Louisiana Football: Interview with C.E. Byrd 2021 All-Purpose Back William Berry
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
C.E. Byrd High School has a football tradition in Shreveport. Every season, the Yellow Jackets program send young men to college programs all over the region. One of the things, Byrd is most known for is their aggressive rushing attack which gives multiple weapons opportunities to thrash through opposing defenses. In this triple-option offense, Class of 2021 all-purpose William Berry will be one of these weapons who have a big season in 2020 after an explosive 2019.
This 5’10”, 170-pound, play-maker had 306 rushing yards, 214 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns on offense and then made several big plays as a kick returner on special teams. After the season, Berry was named honorable mention All-District.
Berry is drawing interest from several colleges in the region including Stephen F. Austin. Berry credits his knowledge of the game and speed as his greatest attributes which makes him one of the Yellow Jackets best offensive weapons going into the 2020 season.
Berry not only works hard on the football field but also in the classroom where he has a 4.0 GPA and received a 29 composite score on his ACT.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with William to discuss his career at C.E. Byrd and his recruiting process.
Interview
William, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“Unfortunately, this season I felt like we definitely under-performed as a team. But this year we’ve got a chip on our shoulder and will certainly not let that happen again.”
How would you grade your individual performance in your junior season and why?
“I’d give myself a B, because I was pretty proud of how I did this year but there is always something to improve on.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths on the football field are definitely my speed and knowledge of the game.”
What was your most memorable moment? “
“My most memorable moment is when I caught a 32-yard pass that we made up in the huddle on 4th and 28 with like 15 seconds left in a game where we were down two.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“Honorable mention All-District.”
Are there any schools showing you interest?
“Stephen F. Austin and others.”
Have you attended any college camps yet?
“Not yet, but hopefully that changes this year.”
What do you like the most about playing your position?
“I like the fact that in our offense there are so many different ways that the ball can be distributed and it sets us up for success when we do get the ball.”
What are you working on the most this offseason?
“I’m working on my ability to really understand defenses and just getting stronger and faster overall.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“My fastest time is 4.52.”
Is there a current player that you try to model your game after?
“I try to model my game after a player named Trent Taylor, who is currently on the 49ers’ roster. But the time he spent with Louisiana Tech is what I really look at.”
Who is your favorite football team?
“The Los Angeles Chargers and then in college it is definitely LSU.”
What is your GPA?
“My GPA is 4.0.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“My favorite subject is math because it’s just always been what I’m best at.”
What is your ACT score?
“29 composite.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career and why?
“Coach Wilkerson, who’s no longer a coach at our school but has definitely helped develop me and my knowledge. He helped me really love the game.”
What do you like the most about playing at C.E. Byrd?
“I like the atmosphere that we have around and the fact that I think everyone has bought into the program. Everyone is working extremely hard to not have a repeat of the previous year.”
Do you have a favorite quote?
“My favorite quote is, “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe then you’ll be successful” – Eric Thomas.”
Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter; C.E. Byrd All-Purpose Back William Berry