Why one KU Jayhawks defensive back says coach Lance Leipold is like a ‘second father’
Cobee Bryant worked all his life for the recognition he received last season.
The Kansas defensive back was the lone player to earn All-Big 12 first-team honors following the Jayhawks’ 2022 campaign. He had 34 tackles and three interceptions in 11 games.
The recognition didn’t exactly stop once the season ended, either. Last week, the Football Writers Association of America nominated Bryant for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. The award honors the National Defensive Player of the Year.
Bryant is the first Jayhawks player to be included on a watch list for postseason accolades since defensive tackle Daniel Wise in 2018.
“It’s a blessing, man,” Bryant told The Star. “I worked hard to be in the position I am now. It wasn’t easy. One percent better every day.”
Bryant isn’t satisfied. He’s got Kansas coach Lance Leipold challenging him daily to improve. Complacency isn’t allowed in KU football, a reminder Leipold shares with Bryant daily.
“Talking to Coach Leipold, he will keep me humble,” Bryant said. “I talk to Coach Leipold a lot. He will text me every night. Me and Coach Leipold, that’s like another father to me, for real. He texts me what I do wrong at practice. He will try to keep me humble.”
Bryant admits he’s never been closer to a coach. Their relationship keeps him focused on improving.
“I’m working on small things,” Bryant said. “ I thought it was a joke at first, but it’s actually real. Small things matter first. … Eat our protein. Drink our drinks. Small things matter first.”
Bryant has become a lot more vocal at practice this summer.
“Just working on myself at being a leader,” he said. “ Coming out of my comfort zone to talk to the defense because I was very shy. People don’t know how shy I (am) — I was scared to talk.
“Usually, when I am on the field, I just lock in. I don’t say anything and listen to the (play)call that we’ve got, but now this year I coming out of my comfort zone and talking more.”
Bryant’s desire to be greater than he was last year hasn’t gone unnoticed by KU’s coaching staff.
“He’s being more active and proactive as far as seeking out opportunities to become better, learn how to watch film and study film a little bit better, more effectively and efficiently,” KU defensive pass game coordinator Jordan Peterson said. “Coming off a season where he’s first-team All-Big 12 — well, you always have in the back of your head like, ‘Is he going to be content? Or is he still going to maintain that level of hunger he’s always had?
‘That hasn’t been the problem. He’s taking more notes than ever. He’s practicing harder than ever. He’s leading the group as far as being able to be more a little more vocal than what he is typically.”
