Interview: 3-Star 2021 RB Dylan Betts-Pauley Rolling Over Defenders for Hoover
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are some mean motoring tailbacks in Alabama 7A competition and Dylan Betts-Pauley is one of them. At 6-0, 220-pounds, he can make a defender miss if he wants, but the game tape shows he loves dishing out the punishment knocking defenders on their backside on his way up field. His no-nonsense role out of Hoover High School’s backfield has helped the Buccaneers to a 5-1 record and a No. 3 ranking in-state by Alabama coming off a 44-7 road win over Tuscaloosa County.
Tough games remain with Spain Park this week followed by No. 5 Vestavia Hills and No. 4 Mountain Brook before closing the schedule out with No. 4 nationally ranked IMG Academy (FL). For an update on the season with insight on recruiting, I sat down with Betts-Pauley for a quick one-on-one.
Interview
Dylan, the Buccaneers are rolling with a 5-1 record ranked No. 3 in-state. What are you guys doing well as a team leading to the big season so far?
“Our quarterback Robby Ashford has been hurt. Our coach told us that we need guys to pull more of their weight. Guys who had not been playing well, needed to step up. With him hurt, it brought us all closer. We have tightened up our game and we have played better.”
With the team coming together as mentioned, the offense is grinding away for 32 points per game against 7A defenses. What are the strengths for you guys on that side of the ball?
“We have a great offensive line, a good corps of receivers, and me and Anthony Hayes have been doing our jobs.”
How are you getting the ball within the offense this season?
“It has been a little bit of everything… some power runs, inside zones, and sometimes they are putting me out in the slot to catch a few passes here and there.”
Nice. What kind of defenses are you seeing this season? How are teams trying to stop you?
“I’m seeing a lot of 4-3 and they are bringing the safety down to stop the run. When they do that, they are one-on-one with our great receivers. There is no way to stop our offense.”
Which areas of your game are showing the most improvement?
“The improvements I am seeing, I am juking more – I am breaking some ankles out there. Being a strong running back, I am always running guys over. Now, I am becoming more of a hybrid running back.”
Of the six games played, which one has been your best?
“The best game I have had so far was the Hewitt-Trussville game (won 28-14). That was a home game, coach told us we needed to win. We were coming off a loss (48-30 to Thompson), our backs were against the wall. Our coaches said, “We need you guys to pull your weight.” I pulled my weight in that game; I had 113 yards and one touchdown.”
Before the season ends, what do you want to accomplish on the field?
“The ultimate goal at Hoover is to always win state. My goal is to win a state championship and to get a ring.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“LSU, Alabama – they invited me to a game, and Florida are showing interest.”
Where is the offer total now?
“I have five offers.”
Betts-Pauley’s Offer Sheet: Alabama-Birmingham, Kansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Vanderbilt
Have you visited any programs this fall?
“Yes. I went to a UAB a few weeks back and to an Alabama game to see them play Ole Miss.”
How did the UAB visit go?
“It was good. They had a nice game. The coaches made me feel at home.”
And the Alabama game day visit?
“It was hot. Besides that, the crowd was loud. I loved that. The coaches were nice as well.”
Are there any more visits coming up?
“I want to go to an LSU game and a Florida game, but that is up to my mom.”
Any last words before we wrap?
“Look out for No. 5 on Hoover.”
Dylan, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you and the Buccaneers success going forward.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: twitter.com: Dylan Betts-Pauley in action (2019)