Interview: 2020 Heritage Christian ATH Tommy Sykes has Added Running Back to the Resume

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Seemingly no matter where the Heritage Christian coaches line up Class of 2020 athlete Tommy Sykes he is getting the job done. During his sophomore season he came up with 60 tackles, defended four passes, forced a fumble, and picked off a pass as a free safety helping the Warriors to an 8-2 record. His junior season is another showcase of athletic talents, but this time he has added skills on the offensive side where he has rushed for 244 yards of 27 totes with two scores. On defense, he has racked up 24 stops and a pick in stats posted through five games.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Sykes to go over the Warriors (Northridge, CA) 8-0 start and to find out how the extra time on the field at running back is going for him.

*Click link for June 8, 2018, RNG UCLA camp interview with Tommy Sykes

Interview

Tommy, the Warriors have been putting it on the competition this season. What are you guys doing so well on both sides of the ball to dominate the competition the way that you have?

“On defense, we’ve been shutting down offenses, they cannot move the ball on us. On offense, we’ve been on and off but for the most part we pound it on the other team.”

You just took down Village Christian on Saturday (30-14), how did the game go for you?

“It was a good game for me. I think I could have done better. I was a captain for that game. I had a good defensive game against Village Christian.”

You guys face Whittier Christian this Saturday, what are you expecting from them?

“Not a tough game at all.”

The defense has been tough as nails only allowing 79 total points in the seven wins, what is the secret to the squad on that side of the ball?

“We’ve been doing what we are told. We’ve been locking down the top players on the other team. We don’t let them run the ball on us. We do a good job of breaking up passes and we work hard in practice to know what the other team is doing in the games.”

You are adding a new skill to your resume this year playing running back, how is that going for you?

“It has been good for me. I am getting a lot of yards each time I run the ball.”

How is your game coming along as a tailback?

“I am reading my blocks well, running hard, and I am trying my hardest to avoid the tackle.”

With recruiting, where is the interest coming in from right now?

“I am receiving interest from Redlands.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“Yes. I went to San Diego State.”

How did San Diego State go?

“It was a fun visit. I got to watch one of their games.”

How is school coming along this semester?

“I am doing well in school.”

Which class is your favorite this year?

“My favorite class… I am enjoying chemistry.”

What is one thing, a unique talent or skill, that most people do not know you have or can do?

(Laughs) “I can juggle.”

Tommy, great catching up with you today. Good luck on Friday and with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Fookie Flicks; No. 3 Tommy Skyes in action