Interview: 3-Star 2021 North Carolina DE/OLB Zy’Mere Reddick Talks Workouts and Elon Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
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Class of 2021 defensive end Zy’Mere Reddick earned his three-star recruiting status the hard way in 2019 taking on 4A North Carolina offenses. Even with teams running away, Reddick was able to haul down 62 ball carriers with 20 tackles for a loss, 16 sacks, three forced fumbles, a pick, and a scoop-and-score. Scotland High School posted a 12-3 season with their 6-3.5, 205-pound, defender leading the way. When the 2020 season gets going next year, their standout will be switching up the look on offenses playing outside linebacker. He will also be taking the field without the worries of the recruiting process. On Sept. 9, Reddick put an end to his recruitment verbally committing to Elon.
In an RNG update interview, Reddick stopped by the Lab for another one-on-one.
*Click link for March 2020 RNG interview with Zy’Mere Reddick
Interview
Zy’Mere, when we last spoke you were getting after it with your offseason workouts. Picking up on your strength and power, what have you been doing in the weight room or with a trainer to keep pushing your athletic abilities?
I switched to outside linebacker; we changed from 4-3 to a 3-4. Since then, I have been working on my footwork and on my coverage, shuffling, body control, and a whole lot of squats and bench. I have been working to improve my coverage running with running backs out of the backfield and slots. It is all a new learning experience for me at linebacker.
Which drills or exercises have you been doing to add the desired speed and agility to your skills?
Bag drills and reading drills. If the back goes out of the backfield one way, how do I pick them up or how do I adjust when another linebacker blitzes. I’ve done a lot working on picking up routes trying to be the best linebacker I can be. This is something new for me.
Playing 7v7 helps me. You can see what is going on without the linemen in front of you. You can work on your coverage playing 7v7. That has helped me a lot. I will be playing a receiver and tight end this year as well. I have been working on my footwork there and running routes. It has been fun. I have been playing defensive end the past three years, I have that down pat.
Working on your pass rushing technique was a big priority for you back in the spring. Which moves have you been fine-tuning over the summer and fall months?
I am still working on my pass rush moves, and I critique myself the hardest. I am working on rushing off the edge with more power instead of straight speed. At defensive end, they know I am coming every play. At outside linebacker, they don’t know when I am coming. When I do come, I know I will get attention opening up stuff for my teammates. I have been doing hop drills, staying low, and firing off drills at defensive end.
You touched on this a minute ago, drilling deeper. Tight end was another role added to your list of responsibilities in 2020. What all have you been working on there?
At tight end I have been working on blocking a lot. Playing tight end is helping me play defense. At linebacker, it helps me understand what is going on, the route concepts, and how they want to get open. I am taking on a bigger role to help my team win.
What is the Fighting Scots practice schedule?
We started off one day a week then over time we’ve gone to four days. Now we have multiple groups at practice, Group A is defense and Group B is offense for varsity. We alternate in the gym and on the field between the groups. On Thursday, that’s the last day of the week for our practices.
When is the first game of the 2020 season?
Feb. 26, 2021. We have seven games on the schedule, all conference games.
With the oddness to recruiting for the 2021 class, what has this process been like for you?
It was a great experience. Because of the virus, I am happy everything is over to be honest. It was fun sending in transcripts and talking to different coaching staffs. I think I finished with offers from North Carolina A&T, Chowan (NC), Eastern Illinois, Lenoir-Rhyne, North Carolina Central, and of course Elon.
How did Elon become your ideal fit?
I was able to visit Elon before the virus, and they were recruiting me for a long time. They are far from home but not too far. With their process, they don’t just take anyone. They make sure everything is lined up right. They really recruit their players; that’s why I like Elon.
Are you helping with recruiting?
Oh yeah. If we offer someone, especially on the defensive side, I hype them up. We got a good recruiting class, and just got a defensive end and tackle. All the recruits stay in contact, all the people in my class stay in contact. We check up on each other, make sure everyone is straight and grinding. That is good. That shows the genuine love for the game. You cannot find that everywhere.
Zy’Mere, it was great getting to catch up with you today talking about your workouts and commitment to Elon. Keep up the grind this offseason.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Reddick family; Zy’Mere Reddick