Pryor Making an Impact

Rookie defensive tackle Myron Pryor has his seen workload steadily increase as the year has progressed, which owes to his versatility and progression within the Patriots system. Coach Bill Belichick praised Pryor for ability to play in both passing and running situations.

Pryor is “kind of stocky,” Belichick said. But he is deceptively quick and plays with good balance for a tackle listed at 6-foot-1 and 310 pounds. For a rookie sixth-round pick, Pryor has been surprisingly productive, making up for second-rounder Ron Brace, who has not played since Week 2. Pryor forced a fumble and made five tackles against the Titans in his most extensive actions.

“He’s shown up in a lot of different situations, played on a lot of downs,” Belichick said. “He’s been productive against the running game. He’s been productive against the passing game. He’s made some plays in pursuit, with some range.”

Pryor has seen his playing time as he has become more accustomed to how the Patriots teach their defensive tackles. At Kentucky under coach Rich Brooks, the staff employed a different technique for defensive lineman than the Patriots use. Since the start of training camp, Pryor has become more accustomed to the new technique and more effective at it.

“The biggest thing for Myron is just experience and technique,” Belichick said. “He was very well coached in Kentucky. I’m not saying that. It’s just what they did, and what Coach Brooks did down there, is a little different than the techniques we use. Now he’s adapting to some of those things we’re asking him to do, and he’s getting better at it. Through the year, he’s gotten better reads. He’s rushed better. He’s played better run technique.”

Patriots high on Myron Pryor

The New England Patriots’ latest sixth-round discovery is defensive lineman Myron Pryor.

And the former University of Kentucky standout has shined so far, contributing more than higher-drafted players through three games.

The 6-foot-1, 310-pound defensive lineman played extensively against the Atlanta Falcons, registering three tackles as he replaced injured nose guard Vince Wilfork.

“This week Myron happened to be on the field a little bit more,” Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said during a conference call today. “Myron, like our other young players, has worked hard. He’s got himself healthy. He’s got himself back out on the field. He had some good plays. He had some bad plays.”

The Patriots were particularly impressed with how Pryor performed against Buffalo Bills first-round offensive lineman Eric Wood against Louisville.

“I think he’d been a productive player against good people in the SEC, or whether it happened to be against Louisville,” Caserio said. “But whoever he played against, despite being a little bit shorter – he had good playing strength, he understood how to play with leverage. He has quickness, so enabled him to get on the edge, and push the pocket or rush the passer.

“As far as why he went in the sixth, maybe he was sort of a tweener. What’s his role going to be? I can’t exactly figure out why he fell, why he ended up where he was. I think we’re glad to have him, and hopefully he will continue to improve, and give us some positive plays when he’s on the field.”

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.’’

Rookie Pryor is shaping up on the defensive line

Myron Pryor is facing the big man’s conundrum: he needs to get into better shape to make sure he stays on the field, but he also needs to make sure he’s big enough to tangle with opposing offensive linemen.

Fortunately for the Louisville native, being able to work himself into shape is easier these days.

A sixth-round pick out of Kentucky, Pryor struggled with asthma throughout his childhood, and as a result, maintaining his fitness level was always difficult. But his days of being tethered to a nebulizer breathing machine are behind him, and recently he was able to kick his inhaler to the curb as well.

Now Pryor just needs to watch his diet – “I’m a big guy, so I like to eat,” he said with a smile on Sunday – and add some extra sessions on the treadmill and he should be ready to play a full game’s worth of snaps in no time.

The 207th overall pick in the draft, Pryor is listed at 6-foot-1, 310 pounds. He was a three-year starter at defensive tackle for the Wildcats, and as a senior, showed up all over the stat sheet: Pryor had 4 ½ sacks, a fumble return for a touchdown, a forced fumble, and also blocked a field goal.

He was one of three defensive linemen drafted by the Patriots in April, behind second-rounder Ron Brace and ahead of seventh-rounder Darryl Richard. They joined a deep and talented unit that has been tough to crack in recent years.

