When Tumwater’s Jaimie Bryant narrowed his choices on where he wanted to play college football, he kept his family and friends in mind.
He wanted to make sure they could see him play in person – a big factor for the 6-foot-5, 260-pound junior defensive lineman.
“I didn’t want to leave the state to play football,” Bryant said.
Bryant, the Thunderbirds’ all-state defensive lineman, gave an oral commitment to the University of Washington on Wednesday night, informing defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi of his commitment to the Class of 2013. He picked the Huskies over Nebraska, Washington State and Portland State.
Bryant is the second commitment to the Huskies for 2013; Lakes wide receiver Sammie Long committed last month.
“It felt like it’s time to (commit),” Bryant said. “I’ve spent a lot of time with them and I feel comfortable committing.”
What set UW apart for Bryant was the organization of the team’s practices, something he noted as similar to how things run at Tumwater.
Bryant is a two-time all-2A Evergreen Conference pick on the defensive line, including a first-team selection last season.
In 2010, he helped the T-Birds to the Class 2A state title, defeating Archbishop Murphy, 34-14.
That’s when the Huskies first became interested in Bryant, Tumwater coach Sid Otton said.
“They’ve been excited about him since the state championship game (in 2010) as a sophomore,” Otton said. “Even with the new defensive (coaching) change, sometimes that can change that, but they seemed even more excited.”
Bryant, a two-sport athlete in football and basketball, will be the first NCAA Division I football player out of Tumwater since his older brother, Hank, signed with Idaho in 2007 and played in nine games as a true freshman. Bryant has been working out in preparation for the 2012 Nike SPARQ Combine in June near Portland.
“His potential is unlimited,” Otton said.
mwochnick@theolympian.com 360-754-5473 www.theolympian.com/southsoundsports Twitter: @megwochnick
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