Interview: 2023 Louisiana LB Daylon Sibley is the Enforcer in the Box
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The future on the gridiron is extremely bright for Class of 2023 linebacker Daylon Sibley, but the same cannot be said for running backs and quarterbacks that have to square off against Lake Charles Prep over the next two seasons. The 6-0, 215-pound, defender is that enforcer in the box already putting the beatdown on ball carriers and with the physical tools and knowledge of the game taking big jumps forward each season.
Teams lining up against the Trailblazers in 2020 had to know it was coming. During Sibley’s freshman season, he got after 3A offenses producing 67 tackles, 49 solo, with four tackles for a loss, a sack, two QB hurries, and forced a fumble. Earning second team All-District honors again, Sibley roughed up 65 ball carriers by himself putting together 91 total stops, 12 tackles for a loss, two sacks, three quarterback hurries, and forced another fumble during his sophomore campaign.
With a nose for the ball and the quick-twitch athleticism that closes on the ball like the Hadron Collider in action, college programs are after Sibley. Offers have come in from Arizona State and Memphis with teams like Tulane and TCU taking early interest.
In an RNG first-look meeting, Sibley took a break swinging by the Lab for a detailed one-on-one.
Interview
Daylon, you got after it again laying the wood on some 3A offenses. Looking back on your sophomore season, were you happy with your overall performance at linebacker?
Yes, sir. I was happy. I was proud of myself but I have a lot of improvement left to do.
The defense the Trailblazers were executing in 2020 was aggressive. What fronts were you guys running and what was the philosophy of the attack?
We were running a lot of base 3-backers with a four-front. My responsibilities were reading the guard, flowing to the ball, and going downhill but staying under control.
After being one of the leaders on defense as a freshman, how did you see your overall talents improve in the box by the end of your sophomore run?
Reading the guards, my instincts on the ball, and my speed – all of that improved. I gained about 30 pounds before my sophomore season. Coming in, I knew what I was doing.
Other than having that nose for the ball and bringing the pain on contact, what are some of your other strengths that make you so productive on the field?
That is what I am working on this offseason, my coverage and building my speed and footwork. Another thing is my aggression, taking on blocks, and filling the hole.
With a look at your technique, what are you focused on with your offseason workouts?
I am focused on my footwork and speed. If I improve that, everything else will fall into place – my coverage, reading guards better, and finding the ball better. I am in the weight room getting stronger.
What are some of the lifts and exercises you are doing to improve your strength this winter and spring?
I am running, hitting the weights with a trainer, doing cones on the field, working on my footwork, and hand-eye coordination. On the field I am covering and covering some D-I receivers and running backs. I am trying to get better every day.
Daylon, thanks for your time today. Wishing you continued success pushing your talents forward this offseason preparing for your junior year.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Sibley family; Daylon Sibley