Senior Safety Khalil Bryant has Been a Steady Force in Indiana's Defensive Backfield

Image: IU Athletics

Written by Amanda Pavelka (@amandapavelka3)

Following Indiana’s humbling loss to Michigan, Khalil Bryant was the first of the seniors to be bombarded by reporters. 

Despite the loss, Bryant recorded his third 10-tackle game of the season— all in the last four games. Seven tackles were solo, which was also a career-high the safety out of Jacksonville, Florida. 

“We give an LEO award before each game. He won that one going into the Michigan game,” Allen told reporters on Monday, “He's a student of the game. He's a senior. He's been here. He's really transformed himself as a player. He's always been a good tackler. That was one of the qualities.”

The Khalil Bryant that showed up to fight against Michigan was the best version Indiana’s seen of him in his four years at IU. 

“He was actually already committed to Indiana when I was hired. He was already coming here. He signed in that first class. He's been with me the whole four years,” Allen said,” (I) have seen the whole progression. Film preparation— I don't think I can emphasize that enough as part of his effectiveness. He anticipates well. He's a good, savvy football player that understands the game, can see things happening.”

In his junior season, he totaled 38 tackles, 25 solo while starting four games and appearing in 11. 

“My biggest change from last year to this year is I’ve invested more time into the game as far as technique, film study, execution. I’m just trying to get a step ahead of my opponent and to see that pay off feels good,” Bryant said, “Chase Dutra and Tony Fields kind of took me under their wing when I was younger so I learned a lot of stuff from them, and a lot of it carries over into my game today.”

Bryant’s 5’10’’ 205-pound stature is deceiving of how dangerous he can be. With his recent spike in production fueled by earning his starting job back, he sits as Indiana’s number two tackler, with 51 tackles, 29 solo, and one tackle for loss on his senior season, only behind sophomore linebacker Micah McFadden. He surpassed senior linebacker Reakwon Jones’ 49 tackles with his career-high performance against Michigan. 

“He's maximized every ounce of talent that God has given him, in the weight room, how hard he works. Takes good angles. He finishes tackles well. He's strong. That helps him get guys on the ground,” Allen said. “We put him in a spot where he can thrive with those qualities.”

Bryant has fought to end his football career at Indiana on a high note and with two more games to play, he looks forward to taking advantage of the opportunity to take the Old Oaken Bucket back to Bloomington— something that has not happened since his freshman year in 2016.

“As a freshman I didn’t really know too much about it. Seeing the reactions and seeing the passion people have for this game, it grows year by year. Losing the bucket these past two years, it just made the passion even more fiery. We have to go get that bucket back, bottom line,” Bryant said.

Win or lose, the Hoosiers have a bowl game to look forward to, but a loss to Jeff Brohm and the Boilermakers would not be ideal going into the month of practices before the bowl game. 

“The momentum plays a very big role in our mindset, how we’re feeling, our confidence. (The Bucket) win would be a big plus on our agenda,” Bryant told the media. 

The battle for the Old Oaken Bucket kicks off at Noon ET from Ross-Ade Stadium.