Interview: 2-Star 2021 LB Isaiah Bobbitt-Byars Unloaded for 100-Tackle Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For the average football fan, the game may move fast at times. So fast that where the ball is on the field gets lost. For those fans in the California stands taking in a Cosumnes Oaks High School game, all they have to do is watch Class of 2021 linebacker Isaiah Bobbitt-Byars and they will find the ball.
Bobbitt-Byars was a pigskin magnet during his junior season chasing down Division-II ball carriers earning All-Delta League honors for his work. The season included 111 stops with 15 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, two passes batted away, and two forced fumbles. Interest has started to peculate for the two-star recruit with transcript request coming from across the country.
In an RNG first-look, Bobbitt-Byars sat down for a detail interview going deep on his skills in the box with an update on his recruiting interests.
Interview
Isaiah, you were a tackling machine last season with 111 stops. You read your keys well, what else was working allowing for the big year?
“I had worked a lot in the offseason on coming downhill and reading my keys – guard and tackles. That helps a lot. I was lifting a lot too, that helped me get the linemen’s hands off me.”
Looks like you guys were lining up in a 3-4 last season. Did the Wolfpack use any other fronts?
“Our base was a 3-3-5 and we switched out to a 3-4, those were our two main looks. Sometimes we went into a 5-2, a Bear front.”
What was your responsibilities last season as an inside linebacker?
“As an inside linebacker, playing in the 3-3 and 3-4, sometimes I was at outside linebacker, but inside linebacker wise my job was to read the guards, see outside or inside run, fill the gaps, and go make the play. The primary job was to fill the gaps and take on blocks. Against the pass, I had the middle every time dropping back seven yards.”
How did your game grow as a linebacker last year?
“Overall, my game improved a lot. My teammates helped me. I got stronger, faster, and I took more time to learn plays and game situations. I was reading my keys better, reacting faster, and I was more physical. I was focused on getting to the ball faster and I was doing that a lot better.”
Since the season ended what have you been working on with your game?
“Lifting, working on my quickness, working on my reactions, my explosiveness, and dropping back.”
Are you taking on any new challenges during your senior campaign?
“I am staying at linebacker. The challenges I will be taking on this season is with myself; how I prepare all season, lifting, and all the things I need to do to make sure I am better than the rest.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest after your big junior year?
“Schools that have been coming in asking for transcripts are Portland State, UC-Davis – I went up there for a visit, Nevada invited me to a Junior Day, and Eastern New Mexico asked for my transcripts. I’ve been in touch with Sac State, they asked for my transcripts too. Bucknell and Fordham are also showing interest.”
You mentioned visiting UC-Davis, what did you go up there for?
“I went there for a spring practice.”
Are there any planned visits ahead?
“If it opens up back in time, I plan to visit Nevada and Sac State.”
Camp season is coming up. Are there any college camps you are eyeing?
“We are still looking, but I do plan to attend camps at Fresno State, San Jose State, Sac State, Portland State, Nevada, and UC-Davis.”
Do you compete in any other sports at Cosumnes?
“I started track this, I was also doing shot and discus but they postponed the season.”
Isaiah, I appreciate your time today and wish you success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Bobbitt-Byars family; Isaiah Bobbitt-Byars at Cal and with Lance Briggs (Bears)