Bryant chooses Auburn

Defensive end Markaviest Bryant woke up Monday all but sure he'd be an LSU signee by week's end.

Then he met with his mother for a final powwow before National Signing Day.

Then everything changed. Bryant, a speed end from Cordele, Ga., on Wednesday pulled a surprise move and chose Auburn over the Bayou Bengals. It was a decision that went back and forth several times during the past week or so.

"About 100 times," Bryant said. "I was here, I was there. I’m glad it’s over now because I can focus on my future and my career."

Bryant toured Auburn last weekend, which was his final stop after previous visits to Georgia and LSU. During his time on the Plains, he once again met with assistant coach Rodney Garner and once again felt kinship that had been building for years.

"He was the same way. We sat down and talked ball," Bryant said. "That’s what I love about Coach Garner."

What does Bryant love about Auburn?

Well, it starts with the engineering program. Bryant said he privately eliminated Georgia recently because it couldn't offer the same kind of engineering instruction he saw at Auburn and LSU. After that, Bryant said, his choice came down to the communities and the people inside the football complex.

Auburn won.

"I feel real comfortable with the guys there. Just the people," Bryant said. "It’s family-oriented. The community is a small town. There’s not much you can do. It’s laid-back. That’s what I like."

Bryant had 102 tackles as a senior, including 58 solos and 15.5 sacks. He also blocked two punts, had two fumble recoveries and an interception.