During his first training camp session at Mississippi State, 2014 signee and safety Brandon Bryant was one of the most talked-about true freshmen on the field. There was even talk that the former 247Sports four-star prospect could earn some game reps in the 2014 season.

But when the season opened up Bryant opted for the redshirt route in order to prepare himself for his future in the SEC. And it's a decision he considers a blessing these days.

"I am very blessed for that," said Bryant of his redshirt year. "That is probably the best thing that happened for me. It developed me as a player and developed my learning skills. I was able to get bigger, too, and just helped me a lot."

And now, Bryant believes he is better prepared to aid the Mississippi State secondary and he has proven that just four games into his Maroon and White career. Bryant has totaled 15 tackles this far along with one sack, one tackle for loss and two PBUs. With every game the former Rosa Fort High School standout has earned more reps on the field and that has increased his confidence level.

"I think it helps your confidence level when you play more," said Bryant. "The coaches and your teammates trust you. When you're out there on the field in front of all the fans and doing what the coaches tell you to do, you're basically out there having fun and playing with your boys. It's just a good feeling."

It's also a confidence - and playing time - that is earned during the week at practice, added Bryant. In fact, he considers the weekly routine on the practice fields tougher than what he faces on the weekends on the field.

"As the season goes on, you gain more confidence on the field and you get more confident," said Bryant. "When we go out to practice, we get more reps there than we do in the games. So when the game comes, we're already prepared and we know how the game will go and how it will flow. That is what our team is about and having that strain. When we strain to the ball in practice, it is easy for us to do in a game. Our practices are harder than the games for us because we go so hard in practice."

Earlier this week defensive coordinator Manny Diaz commented on Bryant's tackling ability and the progress he's made in that area. Bryant also acknowledged that fact when asked what his biggest improvement has been since the season opener.

"My tackling skills," Bryant said. "Early in the season I was just trying to get into the flow of the game and learn the style of the game. When I used to try tackle I would gather a lot. But now I just run through the tackle and finish it. I practice that every day and when the defender comes, I just cut them off. Then it is about reading my keys. If I am reading my splits and the receivers, it will take me to my keys and my progression. That is a big thing for me because it puts me in position to make plays."

Bryant is one of three freshmen safeties that have Bulldog fans confident about the future secondary, joining true freshmen and fellow 247Sports four-star prospects Jamal Peters and Mark McLaurin. Unlike Bryant, the true freshmen duo won't have the luxury of a redshirt season and are having to adjust quickly.

"Jamal and Mark had to come along quick with the flow of the game since they are coming right out of high school," said Bryant. "It is a tough transition because out there on the field, you are responsible for a lot at safety. They had to really get set in with the game plans and learn the defense more. And they are coming along."

This Saturday Bryant and the rest of the defensive backfield will all have to be quick within the flow of the game. Texas A&M's offense and receivers will present a stiff challenge and Bryant noted of the key factors if the Bulldogs hope to grab their second straight SEC road win.

"They have some pretty good receivers," said Bryant. "But I think we have a pretty good secondary, too. We will just go out and play our keys and do whatever we have to do to stop them. Their quarterback throws a lot of mis-shots and he isn't that comfortable in the pocket because he is small. So we just have to get after the quarterback. We've been going more physical in practice this week because Coach (Manny) Diaz wants us to attack every ball."