But any chance Pryor had of making an early impression seemed lost when he missed several days of training camp with an undisclosed injury. All told, he wasn’t on the field for about 10 practices, and returned on Aug. 9, five days before New England’s preseason opener in Philadelphia.

The Patriots began that game in a 4-3 alignment, and there at defensive tackle right next to Vince Wilfork was Pryor, his presence with the first-team defense a surprise to many observers.

But Bill Belichick has liked what he’s seen thus far.

“Myron comes from a pretty good defensive background at Kentucky with coach (Rich) Brooks; he’s a pretty good fundamental player,” Belichick said. “He understands leverage and hand placement, he’s a good athlete. He’s having to learn some new things, new responsibilities, different reads, and things like that that we do. He’s picked those up and like every rookie he’s got a long way to go, but he’s coming along…He moves well for that size.”

Pryor admits he was nervous about missing time and that it affected him mentally, but he used that time to gain experience through film work, something every player does when he’s mending. Not every player, however, is able to learn as much from watching others.

Pryor feels he was able to gain an edge spending so many hours in the film room, and knew a lot of the dos and don’ts when he was able to practice.

What he wasn’t able to do, however, was sustain his high motor. After the Eagles game – in which he was credited with a sack on Donovan McNabb – Pryor admitted that he was gassed during the game and had work to do to get into game shape.

All in all, however, his transition thus far to life as a professional football player has been fairly smooth. The oldest of Marilyn Pryor’s three children (sister Carlisa is 16 and brother Carl is 14), Pryor said he calls his agent, Brian Levy, and his mother when he’s feeling overwhelmed.

He believes that keeping in close contact with his family at home in Louisville has helped him.

“My people back at home, they go to church and they always say they pray for me,” he said. “I always keep an open line of (communication) back home because I feel like that’s one of the reasons why I’m doing so good today. Just having that connection back home, because I think if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be standing here.”

Pryor’s got potential as a Patriot

There was no sack dance for Myron Pryor. Not even after bringing down a quarterback for the first time in his first start in his first game. The rookie defensive lineman knows better than that.

After he tackled Eagles star Donovan McNabb for a 6-yard loss in the Patriots’ 27-25 preseason win Thursday, he received a head-butt from Tully Banta-Cain, and that was it.

“They give us rookies a hard time, (saying), ‘Don’t do too much,’” said Pryor, a 6-foot-1, 310-pound sixth-round pick from Kentucky. “I felt good about getting my first NFL sack. But I can do a lot better.”

Pryor, who had two tackles and a quarterback hurry, isn’t big on demonstrative acts of celebration, anyway. Nor does he like to bring attention to himself.

“He’s a quiet kid,” said Rick Petri, his defensive line coach in college with the Wildcats. “He sat four years in my meeting room, and we didn’t hardly get a word out of him. But (the players) respected him. They all looked at him to be someone who was out there in front, with good work ethic, moreso than speaking.”

Out for most of camp with an injury, Pryor has flown under the radar, while fellow rookies Pat Chung, Julian Edelman and Sebastian Vollmer have attracted attention.

He only began practicing a few days before the game and was admittedly winded several times. Improving his fitness level is a must to play like he can.

“The coaches said that for a guy like me to have a good motor like that, you have to be in real good shape,” Pryor said. “That’s one of my main goals.”

His major highlight Thursday came in the second quarter.

Lining up alongside Pro Bowler Vince Wilfork in the 4-3 look, Pryor shrugged off guard Nick Cole, chased McNabb as he stepped up in the pocket, and appeared to fall down after a hit from the side.

Yet Pryor kept his feet moving and took McNabb down.

It was a perfect example of why he garners optimism, despite practicing so little. His motor didn’t stop, and he adapted quickly after discovering where the play was developing.

“He’s got a good natural feel for the game,” coach Bill Belichick said. “The defense we play is quite a bit different from what they played at Kentucky, but he’s learning a lot of new techniques. He was very well-coached by coach (Rich) Brooks, some excellent defensive coaches, and an excellent defensive line coach. His fundamentals and his background are very good.”

Belichick downplayed any significance to Pryor starting and said he’s far from a finished product. He did not deny potential.

