Exclusive Interview: Kelly Bryant Fitting in Well With Mizzou Football
4/10/2019 2:27:00 PM | Football
Ben Arnet goes one-on-one with Mizzou QB Kelly Bryant
Settling into his role as the starting QB for Mizzou Football has been Kelly Bryant's mission since arriving on Mizzou's campus after he announced his transfer decision on Dec. 4.
Having strong coaches and close teammates has helped Bryant make the transition much easier. Bryant's quick connection with head coach Barry Odom also helped Bryant adapt to a new environment.
"Coach Odom is a guy that just cares," Bryant said. "He genuinely just cares about his players and that's the first thing that hit home for me. Just seeing a coach go out of his way to make sure his players are good, it makes me feel at home and makes me want to play for a guy like that."
Along with his connection to Odom, Bryant was also drawn to Mizzou because of offensive coordinator Derek Dooley and his coaching scheme, which former QB Drew Lock thrived in last season. Bryant has already learned from being immersed into Dooley's offense on the practice field.
"[Dooley] is different," Bryant said. "He's a competitor first and foremost. Just having that mindset and knowledge he has being on the NFL level is one thing that drew me to come here. Being here, playing under him, has been a gain, but it's been a grind at the same time"
"He's just so detail oriented," Bryant said. "That's how he is."
Bryant has embraced his role as a leader and the starting QB of the Tigers, as he comes off as relaxed and happy on the practice field.
"Nobody is uptight [at practice]," Bryant said. "We're all just having fun. Coach Dooley loves seeing that because he knows when we have the energy, we can get things going, and just having that swagger that we have on the offensive side of the ball."
Although over 700 miles away from his hometown of Calhoun Falls, S.C., Bryant has found a second home in Columbia, as his teammates and coaches have welcomed him to the Mizzou family.
"I love it," Bryant said. "I love it. I love it. It's just a feeling. I'm at peace right now. I'm comfortable, but at the same time I'm not comfortable because I don't want to feel relaxed. I'm just grateful for this opportunity, but at the end of the day, you still have to perform. Like I said, I'm at peace and now I feel like I can actually be who I am."
With Mizzou's spring game quickly approaching, Bryant hopes to show fans what to expect for the upcoming season during the spring game.
"[I want to show fans] what you see out on the practice field and in the videos," Bryant said. "A high energy guy, just flying around and having fun. I just want to see a packed stadium as well."
The annual Black & Gold spring game will take place on Saturday, April 13 at Memorial Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU and kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. CDT.
Bryant offered a tease of what is to come for in spring game and upcoming season.
"We'll just have to see on Saturday." Bryant said.
Another key reason that Bryant joined Mizzou was the urging of now teammate WR Jonathan Nance, who joined Mizzou as a transfer from Arkansas. Nance is adjusting to playing with Mizzou during spring camp, but has already forged a great chemistry with his friend Bryant. Below is an interview with Nance.
