the backfield proves invaluable.

Bryant also showed off his awareness skills in the Music City Bowl romp of Purdue, catching a deflected pass off the hands of defensive tackle Tyrone Truesdell and returning the interception 20 yards for a touchdown. He also brings an attitude fit for a guy playing alongside a group of talented veterans, stating in March during spring practice that he doesn’t consider himself a backup.

“I play so much. I play every game,” Bryant said. “Some games I don’t start, but I play just as much as those guys do.”

Filling in for Davidson will also be a large part of Bryant’s role. Davidson, who has been a starter since the first game of his freshman season and had 46 tackles and 3.5 sacks last season, has been a mentor for Bryant and his presence is a big deal for the junior.

“There are times I might not know a play or know what’s going on,” Bryant said. “I can always look to Marlon to help me, and Marlon’s been that guy, him or Derrick. I mean, everything — he can tell me this, tell me that. Maybe my hand placement is coming too high or out of my stance or something. He’s been around, so he knows the game, knows ins and outs, so I know he won’t tell me anything wrong.”

When you take on the name “Big Kat” and decide to wear the No. 1 on your jersey, you put yourself in a spot where you need to prove yourself worthy of both.

Expect Bryant to show his worthy for the Tigers this season, and possibly step into the spotlight on one of the most talented units in college football.