CINCINNATI — Sharing the same name as a late NBA legend carries a lot of weight behind it. But for one Cincinnati Bearcats player, he embraces the challenge of living up to that legacy.
Cincinnati cornerback Coby Bryant knows just how important each practice is because that’s where you put in the work to develop not only as an athlete, but a leader.
“Going back to being a leader for the younger guys,” Bryant said. “Just to show them that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to, work hard, and just always keep God first.”
Bryant’s career at Cincinnati has been one of continual progression, working hard to get better each day, each game and each season.
Bryant is a “super senior,” who used extra eligibility due to the pandemic-shortened 2020 season to come back this year after losing in the Peach Bowl last season.
“I just really didn’t like how I left my last game out there,” he said. “So the biggest thing for me was to come back and be a better leader. And most importantly it was unfinished business.”
Bryant’s position coach Perry Eliano said Bryant is driven beyond the definition.
“We got a deal called PHD — poor, hungry, and driven,” Eliano said. “He is the epitome of that, just going to work every day. Doesn’t get caught up in the accolades, doesn’t get caught up in this or that. He wants to be an example for his teammates. He wants to leave a legacy, which obviously he’s doing that. I love him.”
Those accolades are coming in — by the truckload.
Bryant has been named first or second team All-American by numerous outlets, but his top honor comes by being named the Jim Thorpe Award winner, going to the best defensive back in the country.
His mother Tanisha Bryant has been his No. 1 fan his entire life and couldn’t be more proud.
“Words can’t describe how I feel,” Tanisha said. “I’m so proud of him. I know he’s worked really hard and he’s well-deserving, he’s well-deserving.”
Growing up, Bryant attended Glenville High School in Cleveland, a school notable for producing legendary college and NFL players under the guidance of Ted Ginn Sr.
“Me being around those guys at 5, or 4 years old, you know just seeing it from that age up until now has honestly been a blessing,” Bryant said. “I’ve seen greatness from such a young age so I knew what it took to be not only a superstar, but the best leader I can be.”
He always looked up to his big brother Christian Bryant, who went to Ohio State and played in the NFL. But now Coby is the one in the spotlight as the Bearcats prepare for a Cotton Bowl showdown with Alabama.
“Just to have this opportunity is what you dream for,” he said. “It’s what you work hard for.”
He said the team is working to block out all the noise, especially the analysts and experts who are counting Cincinnati out before the game is even played. Bryant is switching his jersey to No. 8 from No. 7, to honor the late NBA Legend Kobe Bryant, also using one of his most famous quotes as motivation.
“The job’s not finished, that’s been our mentality from day one,” Bryant said. “You know from game one until now the job is not finished.”
