25 Mar 2015 Bryant signs with Harding University

The “Tunnel” at Harding Academy High School in Searcy was the venue for the signing day ceremony for Mills Bryant as he placed his name on the dotted line of his National Letter of Intent to play for Harding University.

Bryant, a two-time Arkansas Activities Association All State athlete in football, a three-time AAA All-Conference athlete in football and a member of the 2012 Class AAA State Championship team, will join the Bison squad that was ranked No. 17 in the American Football Coaches Association Final poll for 2014. Harding concluded its 9-2 season overall having reached the NCAA Division II playoffs for the second time in the last three years.

Bryant cites Brad Bradshaw, his former coach in Crossett, as being a major contributor to his success. “I think it was about my freshman year and one of my coaches (Bradshaw) told me, ‘I think you have the talent to play at the next level,’” he said.

Bryant played his elementary and junior high career as a Morrilton Little Pup, his ninth grade year as a Crossett Eagle and his senior high years as a Harding Academy Wildcat. Coach Roddy Mote of HA raved about Bryant’s “natural ability” and said, “He has some God-blessed talent, tremendous size and is able to utilize the natural tools he has been given.”

Bryant was recently selected to be a player in the AAA All-Star Football game to be held in June at the University of Central Arkansas. He was previously honored as a Hooten’s Sonic Super Team member, a member of the 2014 Three Rivers Edition All-Area Football Team and as a local Wendy’s High School Heisman honoree.  

Bryant is also an All Region Choir and All State Choir honoree for 2014-15.  

Bryant is a son of Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Bryant of Searcy. He is a grandson of CW5 (Ret.) and Mrs. Billy Mills of Fayetteville and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bryant of Formosa.