aubiefifty 16,778 Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 the light switch came on for big kat....... Updated 7:00 AM; Posted 7:00 AM Auburn defensive lineman Markaviest Bryant is working at Buck this spring after seeing time at both Buck and defensive end as a freshman in 2017. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com) 0 shares By Tom Green tgreen@al.com Things are starting to click for Auburn's Big Kat. Sophomore defensive lineman Markaviest Bryant is finding his footing at the Buck position this spring as he competes with T.D. Moultry for time at the position -- and he has really made an impression in practices since the Tigers' first spring scrimmage last weekend. "His ascension has been rapid over the last two days," Auburn defensive coordinator Kevin Steele said. "The light switch came on." ADVERTISING Bryant, a former four-star recruit, contributed as a freshman last season but is looking to carve out a bigger role for Auburn's defense this season. He appeared in 12 games and totaled five tackles, including 2.5 for a loss and two sacks while working his way onto the field at both defensive end and Buck. This spring, however, he is repping solely at Buck along with Moultry as the Tigers aim to replace leading pass-rusher Jeff Holland, who declared early for the NFL Draft following one breakout season as starter. Steele pointed to the fact that Bryant is focusing on the Buck position as part of the reason the sophomore has come on strong of late. "Just repetition," Steele said. "Just repetition. It really is. Big Kat, people don't realize this, but Big Kat played two positions as a freshman. He played six-technique, that end position, and he played the Buck position, where right now in spring, he's really getting to focus on the buck position, which helps." Where Auburn's defensive line aims to improve to be 'more dominant' in 2018 Even for a group that helped Auburn rank in the top 25 in nearly every major defensive statistic, there are areas to improve. Bryant has also packed on more weight since he first arrived on campus. He played at 224 pounds last season, and while Auburn's official roster doesn't reflect new measurements for players, Bryant's additional size is noticeable. "Obviously, at the line of scrimmage in the SEC, bulk and strength is key," Steele said. "He's gotten -- I don't know if you've seen him around, but he's bigger and stronger." Bryant's physical growth and general comfort within Auburn's defensive scheme has been evident to coaches and teammates this spring. Defensive end Marlon Davidson said Bryant has improved "tremendously" from Year 1 to Year 2 "in every way" -- from his progress in the weight room to how he utilizes his hands and just overall technique at the position. The hope is that it translates to the field in the fall so the sophomore pass-rusher can help bolster Auburn's deep defensive line rotation. "Just for him to have improvement and show that just a little work, a little sacrifice will get you somewhere, that means a lot to him," Davidson said. "It'll take him a long way this year." Tom Green is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Tomas_Verde. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lionheartkc 6,150 Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 Man... how amazing will it be to have 2 guys who can produce at a very high level in that roll? One needs a break, no problem. There will be no rest for the opposing QB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WFE12 9,191 Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 3 hours ago, lionheartkc said: Man... how amazing will it be to have 2 guys who can produce at a very high level in that roll? One needs a break, no problem. There will be no rest for the opposing QB. The 2 deep we have as a whole d-line is spectacular. Each pushing the other...I don't envy the qb's we go against. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiger 8,823 Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 BUCK U Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
auburnphan 6,050 Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 Just hope that the success is not a result of weakness at the right tackle position..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3rdgeneration 6,469 Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 He's the Markaviest!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUpreacherman22 3,885 Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 8 hours ago, WFE12 said: The 2 deep we have as a whole d-line is spectacular. Each pushing the other...I don't envy the qb's we go against. This 100%!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corchjay 5,311 Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 He may have the defensive scheme down but I would hold off on the light came on until games. Our OL might be that bad until they get some experience. Double edged sword Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cozmo 54 Posted March 31, 2018 Share Posted March 31, 2018 2 hours ago, corchjay said: He may have the defensive scheme down but I would hold off on the light came on until games. Our OL might be that bad until they get some experience. Double edged sword Im pretty sure our coaches, especially Steele and Garner, know this and what they face and aren't the types to blow smoke up our asses.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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