Auburn DC Kevin Steele praises development of Big Kat Bryant: ‘His ascension has been rapid’
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Auburn returns one of the deepest and most talented defensive lines in the SEC this offseason thanks to the return of players like Derrick Brown, Dontavius Russell, Marlon Davidson, and Nick Coe. Adding in hybrid linebackers/defensive ends and rising sophomores T.D. Moultry and Big Kat Bryant and the Tigers look to once again have one of the best units up front on defense in the conference in 2018.
While the Tigers return a ton of talent, the program’s leading sack artist Jeff Holland left the program early for the NFL following his breakout junior campaign in 2017. His 9.5 sacks will be tough for any one player to replace but if Kevin Steele is accurate in his assessment, Big Kat Bryant could be the man to do it.
During his recent media availability Thursday evening, Steele was asked about the progression of Moultry and Bryant heading into their second seasons with the program.
“Well, we don’t look at it like second seasons. We look at it like, here’s the job, do the job. You are here,” Steele answered. “We are into developing the players, obviously. It kind of goes back to the theory we talked about before — if you wait for Carl Lawson to replace him when he graduates, you are a little bit far behind. Someone else will probably coach them. So Jeff (Holland) filled in (last season to replace Lawson), he decides to come out early.”
Based on what Steele has seen this spring, while Moultry may have had a better freshman season than Bryant, the light has apparently come on for the rising sophomore edge rusher.
“T.D. has a tremendous skill set and he can affect others. On his side of the ball and on the other side of the ball,” Steele said. “Big Kat, probably the last two days has really made (motions an upward trend with his arm)… His ascension has been rapid over the last two days — the light switch came on.”
What is it about Bryant that makes Auburn’s defensive coordinator feel that way?
“Just repetition. It really is,” Steele answered. “People don’t realize this but Big Kat played two positions as a freshman. He played six technique, the end position, and he played the Buck position. This spring, he’s getting to focus on just the Buck position. Which helps.”
That’s great news for Auburn’s defensive front as it attempts to replace Holland’s production and bad news for rest of the SEC.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
