Interview: Arizona 2018 WDE Brayden Flynn is Ready to Prove He is One of the Best in the Nation

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Stats in all sports can be misleading at times, but especially in football. A stat line of 80 tackles, 42 solo, 14.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and one interception without context is impressive but gives very little insight. What position did the player play? Against what level of competition did the stats come against? The impressive stat line was acquired by weak-side defensive end Brayden Flynn coming against some of the top competition in Arizona.

Flynn played his junior season with Hamilton High School asserting his dominance against Arizona 6A competition. The Huskies posted a 7-5 season in 2016 making a two-game run in the playoffs topping Tucson High Magnet (47-30) before losing a thrilling 63-60 overtime contest to Perry. As the stat line shows, Flynn did a little bit of everything at end helping stop the run, setting the edge, sacking the quarterback, and even altering plays with his speed and strength off the edge racking up 43 quarterback hurries.

The talent rich are getting a little richer this off-season in Arizona. Two weeks ago, Flynn transferred from Hamilton to Chandler giving his play-making abilities to one of the top teams in the nation from the 2016 season. The Wolves posted a 13-2 mark a year ago ending their campaign ranked as MaxPrep’s No. 12 squad in the nation.

As seems the case more times than not, another recruiting gem is slipping through the cracks thus far. The 6-3, 220 pound, defender has one offer from Northern Arizona. The list of schools showing interest could turn the under the radar prospect into one of the fastest rising recruits in the 2018 class in a heartbeat. Squads like Oklahoma, USC, Virginia, Nebraska, Nevada, Wisconsin, Cal and in-state powers Arizona and Arizona State are all keeping an eye on Flynn.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Arizona’s 2016 statewide sack leader for a one-on-one interview covering his play on the field, recruitment, and off-season workout goals.

Interview

Brayden, the Perry game in the playoffs was an absolute shootout ending at 63-60? How did the game go for you?

“I think I did really well. That was my second best game all season. I think I had three sacks. Overall, I was trying as hard as I can to win. I was in a different zone in that game. Like the score, we could not get a stop, but we played to win.”

Even though the game may have been fun to watch for the fans, how has that game served as motivation for you during the off-season?

“Looking back at it, my preparation was decent but not the best. This off-season has been crazy. I have worked harder than ever in my life. At Chandler, we work really hard. We do not believe we can lose. Practice makes perfect.”

Which areas of your game improved during your junior season?

“My pass rushing. When I was younger, I always had a quick first step and get off. I had trouble getting my hands positioned correctly during the play. I had the technique but was not using it in the game correctly. I developed that tool and it paid off in the end.”

What are you working on this off-season in preparation for your senior year?

“Getting bigger. My goal is to play around 230. Now, I am aiming for 225. I want to be steady and fast. I’m trying to gain muscle weight but keep the speed off the edge.”

You have transferred from Hamilton to Chandler High School, how has the transfer gone so far?

“I transferred two weeks ago. The transfer has been amazing. I really fit in well. The first day I was the here the head coach, Coach (Shaun) Aguano, was so welcoming. I have known most of the football players for a while. The parents were welcoming too. The school is amazing and the atmosphere is good.”

Have you had a chance to run around on the field with your new teammates yet?

“Yes.”

Are you guys in the middle of spring ball now?

“We start in two weeks. On the field, we have had some mini-camps. We do a bunch of drills and run around.”

How will the coaches at Chandler utilize you within their defensive scheme?

“They run a four-man front like Hamilton. They will stand me up. I like that. A lot of schools are recruiting me as an outside linebacker. My film is all in a three-point stance. I will drop in coverage more this year and be more of a true outside linebacker.”

Have you had a chance to max out in the weight room this off-season?

“Yes. My squat is 405, bench 240, and power clean 225.”

Have you been to any exposure camps this off-season?

“I went to the U.S. Army All-American Combine in January (San Antonio).”

How did that camp go for you?

“It was pretty good. When I was there, some of my friends from school went too. Most of the camps I go to, I go against the 4- and 5-star kids. I dominate and I win. That is the thing I don’t understand. How does a no-star kid dominate against the others?”

Did you run a shuttle at the U.S. Army Combine?

“I did. I think I ran a 4.3-flat.”

Are you planning on attending any college camps this summer?

“I am. I have three on my mind; ASU, USC, and Oregon.”

Which teams are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered yet?

“Cal, Arizona State, Arizona, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Nevada, and Virginia.”

Which offers do you hold right now?

“I have an offer from Northern Arizona.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“I took one to Wisconsin on Thanksgiving. I have been to USC once and twice to ASU.”

How did the Wisconsin visit go?

“I liked Wisconsin a lot. I have family back there. The atmosphere there is great. The fans there love football. Game day is amazing there. Garrett Rand (freshman defensive lineman from Hamilton) plays there. The game was great. It gets cold there.”

What about USC, how did that go?

“I have always wanted to live in California. Los Angeles is a dream place. I have family that lives there as well. The town is great, the campus is great, and the tradition at USC is great. USC is a place you cannot pass up.”

How did your visit to ASU go?

“Amazing. I did not expect it to be as good of a visit as it was. When I was there, it was different. They really preached about the players and your future as a young man and as an adult. They made me feel like family. They made me realize how hard it would be to leave home for college.”

When did you visit ASU last?

“I was there last week for their spring game.”

What did you think of the game?

“It was pretty good. I am excited for the season. They have a new offensive and defensive coordinator. We’ll see how the season goes. The coaches are great and they have a lot of fast players. It will be cool to watch.”

Do you have any planned unofficial visits scheduled?

“No.”

Are you playing any other high school sports?

“No. I used to play basketball but I am focused on football now.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.2.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I just took the ACT but do not have a score yet.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“History.”

Is there a player you model your game after or just really like in the NFL or collegiate level?

“Kahlil Mack (Oakland Raiders) or Dante Fowler (Jacksonville Jaguars). Mack is probably the best overall outside linebacker in NFL. I think he is great. Fowler, when he was at Florida, he was a beast. He tore is ACL in training camp last year but did well when he came back.”

Brayden, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming spring practices.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: USA Today; No. 6 Brayden Flynn hauls down a quarterback

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 6 Brayden Flynn applies pressure vs. Basha

Photo credit: Flynn family; Brayden Flynn at USC (2017).