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."
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."
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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.
from Auburn Sports Impact http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2018/03/the_light_switch_came_on_for_a.html
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