Interview: 2021 DE ZyMere Reddick has Timeshare in North Carolina 4A Backfields
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Throughout the 2019 high school football season, Scotland High School defensive end/outside linebacker ZyMere Reddick was a forceful presence on the field that opposing 4A offenses had to scheme against. The 6-3, 200-pound, defender seemingly spent more time on the other side of the line of scrimmage in a timeshare agreement tallying 62 stops, 20 tackles for a loss, 16 sacks, while forcing three fumbles and taking one back for a score, and even picked off a pass. The North Carolina product impressed earning Sandhills All-Conference honors which has in turn brought college football recruiting interest his way.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Reddick to find out how he makes coming off the edge look so easy with an update on his ongoing recruiting process.
Interview
ZyMere, your junior season was spent in the opposition’s backfield eating quarterback snacks. What was working so well for you allowing for the big season off the edge?
“Coming off my 10th grade year, I had more confidence. That was the biggest thing for me. I was realizing I can do this at this level and the next; that gave me the drive.”
Within the Fighting Scots four-man front, what were your responsibilities as an end?
“Most of the time it was to keep outside containment and to push running plays inside. On pass plays, I was to get to the QB. On some plays they were so worried about me, I set up my linebacker to get the QB.”
Did your DC have you guys playing gap assignments with more of a read and react?
“Yes. We played gaps and we mixed between read and react with lots of blitzes.”
Besides a speed rush, what were some of the moves you were using to get into the backfield?
“I use a lot of in-and out, go hard outside and then back in. I am good with my hands, I am quick, and I can get their hands off me. I’m good at bull rushing too. That catches the offensive tackle off-guard too because they think I am just a speed rush end. I am a film junkie; I watch a lot of film to learn that teams tendencies.”
After going up against all different levels of talented offensive linemen, how did your overall game improve last season?
“I improved the most with my strength. I have always had the speed, but I was using more power this year. Overall, that was my second year in the defense. After another year in the defense, I figured out how to maximize my position to make more plays. My run defense improved last year. I had 20-something tackles for a loss. Being a film person, I know the plays when they will run based on their formation; that gives me a head start.”
Will you take on any new positions during your senior year?
“Yes. I am playing some tight end this season – a wide receiver type of end. On defense, I will be standing up more this year.”
What are you working on with your game this spring?
“I’m working on getting stronger, gaining weight, having better balance with speed and strength. I am working on my footwork and trying to perfect my craft.”
Are you competing at any camps coming up?
“I have been invited to a Rivals and Shrine Bowl Camp. I was also invited to the Blue and Grey All-American Combine.”
Taking a turn to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Coastal Carolina, App State, North Carolina, Wake Forest, UNC-Charlotte, Elan, and Kentucky – they invited me to a camp as well.”
Have you visited any schools since the start of the 2019 season?
“Last year I went to App State for a game, N.C. State for their game against ECU, and to Western Carolina for a game. I have also been to one of Carolina’s Junior Days. I am going to UNC-Charlotte’s Junior Day coming up, one of Carolina’s spring practices and probably their spring game too.”
Nice. Are you competing in any other sports for Scotland this year?
“I am running track.”
Which events?
“The 400, 4×4, 200, and high jump.”
ZyMere, you’re a busy man. Thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Reddick family; ZyMere Reddick
Photo credit: Scotland HS/Reddick family; ZyMere Reddick pre-snap
Very happy to see Zymere Reddick get some well earned media attention. His first step is dynamic and he has a true nose for the football, a true playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. Thank you Ryan Wright for showing love.
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