Interview: 2018 California Defender Dylan Beridon has Shed Weight Making Move from Tackle to Defensive End
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Photo credits: Raymond Joyce Photography
Twitter: @RJPSports
Few defensive ends leave the high school ranks for the college level ready to take on big offensive linemen in the run game. Most ends are quicker than their high school counterparts creating a mismatch on run and pass plays based on speed to the point of attack but never develop the skillset of setting the edge or shedding blocks controlling the line of scrimmage on their side. Dylan Beridon is the exception. Beridon played tackle, nose guard, and some end last season for Rancho Cucamonga but has transformed himself into a next level defensive end/outside linebacker ahead of his senior season.
At any level, guys on the interior line are oft over looked by fans in the stands and on TV. Different schemes call for defensive linemen to do different things rarely filling up a stat sheet allowing linebackers to get the glory. Beridon is a different breed. Playing at 6-3, in the 275-pound range, he took on opposing California Division-I level talent racking up 67 tackles, at least six tackles for a loss, three sacks, and forced three fumbles during his junior season. Rancho Cucamonga was loaded last year at the skill positions, on both sides of the ball, yet Beridon stood out helping his Cougars’ squad to a 12-1 season with an end of the season No. 26 national ranking by MaxPreps.
Watching reel on Beridon, one thing shows up quickly, his use of his hands. He holds the line, rarely giving an inch in the trenches, even on double-teams, keeping his leverage with his pad level below his counterparts. The motor never quits tracking down plays to either sideline going full tilt until the whistle blows. His quickness off the ball and to the ball carrier is aided by brushing off linemen with his overall strength. A workout warrior in the gym has translated to a 335 bench, 275 clean, and 585 squat.
College coaches are starting to come around on Beridon, thanks to the Cougars’ winning ways and taking advantage of the college camp circuit. College scouts eager to find a versatile end that can rush the passer and play the run, will have to take a second and third look at Beridon. He has already showed he can hold his own in the interior at 275 and will turn heads during his senior season at 235 pounds coming off the edge like a cannon ball.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Beridon after an eventful spring that included 7v7 action and a busy summer attending various college camps getting the inside scoop on his new full-time position ahead of the 2017 season.
Interview
Dylan, during your junior season you got the full varsity experience getting a year’s worth of time on the field and against some great competition. How did your game grow from the beginning of the season to the end?
“At the beginning it was nerve racking at the varsity level. The competition kept getting better and better. I grew on and off the field becoming as dominate as I am right now because I had to keep stepping up my game.”
You lined up all over the defensive line from end, tackle, and nose guard. Of the three spots, which do you like best?
“The spot I prefer, because of my speed, is end. On passing downs I am quicker than guards and centers, so that was fun going against them as a tackle or nose guard.”
Who was the toughest lineman and/or running back you went against last season?
“That’s kind of tough. The toughest lineman I went up against was Justin Dedich (2018 USC 4-star OL commit – Chaparral HS). He was the nastiest guy. I know him personally, I like him. He is a good guy. He was a fun person to go against. The best running back I went up against was in practice, going against Jaylon Redd (2017 Oregon 4-star RB signee).”
Now that you have this experience under your belt, what are you working on to prepare for your senior year?
“I am tuning up really. I’ve stayed humble and I keep working on everything. Strength, speed, hands, and hips, everything I can work on I am working on.”
The Cougars had a lot of Division-I talent on the team last year, especially at the skill positions. How does this year’s team look based on spring practices?
“We are young, but we are like the no-name defense. On offense, we only have our left tackle and quarterback coming back. But, I think we are looking good. We’ve had a lot of guys step up. We recently competed in the (Los Angeles) Rams 7v7 tournament and finished in top four.”
What will be the difference between the two squads in terms of strengths?
“The strength on this year’s team on defense, we have two starters coming back on the defensive line. On offense, we have quarterback Nick Acosta (2018) leading the team on offense. We have some very talented running backs stepping up in Sean Dollars (2019) and Justyn Alexander (2018). They have been fun to go up against in practice.”
Did any college programs come by Rancho Cucamonga to meet with you or watch you in practice this spring?
“Yes, sir. A lot of teams came by our school. I talked to USC, Wyoming, Cal, Columbia, and Cal Poly this spring.”
Did you play any 7v7 this spring?
“Yes.”
Which team?
“E.A.T.”
How did 7v7 help your game?
“It helped me dramatically. I lost a lot of weight this spring. I was up to 275, now I’m at 235. Dropping the weight has increased my speed. I’m a lot faster now than I was last year.”
Will you play any other positions this year other than on the defensive line?
“Yes, sir. I will be the starting tight end this year. Going both ways will be a lot of fun.”
How will the Rancho staff use you at tight end?
“I am a pass receiving threat at tight end. Our offensive coordinator loves putting me on corner routes. I can block and receive from the tight end position.”
If you ended up getting offered at tight end, would you take the offer or do you want to play end/outside linebacker at the next level?
“It depends on what falls in my lap. I love playing both. It would depend on the type of defense or offense that school runs.”
It is good to keep your options open.
“Yes, sir.”
Have you attended any camps this off-season?
“I have. My first camp was at Redlands with the Colorado staff. I went to the USC Rising Stars Camp on June 4 and I also went to a Redlands camp with Arizona and Dixie State.”
What have you picked up from camps attended that will help you during your senior year?
“I’ve talked to a lot of great staffs. At the USC camp, there were a lot of coaches there. The coaches helped me with my technique and my get off, and mentally preparing me for the next level.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered?
“There are a few, Columbia, Cal Poly, Cal, Montana, Wyoming, San Diego State, and Arizona are all showing interest.”
You recently picked up an offer from Dixie State, how did the staff offer you?
“I talked to Coach (Reilly) Murphy, he is their offensive coordinator and quarterback coach. He invited me to the camp. I went through the camp, got to one-on-ones and I beat everyone. I won all my reps. I made the Best of the Best portion at the end. I went against guards during that portion. After the Best of the Best, Coach Murphy and Coach (Keola) Loo (offensive line coach) offered me.”
What was that moment like for you getting your first offer?
“I was extremely happy. All that hard work paying off was a great feeling. I could not have done it with all the help Coach Byrd and Coach and Rod. I feel blessed.”
Have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits yet?
“I have, I went to San Diego State’s spring game; my dad went to school there. I love it there. And I’ve been on visits to Fresno State and USC.”
Do you have any unofficial visits or camps lined up before fall camp?
“No, sir. Unless I get an invite to a camp. I might go to UC Davis depending on timing and training.”
If all goes well during the 2017 football season, what will have happened for you and your teammates?
“If everything goes to plan, I think we can make a bigger impact in D-I this year. We do not have the big names from last year, but we have the talent. My goal is for us to go into the playoffs as one of the top ranked teams again and make a run for a championship.”
Dylan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
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