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This article was published 4/6/2019 (478 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s probably true that most CFL linemen can eat as much as they want.

But if you ask Brandin Bryant, he’ll tell you he isn’t one of them.

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren) Defensive tackle Brandin Bryant, centre, during a scrimmage with the Seattle Seahawks in 2016. The Bombers second-year D-lineman focussed on dropping some weight this off-season.

The 25-year-old defensive tackle from Omaha, Neb., was a valuable addition to the Blue Bombers in 2018, registering 11 defensive tackles and two sacks in 10 games. His first season north of the border was a success, but he wanted more.

The first thing he needed to do was to shed some of the oversized NFL body he needed at training camps with the Seattle Seahawks and New York Jets in 2016.

"There were things I learned last year that I applied to this camp," Bryant said following Winnipeg’s Tuesday afternoon workout at IG Field.

"Actually lost about 15 pounds. I finished the year about 310. I’m about 295 right now.

"It was just something I needed to do — I didn’t want to carry all that weight up here. I wanted to play at about 290, so I have to lose about five (more) pounds. It was something I wanted to do this off-season, change my diet."

The major change?

"I’m a real sweets guy," Bryant said. "I like cookies and brownies and stuff, so I cut that out. I cut out a lot of bread as well. If there’s free sandwiches out there, I’m not going to turn it down but I’m not going to go grocery shopping and buy bundles of white bread. I feel quicker, stronger, smarter — everything."

Head coach Mike O’Shea believes a lighter, speedier Bryant will be more effective, too.

"In terms of his preparation and the one thing you notice is, this year compared to last year, his pursuit is different," O’Shea said.

"So, post throw or midway through a play, his ability to chase the play is different than it was last year and that’s a big thing on our defence."

Bryant wasn’t only involved in improving himself over the off-season. He also had a hand in convincing an old college buddy, wide receiver Lucky Whitehead, to join him in Winnipeg.

The two were teammates at Florida Atlantic University and later with the Jets. Bryant served as Whitehead’s host for an on-campus recruiting visit.

Bryant is convinced the speedy Whitehead has star potential in the CFL as a receiver or kick returner or both.

"I think he’s capable of being one of the very best," Bryant said. "When he has the ball in his hands, he’s an electrifying player.

"I was fortunate to play with him, see what he could do every day at FAU in practice and games, so he’s got world-class speed and world-class talent. He’ll turn a lot of eyes in this league once the season starts."

mike.sawatzky@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @sawa14