3-Star 2021 Alabama RB Dylan Pauley Readies for Big Season with Hoover
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
An every down bruising back with speed, that is the easy summation of the skills Dylan Betts-Pauley brings to the field for Hoover High School. The Buccaneers rising star was part of a multi-talented backfield that helped carry the powerhouse Alabama team to a 9-4 finish with an in-state No. 4 ranking (MaxPreps). The 2019 is lining up to be a big one for Pauley (6-0, 218) with a tough schedule ahead and college coaches watching. With Hoover’s schedule, including another end of regular season showdown against IMG Academy (FL), Pauley is sure to take his five offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Kansas, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt to the double-digit mark with interest growing.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Alabama’s top rising three-star prospects learning more about his game with a look ahead to a couple of late college camps and some big potential visits.
Interview
Dylan, there are a lot of great aspects to your running style that jumps off your game reel and one of them is your power. That type of running comes with conviction and determination. How have you built that into your game?
“I watch other running backs my size run like that. I knew that I had to bring that same intensity.”
Another trait to your game is your field vision and patience. How have you developed that part of your game over time?
“I know that I can’t just run over everyone all the time. Using my field vision can come in handy.”
Was there a weakness to your game to start the 2018 season but it became a strength by the end of the year due to hard work?
“We had Larry McCammon (2019 – FAU) a couple of years ago. He is a great guy and a great running back. Our coach would put us in different situations to improve our weaknesses. He put me in some game defining situations so I would not be scared or shocked when the time came to get me ready.”
I like that, and I think it is important for coaches to prepare you guys like that to win tough games. Which areas of your game have you been working on this offseason?
“I have been mainly getting my hips loose and working on my catching and route running.”
Which camps have you competed at this offseason?
“I was invited to the Under Armour All-American Camp, The Opening, and Adidas. I was not able to make it to The Opening.”
How did the Under Armour camp go? Did you showcase your skills the way you wanted?
“Yes, sir. I feel like I did very well at that camp.”
Did you run a 40 at the Under Armour camp?
“We ran a 40 at that camp, but they didn’t tell us what we did. At the God Speed Combine, I ran a 4.51.”
Nice. Are there any other camps upcoming you may attend?
“There is a Wake Forest camp in late July and we may go to a Harvard camp.”
At this point, which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“LSU has been talking to me, Virginia Tech, Clemson, Ole Miss, Florida State, Penn State, and Alabama.”
Impressive. How many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers.”
Besides the upcoming camps, do you have any planned visits you may take?
“I definitely am going to Tennessee and I might go to Notre Dame.”
Back to football. How did the Buccaneers look in spring ball?
“We looked very good. There are always things teams need to improve upon for the season.”
When did you guys start summer practices?
“We started the first week of June. We got to work right away.”
What is the mindset of the team now as you guys prepare for the 2019 schedule?
“Our mindset is to rebound from last year. We lost in the semifinals last season. We want to get back out there.”
What personal goals have you set for your junior year?
“My goals are to get faster, stronger, and better overall on the field.”
Dylan, I appreciate your time today and wish you success at the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: God Speed; Dylan Betts-Pauley