For Martavis Bryant his time thus far at Clemson has been up and down. He's had a hard time getting on the field and getting out of his own way. It now appears he is making progress and is set to breakout.
For Bryant, expectations were high coming out of TL Hanna High School. Many forget he was rated higher than Nuk Hopkins but has yet to live up to his ranking. His 1st obstacle came just trying to get enrolled at Clemson. He came up 1 credit short of qualifying and had to go to prep school at Hargrave Military Academy. While At Hargrave he continued to play at a high level with over 800 yards and 8 TDs in 7 games. He rolled with the adversity at prep school but new challenges rose when he got on campus at Clemson.
His freshman year he should his potential in his first game taking his 1st reception for a touchdown. Since he has shown flashes of talent but never any consistency. His been fully capable on deep routes but has lacked the ability to make plays in the short passing games or making catches over the middle. His struggles have been attributed to a lack of focus and an inability to grasp the playbook. That lack of focus was evident when he was suspended for the Chic-Fil-A Bowl. It appeared as though he could've been on his way out. Sitting at home watching the game was tough for him but the punishment has given him a better focus.
"It was sad, but it was also good because it gave me some time to sit back and reflect on what I need to do get back right," Bryant said earlier this week. "It gave me time to think.”
Since watching his team win over LSU and reflecting on the decisions he had made, Bryant has turned over a new leaf. He has a completely different mindset. Academically he has been focused. That focus has carried over in spring practice. Bryant is starting playing like a veteran receiver should play. He's showing that he is fully capable of living up to the hype and potential a lot have hoped for. He also showed out in the team's first spring scrimmage with 3 catches for 46 yards & 2 TDs. He's looking like a budding superstar.
Martavis still has a long way to go. Through spring practice, summer workouts, and preseason camp he still has to keep on the track he's on because there are others that can fill his role. There's no doubt he is fully capable with the freakish size and speed he possesses. But can he show consistency and attention to detail that can make him a superstar?
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