Violent.
It’s the word Vanderbilt football linebackers coach Nick Lezynski used to describe fifth-year linebacker Bryce Cowan when he takes on a blocker.
Cowan didn’t play as a freshman when he arrived on campus in June 2022. Now, he’s one who has seen his role expand year after year.
“As a freshman, he wasn't ready to quite unleash his skill set that he had, being long and being twitchy,” Lezynski said. “When he made the decision, ‘I refuse to be blocked’, it all clicked into place for him.”
Lezynski said Cowan always had the physical tools to disrupt opposing quarterbacks, describing his 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame.
Like his forced fumble in the first quarter on second-and-5 against Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar during the Commodores' 45-24
victory on Nov. 29, 2025.
Or, his sack and forced fumble in games against South Carolina, Iowa and Auburn last season.
The adjustment in mindset changed for Cowan when he’d ask about other’s defensive assignments rather than only his own.
“Now he's asking the questions of the next level,” Lezynski said. “I know that the offense is going to do this ... so it's me, what I do, then it's us. What are we doing as a defense?”
On the field, Cowan's description of playing violent was to the point.
“Just having a knack for the ball,” he said. “Everything you do, blocking, tackling.”
Vanderbilt's roster has changed quite a bit since last season. Five-star quarterback Jared Curtis signed with the Commodores, but quarterback Diego Paivia and tight end Eli Stowers along with linebacker Randon Fontenette, who transferred to Colorado, edge rusher Khordae Sydnor and safety Marlen Sewell have exited.
But their linebacking group, which tied for fifth in tackles among the SEC in 2025, brings back most of their experienced players with Cowan joining senior Bryan Longwell and fifth-year linebacker Nick Rinaldi.
Rinaldi had 3.5 sacks, a pass breakup and a team-high nine quarterback hurries in 2025, including a season-high eight tackles against then No. 20 ranked Texas.
Longwell started all 13 games last season, tied for first in tackles with 71 and finished second with nine tackles for loss.
He said the group’s experience and growing continuity give Vanderbilt a chance to become one of the country’s strongest units.
Cowan agreed.
“As long as we’re on the same page, the whole defense is on the same page,” he said. “Because at the end of the day, we run the defense.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Bryce Cowan evolved as Vanderbilt football leader when he 'refused to be blocked'
