Interview: 4-Star 2022 Bishop Gorman OLB Cyrus Moss is Standing Out as a Top Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 Nevada state championship season for Bishop Gorman produced more than a trophy and some rings, it helped pave the way towards success for rising Class of 2022 defender Cyrus Moss. Moss took the field with the Gaels as a freshman playing free and strong safety getting a playoff call-up to the varsity level. The four-game run through the 4A playoffs a year ago has helped the 6-4, 210-pound, talent make the transition to outside linebacker with results that speak for themselves. After showdowns against Orem (UT), nationally ranked St. Louis (HI), and Servite (CA), the four-star recruit is second on the team in total tackles (16) and tied for most solo stops (9). The schedule picks back up this week for Bishop Gorman (2-1) with a challenging road trip to Lone Peak High School (UT).
As the season continues to heat up in the Nevada desert for Moss and the Gaels, I got a few minutes with their standout linebacker for an update on his season and recruiting.
*Click link for March 11, 2019, RNG interview with Cyrus Moss
Interview
Cyrus, you are among the team leaders in stops already. What is working well for you in the early part of the season allowing you to be successful?
“Watching film is the biggest thing for me. I have to give credit to the coaching staff for getting me in the right spots to make plays. I am doing a good job of recognizing the play. I can get in the right spot to make a play if I recognize it and use my technique.”
You were playing some free safety last season, where all are you lining up for the Gaels so far this season?
“I moved down in the box. We are running a 3-4 base and I am playing outside linebacker on the strong-side. If there is a tight end on the line, I come down. If there is not a tight end, I play off the line.”
What are your roles within the defensive schemes?
“On Cover 4 I am in the flats and on Cover 3 I am covering the curl. The coaches have me going in on blitzes and, as mentioned, going down on the line over a tight end. In Nickel, I am coming off the edge. In some other packages, I am on the line of scrimmage as well.”
Which aspects of your game are already improving this season?
“I am seeing big improvement in my game speed. Each week I find something to write down and work on in practice for that week’s game. I am improving in multiple aspects of the game.”
The Gaels have played three high-profile teams so far. Of the three, which was your best game?
“I would say the last one against Servite was my best (won 42-21). Each game we play I am making big improvements. I was happy with the Servite game. We just broke down film, now I am looking for new stuff for this week to improve on. The last one was my best so far. I hope the next one is my best (Lone Peak). The last game we play this season, I want to play my best in that game.”
I like it. Against Servite, what were you doing that made it your best so far?
“I used my hands more, I was more physical, and I was playing faster.”
You guys get another tough customer this week going on the road for a Saturday game against Lone Peak (4-0). What kind of game are you expecting from the Knights offense, the No. 28 ranked team in the nation?
“We are expecting a similar game to what we’ve been seeing – RPOs (run-pass option) and trips (three receivers to a side). We will play them similar to the other teams we have played but make small adjustment to their personnel. We will be ready to go. We are seeing similar stuff this week, that will help us out.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest as the 2019 season gets going?
“The bigger one right now is UCLA. I went there for a camp this summer. It seemed like a good bond was going there. Nebraska, they said they want to see more film on me. I feel that they are showing heavy interest. That is it that I know of. I know some are observing from afar.”
How many offers are you holding?
“I have five offers.”
Moss’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Boise State, Colorado, UNLV, and Utah State
Did you visit any campuses over the summer?
“Yes, I did. I visited Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, UCLA, UNLV, and USC.”
How did the Arizona trip go?
“It was pretty cool. They have a modern touch to their facilities. I am interested in creating a bond with them for the future.”
And Arizona State, how did that trip turn out?
“It was really good. Coach Herm Edwards (head coach) and Antonio Pierce (LB/RC) talked to my mom and I. They talked about their school, their schemes and the atmosphere at Arizona State. I liked that. They have a lot of NFL experience down there. Arizona State is a great place.”
Are you taking any visits this fall?
“I have plans to go to some, I am open to going wherever. Nothing is set right now, but I am looking to reach out to some programs after the season to set some visits up.”
Cyrus, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Gaels a successful trip to Utah.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Moss family; Cyrus Moss