Chris Bryant

Name: Chris Bryant

Location: Chicago, IL

Position: OL

Ratings: ESPN – 3* (77), Scout – 3*, Rivals 4*

Recruitment: Chris Bryant has always been very high on Michigan, in fact it's a miracle it played out this long. He was one of those Michigan locks when Rodriguez got fired, so you weren't sure how it would affect him. Fortunately it turned out to have little effect on his recruitment, as he selected Michigan despite late pushes from Pittsburgh, Illinois and Arizona.

Offers: Michigan, Pittsburgh, Illinois, Arizona, Stanford, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana and Minnesota.

Stats: At 6’5 and 330lbs, Bryant is a bit of a monster. He’ll be looking to get down to around 310 at Michigan. He runs a 5.3 forty yard dash.

ESPN Analysis: Bryant is a raw talent with very good upper body playing strength, flashing the ability to dominate defenders. Has the size for the offensive guard position at the major level of competition however his body mass will need to be redistributed through off season conditioning.

Flashes good pull / trap ability; can kick out and seal up inside showing the ability to play on his feet in space. We see a player capable of making the necessary run blocks at the next level of play once his techniques improve. His nimble feet and arm length should be assets in pass protection; flashes short set ability however his bend and base need attention; is capable of sliding his feet and playing flat footed in a reduced area; demonstrates the upper body playing strength to control pass rushers however all areas of hand use need refinement. We like the aggressive finishing attitude this guy brings to the game, it's what we like to see from offensive linemen.

From the man himself: “I’m big and quick. A lot of college coaches like that I can move. Also, I’m not a sloppy 330, I’m built. I have a real powerful punch too, but I’m trying to improve my footwork and my overall technique. I’m just trying to get it all down.”

Improvements: Needs to shed some pounds, turn some of that weight into muscle. Has surprisingly good feet and athleticism for a guy his size, but footwork can be improved. The use of his hands is also something to be addressed.

Film Highlights: Link here.

Final Thoughts: Heading for a redshirt, but Michigan hasn’t taken many O-lineman over the last few years so he could see playing time fairly early in his career. O-line was the main need coming into this class, RR aimed to take four, maybe 5 guys in 2011. Bryant’s commitment gives the Wolverines their 3^rd OL commit, however if they take persuade Jake Fisher to rejoin the fold, they’ll have an impressive four.

One thing to note about Bryant is that he's the teammate of 2012 OT Jordan Diamond, who is already a top 100 player on scout, and an ESPN150 watch lister. Diamond likes Michigan a lot already, but the commitment of Bryant can only help things even more.