Elizabethtown’s Darian Bryant Is Redefining What It Means to Have ‘Presence’ on a High School Football Field

Just a sophomore, linebacker Darian Bryant has become one of Kentucky’s most feared defenders — a relentless, sideline-to-sideline force whose energy, confidence, and work ethic make him impossible to ignore.

Elizabethtown sophomore linebacker Darian Bryant has logged 143 tackles in nine games. He ranks third in the state. / Chris Adams

Presence. It’s not always noticeable with 22 players on the field, especially defenders of the turf.

However, Elizabethtown High School sophomore Darian Bryant proves that it is a misconception.

In a recent Kentucky high school football game, he scooped up a fumble and hopped and skipped in celebration, holding the ball high in the air as a tribute to his teammates and coaches. At least that was the perception. But the indisputable facts on display were his determination, focus, intensity, enthusiasm and energy. Those were demonstrably noticeable.

It takes those attributes to accomplish what the Panther linebacker has done in 2025.

“When we get to the game days, 7:30 on Friday nights, it just hits different, you know,” Bryant said. “I love the game. I love the sport, and I just love hitting.”

Presence You Can Feel

You cannot miss his on-field presence.

Bryant has amassed 143 tackles, 25 tackles for loss, six sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in nine games. He ranks third in the state in tackles and first in tackles for loss. Again, Bryant is a sophomore, plus a first-time starter for an entire season.

Bryant is imposing when playing sideline-to-sideline, but can get after it vertically as well. So running at, near, or away from him doesn’t seem to make much of a difference. His resolve to find the target is nearly preternatural.

“I definitely think if I get my reads right, and see where the running back's going, if I get hands on him, he ain't going nowhere,” the even-keeled Bryant said with a bit of justifiable confidence.

Elizabethtown wasn’t Bryant’s original destination after middle school, but he ultimately decided that’s where he needed to be.

“I came here and met all the coaches, and I started to feel like I fit in with everybody,” he explained. “And throughout the season, I was playing scout D a lot, getting a lot of reps. And the next thing, I was starting the last few games of the season, and from then on it was just really good.”

His parents supported the decision to attend Elizabethtown and are happy with the outcome.

“I'd say my dad is one of my biggest supporters ever. My mom is, too, of course, but, my dad's all into it. He was like, ‘You pick where you want to go and play.’ He's really happy that I'm here now and we're doing good. I'm doing good.”

Bryant waits for the next play in a game against John Hardin on Oct. 24, 2025. / Larry Luellen @byamarj

Dominating the Stat Sheet

Running back seemed to be his position prior to his ninth-grade year. However, Bryant recorded 72 tackles and two fumble recoveries during 11 games in his freshman year plunge at linebacker with the Panthers. It was enough reps and production to set him up for his sophomore campaign.

Presence You Can Feel

“I’m very blessed and thankful that I had the opportunity my freshman year to play because not everybody gets the opportunity,” he said. “But for sure, it was a hard transition. But I got through that part and now I'm here, so I need to just keep it and improve more and more.”

Bryant has far exceeded his goal of 105 tackles for the year, but is one of those players who believes the bar can never be set too high.

“So that was really my main goal,” Bryant said. “And then really, just taking the weight room seriously as well. We lift during school, but the weight room is something you need to take seriously, too, because it transitions to the field.”

A Journey Built on Fit and Family

He credits the Panther off-season program with facilitating his development.

“I don't know how other high schools do it, but I think ours here is really good,” he said. “They get you where you need to be, and if you're not there yet, they'll keep working with you.”

Work Ethic That Sets the Tone

Though his ability and instinct count for so much in his impressive play, Bryant is also aware that film study is another aspect of preparation that can’t be overlooked. He holds himself accountable by admitting his shortcomings.

“Honestly, I need to watch more film, more than what I do watch. I need to know before going into the game what the offense is going to do, how to align to it. Of course, at practice, we align to it, but I need to already know what they're going to do before they even do the play.”

A Star in the Making

The scouting report? Bryant makes his presence known.

“Some people said I'm a really good linebacker. Some people say I could probably get lower on tackles. But overall, if they see me, they usually know that he will hit. He will get you whether it's in the backfield or down the field. He's going to come to you, he's going to pursue the ball no matter what.”