Louisiana Football: One to Watch Interview with C.E. Byrd 2022 QB Logan Pons
By Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Logan Pons is heading into his junior season at C.E. Byrd High School in Shreveport and his first season as starting quarterback. In limited backup action in 2019, Pons threw for 133 yards, ran for 47 and had three total touchdowns. Pons and the rest of his teammates are working hard to improve on their 4-7 record from 2019 and have set a goal to bring this program their first state championship since 1949.
This 5’11”, 175-pound, field general has tremendous composure under pressure to run the Yellow Jackets triple-option offense on the gridiron. Pons also possesses tremendous toughness, footwork, athleticism and football IQ. Not only does Pons set a good example by working hard in practice and on the football field but also in the classroom where he holds a 4.3 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with the new starting quarterback at Byrd to talk about his sophomore season and his preparations for his junior year.
Interview
Logan, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“We lost our first four games, but as the season went on, we started playing more as a team and became an overall better crew.”
Will 2020 be your first year as starting quarterback?
“Yes. I did get some playing time last year but I’m ready to lead my team to state.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“I would definitely say my composure is my greatest strength just because playing quarterback can be a difficult job. But I believe I keep myself calm and collected throughout games.”
What is your practice and workout schedule during the offseason?
“I go to a personal trainer for weight lifting at least three times a week and with summer workouts starting up again I will be going to a session twice a day, three times a week.”
What are you working on the most to improve your game?
“Byrd is a run-dominant team so what I’m working on most to improve on is my size and speed. Being a Byrd quarterback, you need to be fast and able to take hits.”
What are some areas of your game that you’ve seen the most improvement in since the start of last season?
“My speed is definitely something I have seen improvement on. Since last year, I’ve shaved down a couple of tenths of a second on my 40-yard dash.”
What kind of offense does Byrd run?
“Byrd is predominantly a triple-option team, but we are not afraid to pull up and throw the football.”
What types of things in the Byrd offense do you feel the most comfortable with?
“Luckily, my middle school football team was also mainly a triple-option team so I’ve been reading several defenses out of the triple-option ever since sixth grade.”
Would you consider yourself a dual-threat or pro style quarterback?
“I would definitely label myself as a dual-threat quarterback. We are a run-heavy offense that includes the quarterback. We like being able to catch the defense on their toes, whether it being a play-action or drop back pass.”
Are there any schools showing you interest at this time?
“I was invited to a couple of showcases and camps this summer.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“4.7.”
Is there a current NFL quarterback that you try to model your game after?
“Lamar Jackson, just because of his speed and quickness and ability to make plays.”
Do you play any other sports in high school?
“No, but I did play baseball and basketball my freshman year but I felt I needed to focus on football since that is where my passion is.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“Math, because it just comes easy to me.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career and why?
“Coach Suggs taught me a lot about the sport and doing the little things right. Coach Josh is another person that has greatly impacted my football career just for how much he’s pushed me in the offseason and on the football field. Lastly, my older brother was someone I looked up to in football when I was younger and he’s the guy that introduced me to the sport.”
What do you like most about playing at Byrd High School?
“The atmosphere and the overall unity of the team; they’re my family. I’ve been with most of these guys since middle school, so I know they have my back through anything.”
What is your GPA?
“4.3.”
What are your goals for your junior season?
“Being the first team since 1949 to bring home a state championship.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.””
Photo credit: Logan Pons; Byrd QB Logan Pons