Ty Bryant has made strong early impression at Kentucky

Not that long ago, Ty Bryant was starring for Lexington (Ky.) Frederick Douglass and leading that program to its first state championship. Bryant did it all for the Broncos in 2022 rushing for 498 yards and 12 touchdowns, playing a key role in the secondary, and adding three more touchdowns as a punt returnee. Bryant took home the MVP award in the 5A state championship game after Douglass wrapped up a perfect season.

The Kentucky legacy recruit would then become an early enrollee that entered a safety room that needed depth after Kobi Albert (Mississippi State) and Vito Tisdale (Colorado) left the program. The true freshman is taking advantage of a great opportunity.

“Really have been pleased with Ty. It was nice that he was here in the spring,” Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops told reporters on Saturday. “Not surprised. He’s very coachable, works extremely hard, he’s going to be good on special teams, he’s in the two-deep rotation at safety. You know that takes some work.”

Kentucky will tell anyone that wants to listen that this defense can be complex for safeties, and players who man these spots will be asked to do a lot. That can make it difficult for a true freshman to find success right away. However, Bryant has made a strong first impression and will likely see some defensive action this season.

The former three-star recruit will likely appear as Kentucky’s No. 2 strong safety behind Zion Childress when the first depth chart of the season is released next Monday. Ty Bryant will be one of only a couple of class of 2023 signees to make an appearance.

“He’s been able to be pretty reliable for a true freshman,” Stoops said.