Okeechobee High School senior Ni’marion Bryant is this week’s Big Lake Athlete of the Week for his performance in the Brahmans’ game against the St. Edwards Pirates on Aug. 31.

During Okeechobee’s 44-0 rout of the Pirates, Bryant had 9 carries for 196 yards and five touchdowns.

For much of the night, Bryant was simply too fast for the St. Edwards’ defense. On his final touchdown of the night, Bryant followed his blockers to the right side of the Pirate defense, and once he had an angle, he switched into another gear and torched St. Edwards for 51-yards.

While he used his legs to do much of the work against St. Edward’s, Bryant has shown ability to make plays through the air as well. During Okeechobee’s 49-0 blowout of DeSoto County on Aug. 25, Bryant completed 7 out of 12 passes for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Those two touchdowns were to senior wide receiver Corey Wilkerson.

Bryant has emerged as a leader on the team this year. The Brahmans’ 2-0 record to begin their season is their best start since 2016.

“I just want to set an example for the underclassmen,” said Bryant after a practice in August. “I want things to be different than last year. I want to have a better season.”

If you have someone you’d like to nominate for Big Lake Athlete of the Week, email Lake Okeechobee News sports reporter Richard Marion at rmarion@iniusa.org or visit our Athlete of the Week nomination page at southcentralfloridalife.com/athlete.