One to Watch Interview: California 2020 WR Gary Bryant Expected to Start for No. 8 Centennial in 2017
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
Getting playing time at the varsity level as a sophomore is really a big deal. Stepping on the field as a freshman is rarity. Getting playing time as a freshman for the MaxPrep’s No. 8 team in the country takes the scenario to a whole other level making wide receiver/cornerback Gary Bryant a top rising prospect in the 2020 class.
As sure as the sun rises in the east every day, Centennial High School will once again be one of the top teams in the state in 2017. The Huskies were a beast in 2016 posting an 11-2 mark with a one-point loss to IMG Academy (50-49) and a two-point loss to St. John Bosco (49-47) in the CIF Playoffs. It is worth noting that St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA) ended the 2016 season ranked No. 2 in the country and IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL) was No. 4.
Bryant had two seasons in one during the 2016 schedule dominating his peer group in freshman football and getting a taste of football at the highest level in the country with Centennial. Bryant did more than watch and observe at the varsity level, in three games suited up he hauled in a pass for five yards and took a handoff for another four yards. The stats are not overwhelming but considering he average 2.5 touchdowns a game against players his own age making a difference in the Huskies’ passing attack and as a punt returner, he is on the right track. Bryant also played cornerback in 2016 and is expected to fight for time on the other side of the ball at the varsity level next season.
Centennial coaches get to see Bryant in action at practice every day and know what they have in the 5-9, 140 pound, speedster. The Huskies are once again losing a ton of talent to the collegiate level. With all heading off to college glory, Bryant is expected to start as a sophomore for the Huskies stepping into the slot and on the outside with four-star 2018 gunslinger Tanner McKee throwing darts from within the pocket again next season. Big things are expected from Bryant in 2017 making him a “one to watch” recruit.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Bryant to get an idea of how his freshman season played out and to see if he has started receiving any recruiting interest yet.
Interview
Gary, how many games did you play last year at the freshman level?
“I played around six games.”
Do you know your stat line from your freshman season?
“No. I know that I averaged about two to three touchdowns a game.”
Which positions did you play last year?
“When I was pulled up, I played receiver and corner.”
Going into your freshman season did you know that you might get time in at the varsity level in 2016?
“I did. Over the summer I was pulled up playing in our varsity passing league. At the beginning of the season the coaches were telling me I would be moved up. I was the first freshman called up on our team.”
What were some of the things you did well last year as a wide receiver?
“Right now I’m working on my quickness and running great routes. I’m not a physical player yet so I have to gain separation with my speed and routes to be an easy target for our quarterback.”
Are you going to play corner in 2017 as well?
“Yes. I will be going both ways next year. I will be prepared.”
Between corner and receiver which position do you like best?
“I like receiver best. I love scoring touchdowns.”
What was it like as a freshman for you playing varsity ball for Centennial?
“I got pulled up Week 3. I was excited and nervous to play for Coach (Matt) Logan (head coach). It was a great experience. Once I was in the game that gave me the mindset that I might be starting next season. That helped my focus and preparation.”
What adjustments did you have to make?
“Getting pulled up, you have to be smart. You cannot just run around out there. The guys out there are way bigger. You have to do your routes right so you can get separation.”
You mentioned route running and speed as things you are working on this off-season, what else are you working on?
“Getting bigger and heavier so I will be ready to play the IMGs and other out of state schools next year. I am focused on the weight room and technique.”
What is your weight goal for this off-season?
“I want to get up to 170 pounds. I’m working with a personal trainer and I lift three times a day.”
Are you playing on a 7v7 team this spring?
“Yes, sir. I am on Gridiron with Coach Ricks.”
Have you started training with Gridiron yet?
“Yes, sir. We started about two weeks ago. We practice every Saturday.”
Do you have any big tournaments or games coming up?
“We have a big scrimmage against Ground Zero on Jan. 28.”
Are any schools already showing recruiting interest in you?
“I have taken unofficial visits to UNLV, USC, and UCLA. UCLA wants me to go to one of their camps so they can see me in person.”
With all of the visits you have taken, what has caught your eye about the game at that level?
“When we have gone to the games we are on field. I can see the size and speed of all the guys. The speed is a lot different than high school. I have to get bigger.”
Gary, good luck with your 7v7 season and thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
Click link to see Gary Bryant’s highlight reel.
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Photo credits: Bryant family; No. 1 Gary Bryant.