Vicky Graff Photo
He might not have been a true freshman that many thought would play a key role for Kentucky this year but safety Ty Bryant of Lexington could be an important backup for UK the next five games.
With safety Jalen Geiger out with an injury, Bryant’s playing time will increase and defensive coordinator Brad White has plenty of confidence in the former Frederick Douglass High School star who has played in all seven games and has eight tackles this season.
“He’s shown it in practice. He’s shown it on special teams and so I’m confident that when it’s his time and his moment … but like at any position, until you step out there and you do it, there’s some unknown,” White said.
“But he knows that myself and this entire team has confidence that when he steps on the field, there’s not going to be any dumbing down of the defense or any of that kind of stuff. He’s got the whole playbook, and he’s ready to execute.”
Cornerback Maxwell Hairston, who made his team-high fifth interception against Missouri, has liked what he’s seen from Bryant, the son of former UK receiver Cisco Bryant.
“I love Ty’s work ethic. He came in here with a great attitude. Just a kid that wants to get better, a kid who wants to learn and he listens,” Hairston said. “Everything that comes to him, he’s gonna take it. He’s gonna do great at every opportunity that he gets.”
