Bryant Ready To Bring Blue-Collar Mentality To Ohio University

Luke Bryant RHP / 1B / Ashland, OH / 2024

ASHLAND - The coaching staff found plenty to admire about Luke Bryant that would be right for the Ohio University baseball program.

“I have a different grit, a different mentality,” the Ashland High School junior explained. “They like my mindset with how I go about things. I’m never satisfied. I’m the country blue-collar kid that likes to go about his business. I’ve always been that type of player. It’s the way I was brought up. My dad coached football in the SEC and being around that mentality I saw what it takes.”

It was three months ago when genuine interest between the 16th-rated 2024 right-handed pitcher in the state and OU began.

“I started getting serious with them in late November, getting on the phone a lot,” Bryant reflected. “I’m a football player so I wasn't able to go to their camp in the fall so I sent video of recent bullpens. After that I spent time talking with (assistant) coach (Tim) Brown on the phone to see where I’d fit into their system.

“Then I went to a camp there in early January and they offered. I thought about it for two or three weeks. I talked to my parents and coaches and after that I called OU and said that’s where I want to go.”

It brought an end to a recruiting process that started out “super slow” at the beginning of freshman year.

“I was trying to figure out where I’d fit,” Bryant related. “I went to a PBR Scout Day and got my measurables. I ended up going to two scout days and the Top Prospect Games along with a bunch of PBR tournaments.

“At the end of my sophomore year I started to grow physically to get to the point of getting looks,” the 6-1 192-pounder continued. “I hit some numbers this summer and got video from the Top Prospect Games and started contacting coaches telling them I was interested and OU bit on it.”

The idea of playing baseball has been there for some time according to the 43rd-ranked junior in Ohio.

“I’ve always loved baseball, baseball really brings a spark to myself,” Bryant noted. “At the beginning of my freshman year I started to excel and learn about it. I grew an extreme passion for the game and wanted to keep playing it.

“It’s not an individual sport, it takes a group to be great,” Bryant added about what he likes about baseball. “I love throwing hard so I took the pitching route. It’s so demanding but so rewarding when you succeed.”

Making strides in his game has helped the cause.

“I’ve made lots of physical improvements with some growth spurts,” Bryant said. “I’ve gotten better with the mental aspect, surrounding myself with pitchers that have been to that level and learning to focus on things that I’m not doing well. If you only focus on good things you’re not going to get better. Focus on the bad things and you’ll get better.”

The just-turned 17-year-old also pointed to influences that have proven beneficial along the way.

“My dad is the biggest supporter I’ve had and someone I can lean to for advice on what to do,” Bryant related. “I’ve been on a lot of truck rides with him after games talking about what I can do better at.”

Travel coach Josh Moss and pitching coach Mike Stafford are others credited with helping Bryant on his journey to making a commitment to the next level.

“It felt amazing, we really hadn’t thought about how hard it is to get there,” Bryant said about being a college commit. “Once I committed the weight was off my shoulders and now I can focus on getting better and playing loosely. Up until now my dad and I haven’t had a chance to really enjoy the journey.”

The high school junior, who carries a 3.67 GPA at Ashland and is looking at a major in business at Ohio University, is confident about what he can provide the Mid-American Conference program.

“I’ll bring them leadership,” noted Bryant. “I’m a guy that’s held accountable and will be keeping everyone else accountable. I’ll be helping others on the field and off, like academic stuff with helping others in the classroom.”

Bryant is anxiously anticipating a great time going to college and playing baseball two hours from home.

“I’m looking forward to playing with some elite athletes,” Bryant concluded. “I love challenging myself. I look forward to the structure of college and getting better being around guys with the same goals and that’s to win a championship.”