One to Watch Interview: Another Lytle to Lace Up Cleats for Servite in 2016

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Southern California’s Trinity League is hard enough to compete in week in and week out with teams like JSerra, Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, Santa Margarita, Servite, and St. John Bosco roaming high school football fields from Los Angeles County down into Orange County. When legacies start rolling through a given program building up experience with a full head of steam, it almost seems unfair.

Servite has Class of 2017 four-star recruit Tyler Lytle is back under center ready to unleash his talents on area competition for one more season. When the Colorado Buffaloes commit drops back, yet another Lytle might very well be one of his top targets this season, sophomore talent Spencer Lytle.

Spencer played on Servite’s freshman squad last season lining up all over the field. Although freshman are not allowed to play varsity during the season at Servite, eight players are normally called up for a potential playoff run each year as a just in case insurance policy and to give the next line of standouts an opportunity to absorb the atmosphere of varsity football in one of the country’s toughest conferences. Spencer was one of the lucky eight in 2015.

Lytle, a Class of 2019 recruit, played fullback, running back, outside linebacker, and some strong safety during the 2015 season seemingly playing the entire game. Spencer will keep the athlete label going forward expected to compete for time on both sides of the ball in the slot, at H-back, tight end, and/or outside linebacker with a strong early focus in the Friars’ passing attack. The 6’3”, 190 pound, target got a sample tasting of varsity speed this summer playing on Servite’s 7v7 team. Spencer was more than able to hold his own against top national and area competition giving way to high expectations in 2016.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Lytle before the sophomore starts fall camp with Servite to get an overview on how his off-season workouts went and his expectations for the upcoming campaign.

Interview

Spencer, you played all over the field as a freshman, where all might we see you line up as a sophomore?

“I’m playing slot, H-back, tight end, and outside linebacker this year. I don’t have a preference where I play. I will play wherever the coaches need me. Last year I started every game at linebacker. I also got significant time on offense playing running back.”

Of all the positions you could potentially play, do you have a preference to which position you like the best?

“It does not make a difference to me. I like playing offense and defense the same.”

Do you expect to contend for a starting spot either on defense or on offense?

“I think my best chance to start will be in the slot.”

You got some experience playing in 7v7 tournaments this summer against varsity competition, what were some of the things you did well as a receiver during the various tournaments?

“I’m good at finding zones within the defense. My route running is getting better and better. I’m catching the ball well too.”

Is Tyler hard on you when you guys are running routes?

“Definitely. Very hard.”

What is it like competing on the field with your older brother? Do you guys have that strong connection only brothers tend to have?

“It’s cool being on the field with him. We’ve developed that connection between brother to brother throwing the ball around for years. We are always hard on each other trying to make each other better. Our connection has gotten stronger as we’ve progressed through the years. We’ve been throwing every week. I know what he wants, and he knows where I will be.”

Now that you guys are on the same field of competition at the varsity level, what will it be like when you walk out onto the field for your first varsity game and catch your first pass high school pass from your brother?

“The first touchdown catch I had in a 7v7 game was pretty special. We were pretty fired up about it and I saw my parents excited in the stands. We connected a few more times on touchdowns and it felt great, but we sort of expect to connect now.”

What was the competition like for you during the 7v7 tournaments? Stepping up a level sometimes can be difficult.

“It was competitive but nothing I could not handle.”

Was there a moment or a series of plays during 7v7 play that started giving you confidence that you will be able to compete at a high level for Servite during your sophomore season?

“I was able to be physical against other players and hold my own. I was able to get off press coverage and I was able to beat defenders for the ball.”

What have you been working on in the off-season to prepare for the 2016 schedule?

“I’ve been working on getting faster, stronger, and improving my route running. I’m working on making my routes precise. I’ve been working on catching the ball with my finger tips and using my hands more against defenders.”

It is really early for you but are colleges already showing recruiting interest in you?

“Yes. I’ve received interest from Colorado and Washington.”

What have you learned from your brother about the recruiting process?

“I have learned a lot through my brother about the recruiting process. This weekend we were up at Colorado for a recruit BBQ. It was pretty cool talking to existing players and the 2017 recruits. I’m really looking forward to beginning the process and I’m excited about playing varsity this year.”

When you have talked to the college coaches, what have they told you they like about your game at this point in your high school career?

“The Colorado coaches said that I am a big receiver and that I have a lot of potential ahead of me. They like my football IQ and my size right now. They also said they like my speed, maturity, and my hands.”

You are getting one season with your brother on the high school level. There is a lot of time for you to develop your game over the next three seasons, but is there a little bit of allure to playing with your brother again at the collegiate level?

“Definitely, but not a necessity.”

When does Servite begin fall camp?

“On Thursday (July 28).”

Are you getting excited?

“Very.”

Is there a game you are already getting excited to play this year?

“All of them. The first one will be the most exciting. I’m just ready to get onto the field.”

Spencer, thanks for your time today and good luck during fall camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Lytle family; Spencer Lytle in 7v7 action (July 2016).