Interview: 13-Offer 3-Star 2021 OLB/TE Brye Lighon Updates Recruiting and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Three-star 2021 talent Brye Lighon is a man for all occasions for Linfield Christian High School. The 6-4, 250-pound, athlete was a chain mover on offense playing tight end and the focal point on defense at end/outside linebacker helping the Lions get off the field. During the team’s 9-4 run against California squads, Lighon shinned on defense ending 65 plays, 31 solo, with 12 tackles for a loss, five sacks, nine quarterback hurries, picked up two fumbles, and got a sweet interception. Going the other way, he was key in the run game using his big body to create space for his running backs and receivers and was an athletic target hauling in 18 passes for 383 yards with four trips into the end zone. All the work put into his game has attracted 13 scholarship offers with interest accumulating.
In an RNG catch-up interview, the Temecula area product goes through a detailed Q&A talking about his play on both sides of the ball with an update on his recruitment.
Interview
Brye, you were a big part of Linfield’s success last season, and on both sides of the ball. How do you feel the 2019 season went for you overall?
“It was a learning process. We had a lot of the seniors the year before, we were following in their lead. When they left, the pressure was on me because of the player that I am. That was a learning process for me.”
What did you learn about leadership last season?
“How to maintain, bond, and build a brotherhood. I learned how to be more accountable and how to take the pressure when the pressure is thrown on you.”
That can be hard to deal with and handle, and that will surely prepare you for later in life. Back to football; what was working for you on defense allowing for the big production?
“My coaches were moving me around allowing me to be versatile. Being able to play more than one position, I was giving the offense different looks. When I move around, I mess up their game plan and I am going up against a different body each play.”
When the season had finished, what did you feel were your overall strengths in that role as an outside linebacker/end?
“My strengths are my size, aggressiveness, and it is hard to move a 6-4, 245-pound, body. Coming off the edge on the outside, my hands, my moves, my technique, and knowing where to go.”
On offense, you were key in the pass and run game showing your versatility there as well. How were the Lions’ coaches utilizing your skills on offense?
“They utilized me in different ways knowing I can catch and block. They love putting me in different spots and positions on the field. They looked at the playbook and put me everywhere.”
How did that part of your game improve last season?
“Most definitely with my body control, pad level – I worked on that with my blocking, catching, knowing the down and distance, and what everyone else is doing, and trusting that others are doing what they are supposed to do.”
What have you been working on this spring?
“This spring I have been working on my hip flexibility, body control, speed, technique, and footwork.”
Once the 2020 season kicks off, what roles are you taking on for the team?
“The same roles on defense, outside and inside linebacker, end and interior defensive lineman, and on offense I will be at tight end, flexed out in the slot, in the wing, and at wide out.”
To get ready for all that you will be doing, what has been your daily workout routine this spring?
“A lot of cardio and conditioning and body control exercises. I am making sure I do not fall off from where I was weight wise.”
If the college camp season happens, which camps might you attend?
“An Azusa Pacific camp, there are a lot of coaches there last year I learned from, and I am looking into some Pac-12 camps being held at Redlands like Arizona State, Washington, and Oregon State.”
Pushing into recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
“Cal, Nevada, Washington, UCLA, and USC.”
How high is that offer total now?
“At 13.”
Lighon’s Offer Sheet: Holy Cross, Kansas, Lake Erie College, Morgan State, New Mexico, Northwood University, Ohio, Oregon State, San Diego State, Southern Utah, UNLV, and Utah
Going back to the 2019 season up until the dead period began, did you take any visits?
“I took an unofficial to UCLA in February and before the 2019 season began I went to a spring game at UCLA.”
Overall, how did the UCLA visits go?
“They were learning processes for me. It showed me more about the program. The coaches taught me how to deal with the recruiting process and what to look for in a school. The visits were great.”
Do you have any planned visits ahead, official or unofficial?
“I Plan to take my officials in December and January, but I am not sure where yet.”
Do you play any other varsity sports?
“Track and field, and I am getting into basketball my senior year.”
Which events in track are you competing in, were you going to compete in this year?
“Shot put and discuss.”
Brye, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your workouts this spring and summer until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Lighon family; Brye Lighon at UCLA