Illinois wide receiver Pat Bryant has been downright dominant this season. The alpha wideout has recorded 22 receptions for 342 yards and six touchdowns through five contests this season. Bryant has been one of college football's most consistent playmakers.
Bryant recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Bryant discussed his red-hot start to the new season, his ability as a red-zone threat, playing the “X” receiver role, his favorite routes to run, and so much more.
JM: You're off to an incredible start this season, with 22 catches, 342 yards, and six touchdowns in five games. What changed for you going into this year?
Pat Bryant: I would definitely say my mindset is a little bit different, just knowing that it’s my final season of college football. I’m trying to take advantage of every single day and every snap I get. Every game is one of my final opportunities to leave my mark here.
That’s really just changed my focus. It’s helped me see the bigger picture when it comes to where I envision myself going next. I see myself making big-time plays in the future.
JM: You're averaging nearly 22 more yards per game (68.4) compared to last season (46.7). Do you feel like you've matured as the go-to playmaker in this offense?
Pat Bryant: Yeah, of course I have. Going through the entire journey that is college football, I’ve learned from the guys that came before me throughout this process. I’ve taken what I learned from past teammates and applied it.
That’s allowed me to add new wrinkles to my arsenal. It’s helped make me a better player. Like I said earlier, I’m really just trying to take advantage of every snap, every target that gets thrown my way.
My numbers as a receiver have improved as my techniques have gotten better.
JM: The touchdown production is especially impressive with six scores in five games. You're only one TD away from last year’s previous career high (7). What is it about your game that makes you such a threat to score?
Pat Bryant: I have a lot of confidence in my abilities, especially once we get to the red zone. We’re fortunate to have a quarterback like Luke Altmyer. He’s in his second season in this offense and he’s shown a lot of growth.
He has a lot of confidence in my ability to go get the ball. He knows he just has to put it somewhere in my vicinity. I can go up and make those plays. I attack the ball with confidence because I know I can make the difference for our offense on a weekly basis.
JM: You're listed at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. Talk to me about how you use that size to your advantage. Do you see yourself playing a traditional “X” role at the next level?
Pat Bryant: Ever since I arrived at Illinois, I’ve been a big, physical route-runner since my freshman season. I’m a physical receiver. I was doing anything I could to get on the field. I remember early on, I was blocking on the perimeter more than anything else.
I mastered those blocking techniques first and foremost, and then I started proving I could make those contested catches on the outside, those 50-50 balls. I love using size to my advantage by playing a physical brand of football.
The Big Ten is an extremely physical conference. I have the right makeup to thrive. Taking it to the next level, I see myself doing the same things in the NFL that I’m doing in college. I’m gonna start there before taking things up a notch.
JM: Talk to me about altering your approaches in man coverage versus zone coverage.
Pat Bryant: When it’s man coverage, I have to use that size to tip the rep in my favor. I spend a lot of time working on my releases off the ball. I try to create separation against those great Big 10 cornerbacks I see on almost a weekly basis. Like I said earlier, it’s about being physical with those guys. I have to use size to my advantage.
As far as zone coverage goes, I have to be efficient at the top of my routes. I have to find those holes in the defense. We see a lot of Cover 2 and Cover 3 in this conference because of the run fits. I have to find those holes in coverage and stay consistent at the top of my routes.
I have to go out there and make plays no matter the coverage looks I’m getting.
JM: We love that. Does Pat Bryant have a favorite route to run?
Pat Bryant: It’s probably the dig route. I love a good dig. I create a lot of separation at the top of a dig route. I hit that route with speed right at the top. That’s what helps me create that separation. I can come across the field and get the ball in my hands.
I also love that fade route because it allows me to use size and physicality. That’s one of my favorite routes as well. Luke [Altmyer] would probably tell you he loves the fade route (laughs).
He already knows if he puts it up in the air, I’m coming down with it.
JM: This has been awesome. We’ve appreciated your time today. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?
Pat Bryant: My plan is to keep pushing forward. I want to help lead Illinois to a bowl game. We’re trying to go 1-0 every single week right now. That’s the plan on a weekly basis.
