Top 70 MAC Football Players: #52 Bryson Albright (DE-Miami RedHawks)

Like fellow defender Kent Kern (a linebacker who comes in at #62 in our countdown), RedHawks defensive end Bryson Albright has been an ironman for Miami. He's played in every single game of his career, and he's started every game since his sophomore year. His veteran experience paid off last season, when he recorded seven tackles and a sack in Michigan Stadium and six tackles and two sacks against Akron. For his efforts, he was named Miami's Defensive Lineman of the Year. And Albright's performance in 2014 got notice. Phil Steele named Albright to his preseason All-MAC Third Team.

Advancements in Miami's strength & conditioning program contributed to Albright's success. Under Don Treadwell, who apparently subscribed to the same S&C philosophy as pre-Tiger Woods golfers, the RedHawks were well-known for being undersized: even SBN's own Bill C. mentioned it in discussing the disastrous 2013 season. (See point #8 here.) But with Chuck Martin's new regime, the 6-5 Albright went from 226 pounds to 243 pounds in one off-season, adding the muscle and bulk a top-notch end needs to succeed.

And success is what Martin and the coaching staff will need of Albright this season. The Cincinnati St. Xavier product will be one of the anchors of a veteran defense, including standouts like Kern and fellow Phil Steele honoree Heath Harding, has another seven players who saw time in every game last season. If year two of the Martin Era will be an offensive rebuilding project, defensive leaders like Bryson Albright will be key to the RedHawks' fortunes.