3-Star 2020 DL Tre’vonn Rybka Talks Recruiting Ahead of Kentucky and Tennessee Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

During a tough season for Dickson County High School, Class of 2020 defender Tre’vonn Rybka helped make it a memorable year. The 6-4, 280-pound, defensive end earned three-star recruiting status after compiling 56 stops, 13 tackles for a loss, and five sacks taking on 6A Tennessee players with teams routinely running the opposite direction. Off the field, college scouts are seeing Rybka with all positives and with his dominating presence, be it as an end or tackle. To date, 17 offers have been dropped by Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, LSU, Memphis, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia with interesting still growing.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Tennessee’s top defenders for an in-depth look at his play on the field and busy recruiting process ahead of unofficial visits to Kentucky and Tennessee.

Interview

Tre’vonn, you did a great job of ruining the best of plays against Tennessee 6A competition last season. What were the things you feel you were doing well allowing you to effect games the way that you did?

“I was shooting off the ball and getting into the backfield using my speed. I was causing havoc last season.”

Most high school offensive tackles do not see ends your size, that had to be intimidating for them. How did you see opposing linemen try to block you or slow you down?

“Some of them, I knew ahead of time I would have a good game against them. If they were good, I would have to turn it up a bit. How they tried to block me, usually I was seeing a double-team, a down block and a kick guy, or they ran the ball away. If the play was coming towards me, I was double-teamed and they were trying to kick me out.”

Which areas of your game do feel were most improved during your junior season?

“I worked on my fundamentals more than athletic ability, my IQ went up. That was really improved.”

You lined up at end in 2018, where all might we see you on the field in 2019?

“Some colleges want me at defensive tackle and some want me at end. I might play some tackle to get a feel for it. In our defensive scheme, I play to the strongside. If they start running from me, I might slide over at tackle. For now, I am primarily playing end next season.”

What are you working on this offseason with your game?

“I am using my IQ to make plays. I am working on my get off and using my eyes on reads instead of looking into the backfield. I am working technique not just my athleticism.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?

“Yes, sir. I maxed out at 315 on bench and 315 on power clean.”

Nice. Have you attended any camps or are there any camps you may attend upcoming?

“I am going to the Nashville Nike Opening Regional in May.”

I know you are a hit on the recruiting trail. How many offers do you have now?

“I have 17 offers.”

Which were the last couple of schools to offer you?

“The last couple to offer were Arkansas, LSU, Mississippi State, North Carolina, and Alabama.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“I am receiving interest from Georgia, but I haven’t talked with them too much lately, some texts, Notre Dame a little bit, and Louisville – I have talked to them a lot.”

Have you taken any recent unofficial visits?

“Yes, sir. I have visited Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Memphis.”

How did the Kentucky visit go?

“It was great. I really liked it there. There were great people at Kentucky, a lot of great people. Most of the staff on defense are defensive line guys. If I go there, I know I will get a lot of help there.”

And Tennessee, how did that visit go?

“It was nice. A lot of great people up there as well.”

What about the Alabama visit, how did that go?

“They probably have one of the best facilities and coaching staffs in the nation there are. Coach (Nick) Saban (head coach), that was great talking to him. I couldn’t believe I was talking to him. It was hard to realize I was speaking with him in-person. The visit, it was great. They have a beautiful campus. Tuscaloosa is a big football town. They have a great atmosphere there.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I think I am going to Kentucky on Friday for their spring game and then on Saturday I am going to Tennessee for their spring game.”

When you talk to college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your abilities on the field?

“They like my overall game and my speed. They are surprised at how fast I am for my size. They like my motor and how I will chase guys down. They like that I will go 30 yards downfield to make a tackle.”

Are you competing in any other varsity sports for Dickson County?

“I run track.”

Which events?

“The 100 meters, 4×1, shot and discus.”

What do you do away from working out and football for fun?

“I usually hang out with my friends or play some PlayStation. Besides that, I am just enjoying life.”

Tre’vonn, it was great going in-depth with you today on your game and recruiting process. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Rybka family; Tre’vonn Rybka

Photo credit: dicksonpost.com; No. 9 Tre’vonn Rybka