ELIZABETHTOWN — East Bladen High hosted the fifth annual Desmond Bryant Football Camp on Saturday at Lenon Fisher Stadium with a solid turnout despite the high temperatures.
Coach Robby Priest and his staff assisted with the free camp that attracted youngsters ages 6 through 18.
During the morning camp, participants were taught both football skills and life skills.
Bryant, 30, is a 2004 graduate of East Bladen and went on to play college football at Harvard before signing with the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2009. The 6-foot, 6-inch, 310-pound defensive end played for the Raiders for four seasons before signing with the Cleveland Browns.
However, prior to the 2016 training camp, Bryant sustained a torn pectoral muscle and, after surgery to repair the injury, he has been listed as out for the season.
According to NFL reports, Bryant suffered the injury while lifting weights in the Browns’ gym on July 12.
“We feel awful for Des,” said Browns coach Hue Jackson said in a statement released by the team. “This is a young man that worked extremely hard this off season to prepare himself for the 2016 season. He really bought into our coaching, our team-over-self-philosophy and was intent on becoming a leader for our team.
“Ray (Horton) and the defensive staff were expecting a really productive season from him. We all understand that injuries are part of this profession and as a team you have to find a way to overcome them. There is no doubt that we will miss Des this season and we all wish him a speedy recovery.”
During his seven NFL seasons, Bryant has played 104 games, made 238 tackles and 26 quarterback sacks. He led the Browns with six sacks last year.
