Coach Bryan gets congratulated

Willie De'Angelo Bryant (above right) is congratulated by former Silver Bluff player Derrick Boyd after being named the Bulldog's new Head Coach.

It has been nearly 15 years since Willie De’Angelo Bryant has spent a Friday night
under the bright lights as a Silver Bluff Bulldog. Tonight, at the high school’s
second-annual State of the Bluff event, Bryant, the Class of 2003’s student athlete
standout, announced he is returning home. The announcement is
definitely a touchdown for the home team.

Bryant received a full athletic scholarship to Wake Forest University and has built
a successful career inspiring student athletes to compete at high levels
academically and athletically. The teacher, Assistant Football Coach, and Head
Track & Field Coach at White Knoll High School in Lexington, South Carolina, also
has a comprehensive background in athlete development, scouting, NCAA
eligibility and motivational techniques.

In 2014, Coach Bryant founded NexStep Student-Athlete Academy to develop
talented Central Savannah River (CSRA) athletes’ success through educational,
athletic and character training workshops. He also serves as a National
Correspondent and Independent Contractor for a privately held NFL draft
magazine.

In coaching student-athletes, Bryant understands what college scouts are
looking for and places great importance on academic effort, image,
community service and sportsmanship in preparing students to achieve athletic
aspirations and dreams.
Bryant attained a Master’s degree in secondary education from Grand Canyon
University in 2013, and has spent the last nine years as a teacher and coach to
students in the Midlands.

The announcement of the high school’s new head football coach was part of
the exciting program at tonight’s State of the Bluff address. Bryant made the trip
back home for the occasion and took a few minutes to thank the large crowd
for attending and supporting the school.

“I am elated to return home to the place that offered me so many opportunities
and has helped develop me into not only the coach but the man that I am
today,” he said. “It is a tremendous honor to grace the same sidelines as some
of the most respected coaches of the past and to lead a program with such
rich tradition.”

Bryant’s new role is pending the anticipated approval by the school board at
Tuesday’s meeting.

“While we had some amazing candidates the committee felt that Coach Bryant
has what it takes to lead the program and take us to new heights,” Silver Bluff
High School Principal Mr. Bert Postell commented. “De'Angelo is a strong coach
who is well regarded and eager to make an impact and I believe that coming
home to The Bluff is the perfect fit.”