ADA – East Central University defensive end Armonty Bryant was named to the Lindy’s Magazine NCAA Division II Preseason All-American Football Team, it was announced recently.

Bryant, a 6-foot, 6-inch, 245-pound junior-to-be from Wichita Falls, Texas, earned the first team preseason honor by virtue of a magnificent sophomore season in 2010 as he was selected as a D2Football.com First Team All-American and a Daktronics Inc., Second Team All-American.

“It’s always an honor to have one of your players recognized as a preseason All-American,” said ECU head coach Tim McCarty. “Of course the preseason is not as important as the actual season, but we’re excited for Armonty and the East Central Tigers.”

Bryant was third in the nation in sacks at 13.5 as he led all defensive linemen in that category. He also finished with 19 tackles for loss which was among the leaders in Division II. He also intercepted one pass and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown, returned a fumble 7 yards for a score, broke up two passes, forced two fumbles and blocked four kicks. Of his 49 total tackles, 38 were solo-efforts.

He was twice named Lone Star Conference North Defensive Player of the Week last year and was once selected as LSC North Special Teams Player of the Week.