Brant, a former standout offensive lineman at Iowa State University and 2007 draft pick of the Chicago Bears, begins his first season on Cornell's staff as defensive line coach.
Brant, a native of Kieler, Wis., was a four-year starter and three-time all-Big 12 selection at Iowa State. He played in all 48 games - including 46 starts - during his career with the Cyclones from 2003-06. Brant started at right guard his true freshman season before shifting to right tackle his final three years. He was twice voted the Cyclones' Lineman of the Year. Iowa State won the 2004 Independence Bowl during Brant's sophomore season, and the following year appeared in the Houston Bowl.
Brant was a starter in the annual North-South All-Star game recognizing the nation's top collegiate seniors. He was then picked in the seventh round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, although his professional career was cut short due to knee injuries.
Brant earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Iowa State in December 2007. He received a master's in business administration from the University of Dubuque in May 2010. At Dubuque, Brant was a graduate assistant - coaching the offensive line and running backs - under head coach Vince Brautigam during the 2008 season.
Brant, a 2003 graduate of Dubuque Wahlert High School, was named Iowa's Gatorade Player of the Year in 2002. A three-year starter at Wahlert, Brant was a two-year all-conference selection and an elite all-state performer his senior season, after which he was invited to play in the Iowa Shrine Bowl.
Brant also excelled in track and field at Wahlert, where he still holds the school record in the discus. He was a state placewinner in the discus and shot put. Brant was a Drake Relays placewinner in the discus.
