Interview: Seven Offers Extended for 2022 Memphis TE Bryce Dailey
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The modern tight end can no longer be just a glorified blocker hanging out on the line with the offensive tackle. Today’s tight end has to block not only in the trenches but in space while running routes with the versatility to flex out and line up as a fullback/H-back. Throughout the 2020 season, Bryce Dailey showed he was all of those things and more. As Christian Brothers worked their way to a 7-4 campaign against Division II AAA West Tennessee teams, Dailey was doing it all helping spring Dallan Hayden for 2,000-plus yards. As the colleges expand their spring evaluation circles, the 6-3, 235-pound, next level target is seeing his interests expand with offers being dropped.
In an RNG first-look Q&A interview, Dailey took a break from his offseason workouts and 7v7 tournaments for an in-depth confab.
Interview
Bryce, the Purple Wave were putting it on opposing defenses throughout the 2020 season averaging 27.5 points per game. As a group, what made that offense so effective?
Our strong line and our strong running back (Dallan Hayden). We had a great running back. When he found a hole, he made something happen. With a strong running game like that you can sneak at tight end down the field. We had a great offensive line that got a lot of push. We were pounding and pounding. With our offensive, they’d give up. The fourth quarter is where we would make our stand.
What offensive set were you guys running?
We ran many different ones. We did a lot of 11- and 21-personnel. It was different each week. We did flex personnel, three receivers and a fullback or regular with a tight end, two receivers, and a running back. Sometimes we’d go spread.
Your offensive coordinator was moving you around lining you up outside, in the backfield, and on the line. Within the scheme what all were you doing from one game to the next?
It did change from each game. In some games I was playing more of a fullback and some we’d spread it out more. It depended on their defense and what gave us the best chance to win. I didn’t mind moving around, it was fun. I liked it. Whatever gives us the best shot at winning, I will do.
As a blocker, you were getting after it both in space and down in the trenches. How did that part of your game improve in 2020?
It all started during the summer. One of my coaches took me in over the summer. I worked in the weight room lifting five days a week without really a day off. That paid off a lot this season. I took a big jump from my sophomore to junior year. I took it personally after my sophomore season when I did not play that much. I worked on my explosiveness, speed and hips. After all that work, those plays became easy for me. It became who wants it more, and I showed I wanted it more. I was playing more aggressively, hitting fast, and hitting hard.
As a receiving threat, what do you feel are the strengths to your game?
I catch the ball very well. For my size, my speed is deceptive. When defenders line up against me, they are not thinking I am that fast. Also, I can use my body; that is a great thing.
What role did you take on in 2020 on defense?
On defense, I started some games, but mainly I was an offensive player. I went out there willingly to play defense, and I will play more defense this year. We had a senior linebacker this season, I was playing behind him.
You mentioned you will play more in 2021, what all will you be doing on defense during your senior year?
This season, we lost a lot of seniors, I will move around a lot from middle to outside linebacker and even playing some standup defensive end.
What have you been working on this offseason?
This offseason I picked up track to help my speed and to stay in shape while keeping my conditioning. I have been working on my agility, explosiveness, staying in the weight room, studying, and watching film a lot of film seeing what I can correct.
Are you playing 7v7 this spring?
Yes, this spring I am playing with Tennessee Select.
With the tournaments, where all have you played?
We’ve played in two tournaments, one in Elizabeth Town, Kentucky, and one in Chattanooga. We had two cancelled due to weather. This weekend we are going to Nashville for a tournament.
Playing against other top national talents, how are you seeing your skills compare?
I see that I am as good as anyone else. When I step on the field, there are no rankings. It is the ball and us. It comes down to who wants it more. I look at it as another day in the office. I have been doing great things matching up well in our tournaments.
Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Memphis, Mercer, Chattanooga, and I have been in contact with Navy. Coastal Carolina is talking to me a lot. Holy Cross, Dartmouth, Yale, Middle Tennessee, and Southern Illinois are showing interest too.
How many offers do you have?
I have seven.
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Air Force and Army.
Dailey’s Offer Sheet: Air Force, Army, Campbell, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Illinois State, and Pennsylvania
Are there any visits you may take this summer once the dead period lifts?
I am taking a visit to Air Force.
Bryce, thank you for your time today. Wishing you and your Tennessee Select teammates success this spring.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Dailey family; Bryce Dailey