SC DL Byers talks recruiting

Rock Hill, SC.- South Carolina has a very solid 2011 recruiting class. They have talent on both sides of the ball and it it’s headlined by the number one prospect in the country. But after Clowney there are so many other prospects that college coaches are after. Northwestern star Roderick Byers is another one of those top prospects. The 6’3″ 260 pound defensive line prospect has only a handful of offers but is hearing from several other top programs. Here is the latest with his recruitment.

“I have 6 total offers now. Maryland, Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Wake Forest, Oregon, and Texas Tech. Clemson told me they would offer when I get down there. Florida State, Virginia Tech, Georgia, North Carolina, UCLA, Tennessee, and Michigan are schools that I can remember I’m hearing from. Some of the schools think I’ll grow into a tackle, some think I’ll stay at end. Most of the schools said even if I grow they would still want me. South Carolina and Georgia Tech, and Texas Tech are recruiting me hard but the others aren’t far behind.”

Last year the defense played more assignment defense, this year they will open things up to allow Roderick to use his speed.

“I’m pretty good with my hands and I’m fundamentally sound. I can play the run or get the sack, I’m coachable. I’m working on my endurance this year. I can honestly say I didn’t give 100 percent on every snap. We played 70-80 snaps due to our offense. I probably gave 100 percent on like 20 plays. Instead of saving it for the fourth quarter, I’m working hard this summer getting in shape so I can play hard all game.”

He spoke about schools that stand out early right now and who he may wish to hear more from during the process.

“South Carolina and Georgia Tech are standing out, but the others aren’t too far behind them. The process will change, those are just early standouts, I’m not eliminating anyone. I want to hear more from Georgia, heard a little, but I’d like to hear more. Alabama too. Virginia Tech I haven’t heard much from in a while either.”

Oregon extended an offer across the country to Roderick a while ago. He spoke about that interest and interest in other schools as well.

“Well any chance to play college football is a blessing. It’s a good school, but a little far away. That’s my least concern though, I think I’ll take an official visit there but I’m not certain yet. I would like to hear more from Tennessee as well. I’ve always liked Tennessee and I love the SEC conference. If I got an offer from them they would probably make my top 5. Alabama of course won a national championship, they are coached hard and I like that. I’m coached hard now and I want to be pushed. FSU, back in the 90’s when I started liking football they were dominant, so I’ve always liked them too. There’s just something about them and I’m excited to see the new direction. They looked at me at school and asked me to camp so I will probably do that.”

He mentioned that a decision is not near on his college choice. Roderick mentioned it could come as early as his first senior game but not likely before that. He continued by adding he will seek advice from his family with regards to his decision.

ESPN Scouts Inc Evaluation:

Byers on film comes across as a good looking kid physically. He has good size and appears to have a nice wingspan for his build. The thing that really jumps out to you about him is that reach and his ability to use it well. He displays the ability to fairly consistently shoot his hands and be able to create and maintain separation. He displays good upper body and hand strength to be able to keep that separation and shed. He plays with solid pad level and that combined with the use of his hands makes him tough at the point of attack. He has a solid get-off and will show flashes. He is a solid tackler who can reel in ball carriers with his reach. He has a good motor and displays solid speed in pursuit. Really not an end that is made for running down plays. With his size and reach he is best at action his way and more suited as a strong-side end. As a pass rusher he can get some push and will try and attack the outside shoulder and run around blockers. When he gets his hands up can be a tough obstacle to throw over. He needs to develop his pass rush arsenal and use his weapons more efficiently when rushing the quarterback as he is not a guy that will be able to just run by blockers. Byers is a good sized kid who is able to use his strengths well and should be a tough college defender.