From a wide-eyed sophomore to a senior preparing to lead his team into the state playoffs, Lyons quarterback Ben Bryant has grown up quite a bit.
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Bryant developed into a three-star quarterback and the No. 12 player in the state, according to 247Sports.com. He’ll head to Cincinnati after graduation.
But first, Bryant is enjoying his last run as the Lions’ quarterback. Lyons is 7-2 and the No. 14 seed in the Class 8A state playoffs.
“Sophomore year, I was kind of a deer in headlights,” Bryant said. “I’ve improved a lot from then, and big thanks to the coaches for getting me developed. I just think the whole game has slowed down, and it’s become a lot easier to me.”
Bryant has passed for 1,685 yards with 18 touchdowns and two interceptions this season.
In Week 9 against Oak Park-River Forest, Bryant went 14-of-21 for 227 yards and two touchdowns, while running for 41 yards and two more scores in a 31-14 win.
The road to Cincinnati was by no means smooth. Bryant committed to Wisconsin last year, but he said the Badgers withdrew their offer after he tweeted about an offer from Georgia.
Bryant had a dozen other options and settled on the Bearcats.
“It’s great, I love the school,” Bryant said. “I just feel really at home there and I’m excited to get there. All of my focus is on this team right now, but that’s obviously good to get over with and good to know I’ll be there next year.”
Bryant set a season high with 231 passing yards in a Week 8 loss at Hinsdale Central. He has six games with at least two TD passes.
Bryant said Friday’s game against OPRF was especially memorable.
“It was senior night, we all played for each other and all of the community was here,” Bryant said. “It was a really great win for everyone.”
Now it’s on to the playoffs and a home game against 19th-seeded Curie (7-2).
“We have huge momentum after this game, and we’re just going to keep going and going,” Bryant said. “I just have all the guys around me, we feed off each other, make plays for each other and we fight for each other.”
Bob Hurst is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press