Interview: 3-Star 2021 CB Dylan Flowers Talks New School and Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Life is not as fun for a known shutdown corner on the gridiron because said talent rarely gets tested. But if you are Class of 2021 standout Dylan Flowers, you find a way to make an impact regardless, and he did that during the 2019 season against the run. Locking down opposing Division III California receivers with nine passes swatted away and one pick, Flowers (5-11, 165) flexed his muscle against the run putting an end to 43 plays with 41 solo stops and stripped the ball loose four times for Westlake High School. After earning Marmonte League Defensive Back MVP, first team Defensive Back All-Area, and second team Ventura County honors, the three-star recruit will suit up for the St. Bernard Vikings during his senior campaign.
With offers on the table from BYU and Tennessee, and recruiting visit planned spanning the SEC, Big Ten, and ACC, Flowers got into the RNG Lab for a long overdue catch-up interview.
*Click link for October 2019 RNG interview with Dylan Flowers
Interview
Dylan, there are many standout aspects to your game but one of them I’d like to highlight from the start is your head’s up play and/or your awareness on the field. Not only are you getting to the ball but you are making plays like stripping the ball loose. How has that part of your game come about?
“Being aware of the clock, if our offense needs the ball, if we are down, or if we need something to shift the momentum of the game. From watching film, I am seeing the receivers’ and running backs’ weaknesses; I am studying that. We had good scout team practice reps preparing us for game time.”
The Warriors were executing different styles of coverages depending on the team played, which coverages were you running at corner last season?
“A lot of Cover 3, man up, and Cover 2.”
Which areas of your game grew from weaknesses, or not as strong for you, to a strength by the end of the 2019 season?
“At the beginning of the season, I did not get a lot of balls thrown my way. The ones I got my way, I got pass breakups but they should have been interceptions. I should have made a better play on the ball. I was taking better angles on tackles, that helped during the season. I kept their offense to fewer yards after the catch and the run.”
Recently you transferred to St. Bernard High School, playing for St. Bernard’s in 2020, where all will we see you on the field?
“You will see me on special teams, defense, and a little bit of offense. I will doing anything to help my team win.”
On offense, are you lining up at receiver?
“Yes.”
Are you excited about that opportunity?
“I can’t wait.”
How are you preparing now for those roles this offseason?
“Right now, I am working on my explosion, my second gear, my strength, my vertical, and making it all flow. I am working on not coming out too fast out of my steps and knowing my assignments.”
This offseason, are you competing at any national camps?
“There is a Rivals camp I was going to go to but I am going to Tennessee for a visit and 7v7 tournament instead. I will be at The Opening Regional.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Oregon State, Nevada, Boise State, SC (USC), ASU (Arizona State), and Virginia Tech.”
Which schools have offered you?
“BYU and Tennessee.”
Over the last few months have you taken any unofficial visits?
“I have taken one to Cal; that was in January.”
How did that visit go?
“It was great to see Cal again. That was my third time up there. I got to see some of the coaches from before; it was a great visit.”
Are you taking any visits coming up?
“Yes. I am planning on visiting Virginia Tech, Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, and Notre Dame.”
Switching gears, are you competing in any other varsity sports during your junior year?
“I am running track.”
Which events?
“The 100 and 200.”
Photo credit: Flowers family; Dylan Flowers at Cal