Juantarius Bryant had the worst moment of his life last week when he received a text message he thought would change his life. The former Austin Peay defensive standout arrived at Falcons mini-camp and was turned away as he found out his invite was all an elaborate hoax.
“It’s most definitely one of the most embarrassing things that has ever happened to me and a very humbling experience,” Bryant said in a statement posted Saturday to Twitter.
“It’s been a rough few days. … I do not know or understand why this has happened, but I do know that everything happens for a reason,” Bryant said.
Bryant’s agent, Corey Alexander, said he talked with the Falcons and that “all parties involved are frustrated but [Bryant] will get his opportunity soon.”
Soon came Monday when Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that HUB Football was inviting him to their facility.
“HUB Football has invited Austin Peay DB, Juantarius Bryant to its May 23 event, per source.”
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“Bryant was the victim of a tryout hoax last week, but now will attend the HUB event, as will the Falcons and others. Veteran agent Don Yee founded HUB as a new path for players to the NFL.”
HUB Football is a unique concept constructed by NFL power agent Don Yee, who represents the likes of seven-time Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady.
Bryant was named to the first-team All-Ohio Valley Conference his final season after making 108 tackles for the 11-4 Governors.
He spent this past year training in hopes of earning an NFL offer.
“Yes, this was heartbreaking for me,” Bryant said of the tryout hoax. “But just another stepping stone that I am not afraid to admit or overcome.”
