Interview with Terrific Two-Way 2019 California Athlete Kyle Bryant

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

One cannot blame the coaches at San Fernando High School for how they utilize star athlete Kyle Bryant, he produces and produces a lot. But, one also has to wonder, what if with him? There are a lot of terrific two-way talents at the high school level, and one might make the case that few are as valuable to their team as Bryant is to his, but the question still lingers – just how amazing would Bryant be if he showcased his talents at one position instead of at both running back and corner/safety.

When talking to Bryant, playing ironman football is old hat. He made the Tigers’ varsity team as freshman and played both sides even then. His role and responsibilities over the years have increased along the way paving a path to where we are today – in awe. In 2016, Bryant ripped through opposing defenses for 560 yards off 63 totes with six cores. Showing his every down abilities, he also pulled in eight passes for 76 yards with another trot into the end zone. When the ball was flipped, Bryant put an end to 77 plays, with 51 solo stops, while racking up four sacks and a pick.

Bryant (6-0, 180) helped the Tigers to a 10-1 record in 2016 but then aided in taking his team to new heights in 2017 – a championship title run. San Fernando raced through the season posting a 12-2 mark topping Dorsey High School 28-21 for the trophy. Along the way, Bryant took his game to another level covering 1,707 yards on the ground off 151 carries with 21 trips into the end zone. On defense, he notched 50 tackles, three forced fumbles and one interception. Now just imagine a completely fresh Bryant focused on either covering the field in the secondary or tearing through defenses out of the backfield.

All the hard work on the field during his junior season gave Bryant “championship winner” on the resume with a long list of postseason honors: first team All-City, first team All-League, second team All-Purpose CIF, and Valley Mission Player of the Year. The spring evaluation period is finally starting to bring colleges around with an interest list adding weight.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the more prolific and overlooked 2019 California talents accomplishing the mission to learn more about his game and offseason workouts.

Interview

Kyle, your junior season was impressive – no other way to say it. Ahead of the 2017 season, did you know you would be counted upon to do as much as you did on both sides of the ball?

“Yes. I have always played both sides of the ball since my freshman year on varsity. I got more into the offense my sophomore year and my junior year was a breakout year.”

Yes, it was. How did you prepare for your junior year?

“I played 7v7 for Ground Zero at cornerback, some at running back, but a lot of DB training. I ran track and was in the weight room all the time.”

Are you expected to play ironman football again during your senior year?

“Yes.”

Where all will we see you on the field in 2018?

“I will still be at running back but they are going to move me around on defense from corner to free safety. I will be switching off on those positions.”

Are you preparing for your senior year any differently this offseason?

“No. Not really. I am running track, but I’m not changing much.”

Which events are you running?

“The 400 and 4×4.”

On the field as a running back, what are the strengths of your game?

“My downhill running. I’m not a shifty guy. I like running downhill. All I see is the end zone.”

What do you do well on defense?

“My downhill tackling from the free safety position. I’ve had to learn quickly playing free safety on how to better read the linemen.”

Of all the positions played which is your favorite?

“My favorite is playing defense. I like to hit people at free safety. I like tackling.”

Have you attended any national camps or combines this offseason?

“I have attended the U.S. All-American Camp, the Nike Opening, and the SP Elite in Louisiana.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“I am receiving interest from Eastern Washington, UCLA, UNLV, Nevada, and Wyoming.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I am planning on visiting Eastern Washington.”

Are you planning on attending any college camps this summer?

“I will attend a UCLA camp in June and I am planning on attending a San Jose State camp.”

If a college coach reads this interview and wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete are they going to meet?

“I’m not verbal on the field but I get it done. I am a captain, but I am quiet. I am quiet in class and on the field but everyone knows who I am. I show it on the field and in the classroom.”

Kyle, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: fi360 News; No. 3 Kyle Bryant vs Dorsey

Photo credit: Los Angeles Daily News; touchdown Kyle Bryant