Interview: 2020 California DB Tommy Sykes Updates Season with Chaminade
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Class of 2020 defensive back Tommy Sykes is parlaying a do-everything role in 2018 into a big senior season. Last season with Heritage Christian, Sykes picked up 35 carries for 380 yards with four scores and flipped the field with 33 stops, 18 solo, notching a tackle for a loss, and three picks. His senior season with Chaminade (West Hills) is off to a big start with 20 total tackles, two interceptions, and two pass breakups in stats posted in four games. As his Eagles squad enters Mission League action, the play on the field heats up even more giving the 5-11, 169-pound, defender more opportunities to showcase his skills against top competition for college coaches.
For an update on his senior year, Sykes and I got a few minutes in covering his growth on the gridiron while covering recruiting ground off it.
Interview
Tommy, how is your senior season going on the field?
“It is going great. I feel faster and smarter than in past seasons.”
Where are you lining up within the Eagles secondary and what are your responsibilities in the scheme?
“I am lining up at strong and free safety. I have to cover the deep ball on passing down at strong safety and I am covering the slot as a free safety. In zone, I cover the flats.”
Which areas of your game are showing the most improvement?
“My cover skills are better, I am faster on the field, and I am seeing more of the game this season.”
Of the games played, which has been your best and why?
“Crespi. I had a pick-six, a lot of tackles, pass breakups, and another pick opportunity that I dropped.”
Is there an area of your game that you are constantly working on in practice?
“I’m working on always being around the ball and my eye discipline.”
What do you feel are the overall strengths to your game now?
“The overall strengths to my game… I am around the ball more, hitting harder, I have a better football IQ, and better footwork – quicker feet.”
Which schools are showing interest as you hit the midway point in the Eagles regular season schedule?
“New Mexico, Western Colorado, and Dordt (IA) are showing interest.”
You have an offer; which school has offered?
“Bethel out of Kansas.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Did you take any visits this offseason?
“Over the summer I visited Utah State, BYU, Utah, UNLV, Dixie State, Arizona, and Arizona State.”
Tell me how the UNLV visit went.
“It was a great experience. I watched them in the weight room. They took my measurements and I got to talk to the coaches.”
And USU?
“That was great as well. Their campus was awesome and the coaches were great.”
Visiting the Arizona schools are always fun. How did the ASU trip go?
“It was great. I got to meet the coaches – I had a good talk with the coaches, and I toured their facilities.”
And the UA visit?
“I went there for their spring game. I talked to coaches and toured the facilities.”
Going forward, are there any visits you may take?
“I am trying to visit Dort and Western Colorado soon.”
Back to football. The team hosts Notre Dame (4-1) on Friday, what kind of in-game matchup are you looking at against the Knights?
“They are a running team. I will have opportunity for a lot of tackles. I have watched a lot film on them. I know their plays and tendencies.”
*Chaminade won 35-14
Tommy, thanks for your time today and good luck the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Sykes family; Tommy Skyes at BYU and Arizona