“There were some plays that certainly left something to be desired,” Belichick said, “but he did show up productively and made a few plays. … Myron is a talented kid.”

Pryor clearly didn’t expect to play as much as he did Thursday. As for starting, he laughed and said, “It’s preseason.”

But significant snaps early is not a rarity for him. He started as a freshman at Kentucky, finishing his career with 118 tackles and 11.5 sacks. Petri wasn’t surprised with Pryor’s early success with the Pats.

“He was a very explosive, powerful player for us,” Petri said. “He can be a playmaker. He just needs to work and to get comfortable.”

Much of what makes Pryor successful is the way he reacts quickly during a play. His ability to recognize in-game situations will increase with time.

“So much to defensive football is reacting,” Petri said. “And you got to be in lineup to do that. Get reps and take advantage of them. That’s something he’s always done.”

Patriots & draft pick Pryor reach agreement

The Patriots and rookie defensive lineman Myron Pryor have agreed to terms on a contract, according to a league source. Pryor, who played at Kentucky, was drafted in the sixth round (207th overall).

The agreement with Pryor means the Patriots have reached deals with three of their 12 draft choices (cornerback Darius Butler, offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger).

The 6-foot-1, 310-pound Pryor appeared in 46 games (34 starts) over his college career, playing defensive tackle in the Wildcats’ 4-3 alignment and showing some explosion in the pass rush.

One of Pryor’s top collegiate performances came against Louisville and highly regarded center Eric Wood (28th overall, Bills), when he recovered a fumble and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown and also forced a fumble that a teammate returned for a score. Pryor was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week for the effort, becoming the first Kentucky player in 16 years to earn the honor.

George Bussey, Myron Pryor share common roots

While their hometown was awash in tout sheets and mint juleps, two proud sons of Louisville, Ky., spent the weekend in Foxboro participating in a different high-stakes derby.

Patriots [team stats]’ second-day selections George Bussey (170th overall) and Myron Pryor (207th) were on opposite sides of the line during two days of double sessions at Patriots rookie minicamp at Gillette Stadium.

Bussey attended Western High School and Pryor went to Eastern High School, but the two huge linemen never clashed in their days playing scholastic football in Louisville.

That changed when Bussey elected to play left tackle at Louisville while Pryor was a defensive tackle at Kentucky. Bussey and Pryor clashed several times in the annual Blue Grass showdown and likely will renew hostilities when Patriots training camp begins in July.

“I never really played directly over him, but we had quite a few hard encounters in some pretty big games,” said Pryor, a four-year starter with the Wildcats and a second-team All-SEC selection in 2008.

“But his game speaks for itself and that’s why we are both here.”

Pryor’s defining moment last season was against Louisville, when he was named SEC defensive player of the week.

“I know I’m athletic but I’m not like Bruce Smith or anything like that,” Pryor said.

“I feel that I’m athletic and that I’m explosive and I think that’s what helps me get the advantage over some guys that don’t have that.”

At 6-foot-1, 310 pounds, Pryor is built to secure a nose tackle job in the Patriots’ 3-4 defense. Incumbent Vince Wilfork [stats] owns the position outright, but he has only a year remaining on his contract and he will command a hefty pay raise.

To deal with that eventuality, the Pats selected Boston College tackle Ron Brace in the second round to challenge Mike Wright in the backup spot. Pryor was added to the collection in the sixth round, so he must get a handle on the two-gap responsibilities in a 3-4 formation in due haste.

“We played the 4-3 in college, but this is a new system and it’s something I’m going to have to get used to,” said Pryor. “It’s something I have to practice every day and learn the defense and learn the scheme more.”

Bussey was a first-team Big East All-Star at left tackle for Louisville, where he learned the valuable skill of protecting the quarterback’s blind side from defensive ends and blitzing linebackers. Bussey will be competing with second-round pick Sebastian Vollmer and eight-year starter Matt Light [stats] at left tackle.

Video: Myron Pyror

Myron Pryor practically carried the Kentucky defense on his back. If you like to see nasty defensive tackles punishing offensive linemen, watch Pryor put on a one-day show for the scouts

Pryor Added to Shrine Game

University of Kentucky defensive tackle Myron Pryor has been added to the East roster for the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 17 in Houston.

