Deven Bryant Leads All UW Freshmen in Game Time, Might Not Redshirt

The linebacker from California is the only newcomer to appear in the first two Husky games.

Two games into the season for a veteran team, linebacker Deven Bryant has emerged as the only University of Washington freshman football player ready to play a lot and poised to burn his redshirt status.

Of 20 Husky freshmen on scholarship, the 5-foot-11, 216-pound defender from Carson, California, is one of just three newcomers to draw game snaps so far — and the only one who played in the wins over both Boise State and Tulsa.

At this rate, Bryant will exceed the four-game limit that enables these newly arrived players to get a taste of the action and not use up any eligibility. 

UW co-defensive coordinator Chuck Morrell certainly feels that's plausible for someone who came in and was instantly comfortable with the thinking-man's part of the college game.

"I think that's a possibility for us, for sure," Morrell said. "From day one, I've been really pleased with Deven. It's just fantastic for a young guy, just a fantastic football IQ."

Bryant graduated early from St. John Bosco High School in Southern California, took part in UW spring football and showed in the scrimmages that he needed very little transition time as a college player. He did the same thing in fall camp.

"I think we'll go throughout the course of the season and probably need another guy," Morrell said. "He's also a good, solid special-teams player. I think that's certainly a possibility we use him this year."

Bryant, who resembles the legendary NFL linebacker Mike Singletary with his compact stature and intense focus, had 4 tackles against Boise State in the opener and 2 more last weekend against Tulsa.

Wide receiver Taeshaun Lyons from Hayward, California, joined the precocious linebacker with game time in week one against Boise State and 6-foot-7, 258-pound offensive tackle Elishah Jackett from Orange, California, matched him with a fourth-quarter appearance against Tulsa last weekend, according to updated UW game participation records.

Whether or not the Huskies rely on Bryant for extended duty on Saturdays this fall, the coaching staff can't help but envision a time when he's a defensive headliner and rarely coming off the field.

"For a young guy," Morrell said, "you can tell he's going to be a future veteran leader for us."

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