If you’re standing on the line of scrimmage, the one person you don’t want to see lining up across from you is Gerard Bryant ’10. The six-foot junior defensive tackle weighs 240 pounds, but it’s not his size that’s intimidating—it’s his reputation, not only in the Liberty League, but in the country.  A 2007 Liberty League First Team selection and a 2007 ECAC Northwest All-Star, Gerard is among the leaders in tackles in all of Division III.

This was something he never dreamed about when he was playing for White Plains (NY) High School and had some different plans before hearing from St. Lawrence University Head Football Coach Chris Phelps. “I visited campus after Coach Phelps told me St. Lawrence would be a perfect fit for me,” he says.  “I had already committed to a Division I football program, but I was impressed with the facilities, the coaches, the team, and the people on campus.”

Stepping onto the field in his first season, Gerard vowed never to forget the reason he started playing football in the first place: for fun. He also likes teamwork. “I remember being down 28-7 at the half against RPI during my first season,” he says.  “Our team came together to win the game in the final minutes, 42-38.  We gained confidence and went on to a 5-4 record, the first winning season since 1991.”

Looking back on his college decision, the performance and communication arts major doesn’t regret it for a moment.  “At a Division I program, football would be my whole life.  At St. Lawrence, I’m able to balance athletics and my school work, and enjoy what I’m doing.  For me, it’s a game.  It’s still fun.”