Post-OSU Update: Ricky Bryant transferred to Hofstra after the 2001 football season. He recorded two seasons of 60+ receptions for Hofstra after which he was invited to Ohio State’s 2004 Pro Day. An impressive workout (running a 4.4 40-yard dash) got him a tryout with the New England Patriots. Bryant was signed to the Pats’ practice squad in 2004 and earned a Super Bowl ring that season. His ring later sold on Pawn Stars for $21,000. (source: Aug. 2022)

Major: Family Resource Management (2001), Undeclared (1999-00)

Weight: 175 (2000-01). 165 (1999)

2001 Media Guide: Ricky Bryant is one of a handful of talented young wide receivers on the OSU roster … penciled in as Ken-Yon Rambo’s successor at flanker … anxious to show what he can do after understudying Rambo last year and being redshirted two years ago … has speed and quickness and has demonstrated the ability to get open … figures to make an important contribution to the offense this year … great attitude and a hard worker.

2000 Season: Earned his first letter … played in 10 of the 12 games (did not play against either Purdue or Michigan State) … had three catches on the year, including a 44-yard touchdown reception against Penn State for his first collegiate grab .

2000 Media Guide: Ricky Bryant opened eyes in fall camp last year with highlight reel catches and a flamboyant passion for the game. Not a single set of eyes have left the redshirt freshman who will be a big part of the future of the Ohio State offense. “Ricky Bryant is a playmaker,” Tim Salem, receivers coach, said. “He’s got a great flare for the game and he’s an exciting player to watch.” Depending on his continued development and adjustment to the college game, Bryant could factor into Ohio State’s receiver rotation this season. He is one of two players listed as the second-team flanker behind starter Ken-Yon Rambo on the preseason depth chart. Although he may be undersized compared to other receivers, Bryant has great speed and a will to outman his defender and catch the ball.

1999: Redshirted.

1999 Media Guide: The younger brother of Michigan senior-to-be wide receiver Kevin Bryant … Considered the No. 3 prospect in the state of Michigan and the No. 4 prospect in the Midwest by the Detroit Free Press … The first ever four-year starter for Harrison High … Caught 51 passes for 951 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior for 13-0 team, which won back-to-back Michigan state championships and 26-consecutive games … Had 34 receptions for 705 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior … Finished career with Michigan state records of 2,665 receiving yards and 33 touchdown receptions … lived briefly in Centerville, Ohio.