Pryor doing his summer reading

In 2005, upon his arrival at the University of Kentucky, Myron Pryor learned that life as a Southeastern Conference defensive lineman hardly would resemble his routine at Louisville’s Eastern High School.

“When I first got to college,’’ recalled Pryor, “I didn’t even know how to pass rush. I just thought you bull-rush all the time.’’

This year, since being tabbed by the Patriots with the 207th pick of the 2009 draft, Pryor is going through the learning process all over again.

Given the nature of the defensive line – big-boned behemoths who prefer munching on quarterbacks over porterhouses – it’s no surprise that some of the players who partake in such activities consider their efforts to require more brawn than brain. Pryor, one of the rookies fighting to solidify his niche on New England’s depth chart, is understanding that the latter is more important.

The 6-foot-1-inch, 310-pounder has been tweaking his game from the go-go style preached at Kentucky by coach Rich Brooks.

In contrast, the Patriots emphasize patience among their defensive linemen. They’re taught to set the tempo. They aren’t supposed to react to the flow of opposing offenses. By being patient, say the coaches, the linemen can make plays.

“The coaches always explain technique and being patient,’’ said Pryor. “I think that’s one of the biggest things I’ve been working on. They don’t want you to go too fast. They want you to play the block, read, and play technique. It’s a way-different setting and tempo from when I was back in college. There, the ball is hiked, and you’re running with the flow of the offense.’’

Pryor is one of three defensive linemen selected by the Patriots in the ’09 draft (Ron Brace and Darryl Richards were the others). Pryor, a three-year starter at Kentucky (he also was recruited by Indiana, Louisville, and Cincinnati), recorded 29 tackles and 4 1/2 sacks as a senior, when he was named an All-SEC second-teamer. In 2008, during a season-opening 27-2 win over Louisville, Pryor returned a fumble 72 yards for a touchdown. In the same game, Pryor caused a fumble that allowed teammate Ashton Cobb to scoop up the ball and return it 27 yards for a score. After the win, Pryor was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week, becoming the first Kentucky player to win the award in 16 years.

Throughout his college career, Pryor started 34 of 46 games. Rick Petri, Kentucky’s defensive line coach, was once employed by the University of Miami, where his former pupils included Warren Sapp, Kenard Lang, and Kenny Holmes.

“Very experienced,’’ Pryor said of Petri. “He coached me all four years when I was there, and he’s one of those coaches who really had the game down technique-wise – how to flip your hips on the pass rush, how to play double teams, how to play counters on the pass rush. He really made me a better player.’’

In the exhibition opener against Philadelphia, Pryor recorded two tackles and sacked Donovan McNabb once. In the second exhibition game against Cincinnati, he had two tackles and batted down one pass. During 4-3 situations, Pryor has been playing defensive tackle. He has lined up over center and over the guard’s outside shoulder. Pryor has used his quickness to penetrate into the backfield as a pass rusher.

Last week, Pryor said he was emphasizing his positioning to fill gaps correctly in the running game.

“The techniques and concepts they teach us, you might see as kind of confusing,’’ said the 23-year-old. “But once you study it, look at film, and learn how it’s being taught, I think it’s way easier. First of all, you’re not wearing yourself down as much as when you’re playing aggressively. Second of all, instead of putting yourself out of the play, you’re able to make a play instead of just going with how the offense is playing. I think I’m learning the playbook and understanding how much better it can be with the two-gap situation.’’

Pryor was inactive Friday night against Washington in the third exhibition game. Pryor, who’s also missed some practice time, is aiming to dress in the preseason finale to continue the development he’s started during his early time in Foxborough.

“It took a while,’’ Pryor said of adjusting from college to pro. “But I’m starting to understand it now. The last time I did practice, I just felt better, better than when I played the last preseason game [against Cincinnati]. I felt like I could play how they’re teaching us. I played the way they wanted me to play. I felt better playing that kind of scheme.

“With this defense, you have a lot of opportunities to make plays and help out your teammates.’’

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