The Detroit Lions recently signed James Bryant to play fullback this season. Bryant is a mystery man to most NFL fans. He played for two different colleges, was undrafted, tried his hand in professional boxing, played arena football and was on a CFL practice squad. However, Bryant was Detroit's second signing this offseason after receiver Calvin Johnson. Bryant's life is an amazing story. Here is Part I of IV stories on MLive.com

"I'm the mystery man, but that will all change as soon as I get a chance to get on the field and do what I love to do, which is run around and hit people." -- James Bryant

Sam Bryant treated James, his younger brother, like most older siblings would.

He never made life easy.

"I used to run from him," Sam Bryant said. "I used to tell my mom, I was going to the park, and she would say to take your brother. I'd say, okay, and leave him at home."

The elder Bryant's goal was not to abandon James, youngest of six siblings. He wanted his brother to learn how important it was to go after his goals at an early age. James needed to learn that nobody should ever stand between him and his desires.

Sam was building character.

When Sam began playing football at Reading High School in Pennsylvania, there was one test that defined the man James would eventually become.

"The big thing for me is I knew he was going to be good once he got to high school," Sam said. "All he ever wanted to do was to be better than me. I always had to do something extra, so he had something to fight for. He fought all the time to be better me.

"I was in 10th or 11th grade, and we had to go to the weight room in the morning. It was summertime, and the weight room was open at 8 a.m. He told me, 'Can you wake me up in the morning. I want to go to the weight room with you.' I told him to set your alarm and get up, because at this time, we didn't share rooms anymore.

"When 8 a.m. came, I got up and left him at the house."

There was a reason why.

"When I came home, he was like, 'Why did you leave me?'" Sam said. "I told him if you really wanted to go the weight room, you would get up and go on your own.

"From then on, he went on his own. He got up and did what he was supposed to do. He realized it wasn't a game anymore. It was really that serious."

James eventually developed into a serious high school standout.

After Sam signed a scholarship to play for the University of Pittsburgh, James developed into a top high school prospect. He was ranked as the second best linebacker in the country his senior year. One recruiting service described him as "the nation's most physically imposing linebacker."

As a senior in 2003, he made 182 tackles, had eight sacks, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries and returned two fumbles for touchdowns at Reading High School. James also rushed for 950 yards and 13 touchdowns as a tailback. He was a First-Team USA Today All-American, U.S. Army All-American and SuperPrep All-American.

Bryant had his choice of colleges, but signed with the University of Miami.

Everyone approved of decision -- except one person.

"I went to University of Pittsburgh and wanted him to come with me. He didn't come," Sam said. "I didn't think 'The U' was going to be a good fit for him because it's Miami. The limelight and everything didn't seem to be the right fit, and it wasn't"

James played in 11 of 12 games on special teams in 2004 before being switched to fullback the following season. He played in 12 games as a backup with only one start that year. Bryant then played linebacker and fullback in 2006 before transferring to Louisville.

After sitting out the 2007 season, Bryant played linebacker for the Cardinals in 2008. According to school records, Bryant finished with 14 tackles that season, a statistic he believes is grossly inaccurate. Bryant said he recalls having at least 10 tackles in several games and does not understand the discrepancy.

Bryant's college career was over.

However, the negativity was just starting.

"I remember reading something from the NFL, a bio on James Bryant," James said.

(James paused during the MLive.com interview and unsuccessfully fought to hold back tears).

"It said something to the extent that I was one of the most disappointing highly recruited players ever out of school," James said. "That made me mad.

"You get writers and reporters who don't really sit down and analyze the whole situation. In order to be successful in football, you got to have hard work and dedication, obviously. But if you don't have a legit opportunity in a system or program, you'll just be another player.

"I was in college from 2004 to 2009. I had three head coaches, seven position coaches, learned three defenses and three offenses in five years. Who does that? And you tell me I was one of the most overrated football players coming out of high school?"

The most notable occurrence from James' college career was being linked to former University of Miami booster Nevin Shapiro in 2011. Shapiro claimed to give Bryant small cash gifts, entertain him at night clubs, his house and private boat, an allegation Bryant

passionately denies.

"I had nothing to do with that," James said. "I don't even know who that guy is. Again, my prayers go out to him because at the end of the day, everything will work out the way God wants it to."

James, 6-foot-2, said he weighed 236 pounds during his Pro Day workout. His two recorded times during the 40-yard dash were 4.52 and 4.47 seconds. Bryant believes he shined in every drill.

However, Bryant was not drafted.

He signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent. Bryant participated in the team's rookie minicamp, but was released.

No other NFL team came calling.

Bryant was seemingly out of options.

"It was definitely a little discouraging, but at the same time, I'm the youngest of six kids from a poverty-stricken city," James said. "I didn't have the greatest situation growing up. You know how to get over and get around the things that tell you that you can't do it. When doors close in your face, you figure out ways to get through these hard times."

Tomorrow (Part II): Bryant turns to boxing.