Interview: 3-Star 2021 OLB DJ Fryar is a Standout Talent for Steilacoom
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College coaches looking for a linebacker that can mix it up, Class of 2021 Steilacoom talent DJ Fryar may be the player you seek. Fryar went wild against Washington 2A competition during the 2019 season tallying 87 stops, 40 solo, from his outside linebacker position with five tackles for a loss, a sack, two picks, and picked up a pigskin off the turf helping his squad to the state title game. The 6-3, 220-pound, defender picked up All-League honors and offers from Washington State and Nevada off his play with more teams tracking his progress. To showcase a little more of his overall athleticism, he toted the rock 17 times for 125 yards with two scores with plans of increasing that role during his senior season. All leads up to a highly anticipated 2020 run for Fryar and his Sentinels squad.
In an RNG first visit to the Lab, Fryar breaks down his junior campaign with an inside look at his recruiting process.
Interview
DJ, how did the 2019 season go for you on the field?
“It went really well. I transferred in, I had to sit out the first four games to get cleared, but once I started, I was rolling. Everything was great after that.”
What base defense were the Sentinels running last season?
“A modified 4-4 and a 4-2-5.”
As an outside linebacker in the scheme, what were your responsibilities?
“I was mainly a run stopper and a cover guy if needed.”
How did your overall game improve last season?
“My cover skills improved a lot and I made adjustments to read keys better.”
Was there a challenge that you faced on the field, perhaps a style of offense or a talented lineman that you went against?
“Yeah. In the state championship game I dealt with a Wing-T and facing Tumwater’s (OL) Jacob Shuster.”
How did that challenge make you a better player?
“It made me better because I was able to learn ways on how to improve. Throughout the game, I improved and adjusted. I figured out their movements and how to get stops.”
Not only did you give your all on defense but you also got time in on offense at running back. What was your role on the team coming out of the backfield?
“It was mainly as a backup and to keep the pace up.”
Will we see more of you on offense in 2020?
“Definitely”
What will your role be as a running back?
“During the regular season I will be more of a receiving back, but in the playoffs I will be more of a power running back.”
What are you working on this spring with your game as a running back?
“This spring I am working on reading defenses and my footwork.”
And on defense, what are you working on?
“Focus on reading my keys and the playbook.”
Are you competing at any camps upcoming?
“Yes. I am going to a Pacific Lutheran padded camp.”
Washington State has offered, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Oregon State, Boise State, and Oregon.”
*Nevada offered after this interview was conducted
Have you visited any programs over the last couple of months?
“Oregon and Oregon State.”
How did the Oregon visit go?
“It went great. I love their facilities and the coaching staff. Everything there is well organized and high-tech.”
And Oregon State, how did that go?
“I love the coaches. I like their tech there too. They can track when a player is hurt, or is about to get hurt, and their nutrition plan is amazing. I like the way they run their practices; it is a lot like how we run our practices. It would not be that big of a change for me if I played there.”
Are you planning any other visits?
“We are planning visits with Wazzu (Washington State) and Boise State.”
Football is covered; are you competing in any other sports for Steilaccom?
“Basketball and track.”
How did the basketball season go?
“It went well. We lost by two points in the playoffs.”
In track, which events are you running?
“The long and high jump, the 100, and possibly relays.”
That’s a lot of work. DJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Fryar family; DJ Fryar at Oregon State and Oregon