The game will kick off on Saturday at 4 p.m. EST in Robertson Stadium at the University of Houston and will be televised by ESPN2. Pryor will wear uniform No. 98 for the East team, which also features Wildcat linebacker Johnny Williams (No. 51).

Pryor will be playing in the 84th edition of the nation’s oldest all-star game. The contest is nicknamed “Football’s Finest Hour,” as it benefits the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children across the country, including the Shriners Hospital in Lexington.

Pryor (Louisville, Ky.) was a first-team All-Southeastern Conference choice in 2008 by CollegeFootballNews.com. He was a second-team all-league pick by SEC coaches, The Associated Press, Phil Steele’s College Football, and Rivals.com. He made 36 tackles during his senior season, including 11 for loss and 4.5 quarterback sacks. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week in the season opener at Louisville when he returned a fumble 72 yards for a touchdown and also caused a fumble that was returned for a TD. He blocked a Vanderbilt field goal that David Jones returned for a touchdown.

Pryor saved his best for last with a career-high seven tackles on Jan. 2 in Kentucky’s 25-19 win in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. He also knocked loose the fumble that Ventrell Jenkins rumbled 56 yards for the game-winning touchdown. Pryor was named to the “All-Bowl Team” by CollegeFootballNews.com.

Pryor and Williams are the 27th and 28th Wildcat player or coach selected for the Shrine Game. The last Wildcat to participate was offensive tackle Antonio Hall following his senior season in 2003.

Myron Pryor Makes All-Bowl Team

Who were the best players and the stars of the 2008-2009 Bowl Season? Who was the best coach, who were the best position players, and who were the 50 top performers during the big post-season games? Check out the 2008-2009 CFN All-Bowl Team & Top 30 Players.

17. Kentucky DT Myron Pryor made seven tackles, a sack, and forced the fumble that led to the game-winning score in the Liberty Bowl win over East Carolina.

Offense
QB – Mark Sanchez, USC vs. Penn State, Rose Bowl
RB – Donald Brown, Connecticut vs. Buffalo, International Bowl
RB – Gartrell Johnson, Colorado State vs. Fresno State, New Mexico Bowl
WR – Dezmon Briscoe, Kansas vs. Minnesota, Insight Bowl
WR – Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina vs. West Virginia, Meineke Car Care Bowl
TE – Jermaine Grisham, Oklahoma vs. Florida, BCS Championship
OL – Kyle Calloway, Iowa vs. South Carolina, Outback Bowl
OL – Jon Gott, Boise State vs. TCU, Poinsettia Bowl
OL – Bobby Lepori, Fresno State vs. Colorado State, New Mexico Bowl
OL – Alex Mack, California vs. Miami, Emerald Bowl
OL – Seth Olsen, Iowa vs. South Carolina, Outback Bowl

Defense
DL – Victor Butler, Oregon State vs. Pitt, Sun Bowl
DL – Terrill Byrd, Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech, Orange Bowl
DL – Myron Pryor, Kentucky vs. East Carolina, Liberty Bowl
DL – Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska vs. Clemson, Gator Bowl
LB – Zach Follett, California vs. Miami, Emerald Bowl
LB – Stevenson Sylvester, Utah vs. Alabama, Sugar Bowl
LB – Sean Weatherspoon, Missouri vs. Northwestern, Alamo Bowl
DB – Joe Haden, Florida vs. Oklahoma, BCS Championship
DB – Stephen Hodge, TCU vs. Boise State, Poinsettia Bowl
DB – Jeron Johnson, Boise State vs. TCU, Poinsettia Bowl
DB – Greg Joseph, Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan, Motor City Bowl

PK – Britt Barefoot, Southern Miss vs. Troy, New Orleans Bowl
P – Graham Gano, Florida State vs. Wisconsin, Champs Sports Bowl
KR – David Jones, Kentucky vs. East Carolina, Liberty Bowl
PR – Phillip Livas, Louisiana Tech vs. Northern Illinois, Independence Bowl

Coach – Kyle Whittingham, Utah

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