Lavender Breaks Out in the Big Easy

Wide receiver Bryant Lavender of Gulfport, Mississippi was anxious to attend the Under Armour/Scout.com combine in New Orleans, Louisiana this past weekend. Lavender was eager to show what he could do and the weekend ended with Bryant making a strong push for All-Combine team honors.

Bryant Lavender profile

"It was a beautiful experience," exclaimed an excited Lavender. "I am so glad I got to go. I got to show what I could do against some of the best players in the area and from around the country. I got to work on some techniques that will help me get better. I loved it."

Bryant and some of the top prospects from the south were able to put their skills on display at the New Orleans Saints' practice facility. The chance to sharpen his skills at an NFL facility was a huge plus for Lavender.

"It was just off the chain," said the talented wide out. "It was perfect! It was beautiful! I never thought I would get the chance to practice in a place like that. Everything was just so beautiful."

The combine gave Lavender a chance to get to know some prospects from a couple of states as way as well as some a little closer to home.

"I met A.J. Stevens out of Texas," said Bryant. "We are both receivers, so we kind of stayed together. We talked a little bit and tried to work together.

"I got to meet Dylan Favre in person for the first time. We got to throw a little bit while we were warming up. I have a lot of respect for him, so it was good to finally meet him. We made a connection during the one-on-ones. He threw a nice ball and I made the catch. I don't think I dropped a ball all day."

Most observers tabbed Lavender as the best receiver in attendance, but Bryant was a bit more modest in his evaluation of his play.

"I think I did alright," said Bryant. "It was my first combine, so I didn't know what to expect. I gave my best for that one day and I think it was a pretty good day. I could have been a little better at running my routes, but I had a lot of fun. I hope I get to go to another one."