RALEIGH, N.C.—As NC State nears closer to kickoff, we have a more accurate idea of what guys are filling in the several positions left open after 2017. This season will be one with new faces and new roles and one player in particular finally gets to step into an opportunity to prove himself as a starter.
Senior Eurndraus Bryant has waited patiently to step into a starting role after spending the past two years backing up talented tackles, B.J. Hill and Justin Jones. The 6-foot-1, 350-pound powerhouse was considered the top sub on the Wolfpack’s talented defensive line in both 2016 and 2017.
A patient player, he took advantage of the opportunity to learn from his future NFL prospect teammates which leaves him confident as he shifts from that number two spot, to number one.
“Sitting back and learning from those other guys, those older guys, you know it just really helped me for now, just watching them practice and watching them play.” Bryant expressed, beaming with excitement when asked about it being his time to shine.
Bryant has taken his fair share of snaps and has been heavily involved in the rotation over the past 2 years [321 snaps in 2016 and 303 snaps in 2017] despite never starting a game in his college career. How much athleticism does Bryant have when the ball's snapped? Of his four sacks in his career, three of them came against Lamar Jackson -- one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the entire country over the past few years.
“At the same time last year, I felt like I could have been in that [starting] role too," Bryant said. "It’s just about the experience of being with them so I felt like it’s not really that much of a difference for me because I’ve been here a long time and I’ve got plenty of experience.”
As a true freshman, Bryant saw time in 13 games, so he can he relate to the younger guys on the depth chart that may be stepping on the field quicker than expected. With a defensive line that was left empty, the battle for positions will continue throughout the season with a decent amount of talent to go around.
Bryant expressed that he also hopes to be a teacher for these younger guys and take what he learned from his older role models, transferring it down to the players under him so that they can continue to get better. Transitioning into a leadership role also means to Bryant that he needs to be more vocal. This is stepping outside the box for Bryant has usually been a "quiet guy," according to Dave Doeren.
"I try to hype the boys up whenever they make a play and stuff just to get the energy going," Bryant said. "You know I try to transition out of that [being the quiet guy] because now I am a senior, I've got to talk. My voice is more powerful than other young guys."
Having Bryant's talent and experience at defensive tackle will be a major tool to the success on this season's defensive line. Bryant has the size and athleticism to compliment talented ends Darian Roseboro and James-Smith Williams on the inside. Physically and mentally, he will contribute to the success of the team and understands the pressure lingering over the defenses shoulders and there is no better time to prep than right now.
"We are all bonding more, communicating more," Bryant said. "Helping [the younger guys] out and doing extra work with them. Basically just teaching them everything they need to know for the season because this is the time to grind and we’ve got to get it in now."
LINK TO ARTICLE ON 247SPORTS: https://247sports.com/college/north-carolina-state/Article/Eurndraus-Bryants-patience-pays-off-with-starting-role-for-the-Pack-120720601/