Bryant's 32 quarterbck harrassments led the Browns in 2013
Desmond Bryant's spirits and outlook are refreshed as the new season approaches for the defensive end and his Cleveland Browns teammates.
He has recovered from a procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat diagnosed last December, and is fully participating in the Browns' voluntary offseason program. He even switched up the style of his workouts.
"I moved my training from Miami to Los Angeles and did a lot of core-based workouts, that I really think helped me a lot," said Bryant. "I can't wait to get back out on the field."
Having Bryant back on the turf chasing around quarterbacks will be gigantic for the Browns' defense. Even in only 12 games in 2013, Bryant led Cleveland with 32 quarterback harassments. He practically lived in the backfield last season, and his absence was felt all over the field in the month of December.
"For me, I always set the bar very high. My expectations of myself are very high," said Bryant, who finished with 31 tackles and 3.5 sacks. "There is definitely always room for improvement. I know I can play better."
For the entire roster to play more consistently, things start with new head coach Mike Pettine. From the limited time he's had viewing the new scheme, Bryant has been blown away.
He says guys are going to be lining up all over the place. We might even see Bryant up on two feet, instead of his traditional three-point stance.
One thing is for certain: Pettine has captured Bryant's attention.
"He is a man who knows football," Bryant said confidently. "You can tell in the way he prepares. I think he will be a great head coach. He seems like a motivator. He seems like a down-to-earth, straight to the point, get the job done kind of guy."
A fact about Bryant that flies under the radar for most Browns fans is that the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Bryant was an economics scholar at Harvard. There are only three other Crimson alumni that join Bryant in professional football. He said his favorite thing about being a Harvard alum is the network he's built. Many of his former classmates are out in the world doing amazing things.
"I'm hoping to do a lot of business together [with them] in the future," said Bryant.
What about his least favorite Harvard memory?
"When the Harry Potter book came out, people were running around campus in all kinds of costumes," Bryant said. "I didn't know what was going on. There were people walking down the street glued to their books. I didn't understand all that."
I guess we won't be seeing Bryant dressing up as a wizard anytime soon.
