Baylor School’s rising senior offensive lineman recently made a verbal commitment to Georgia Tech’s football staff during an official visit to their campus over the weekend and announced that he is closing his recruitment.
“From the moment I stepped on campus, I had a strong feeling that this was the place for me,” Bryson said. He spent three days in Atlanta before heading home on Sunday evening. “What Georgia Tech offers beyond football is unmatched by most other colleges, which was a major factor for me. I plan to major in pre-med, so the academic side was crucial, and Georgia Tech is a top-tier school in that regard.
“Their football program is definitely on the rise. The staff is stable, and I believe in and want to be part of their vision. Once I made my decision, I felt there was no need to continue visiting other schools.”
Bryson had received offers from 25 other programs and had initially planned visits to Duke, Indiana, Memphis, and Virginia, but he has since canceled those plans.
“It’s a surreal feeling to have the recruiting process behind me and to focus solely on preparing for my senior season,” Bryson said. “It’s a relief, honestly. The past year has been all about recruiting and deciding where to go, which can be distracting. I’m glad to have that settled.”
Bryson’s primary recruiter from Georgia Tech was Geep Wade, a former player and coach from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Wade, who has been part of the Yellow Jackets’ staff for two years, previously played offensive line for the Mocs from 1999 to 2001 and later returned to coach the offensive line and serve as UTC’s recruiting coordinator in 2010 and 2011.
“Coach Wade really helped me,” Bryson said. “I’ve always had a great relationship with him, and knowing he’s staying was a significant factor in my decision.”
The 6-foot-4, 285-pound lineman contributed to a Red Raiders offense that amassed 4,960 total yards and averaged 6.1 yards per rush last season, leading the team to a second consecutive appearance in the Division II-AAA BlueCross Bowl state championship game.
Bryson, who ended last season weighing around 255 pounds, has bulked up by 30 pounds over the offseason to better position himself as a dominant force on the line. Baylor’s coaching staff is transitioning him to play center.
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