Interview: 2021 Louisiana OLB Wyatt Coffey is Getting It Done in the Classroom and on the Field
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the lights turned on during the 2019 season in Louisiana, Wyatt Coffey was an amazing version of “Captain Chaos” against opposing 3A offenses. The 5-10, 197-pound, defender went to town playing a flex/rover position tallying 81 stops with 14 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, four fumbles caused, and one recovered pigskin. Coffey’s versatility within Archbishop Hanna’s defense playing against the run, rushing the edge, and dropping back into coverage will further expand during the 2020 season, and with an added role on the Hawks’ offense as a running back/slot. The display of athletic talents, and off the charts power coming from the weight room, have been coupled with dedicated work in the classroom leading to four offers extended to the true student-athlete thus far.
In an RNG first-look, Coffey goes into detail on his junior campaign with an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Wyatt, on Friday nights you were a terror at linebacker against 3A Louisiana teams last season. What was working for you allowing for the highly productive season?
“I played the flex position last year; I rushed off the edge and dropped into coverage. Them not knowing what was coming from me helped a lot. I was either putting pressure on the quarterback or dropping. My coach’s goal for me was to float around and make my presence known.”
That you did. Looks like the Hawks were mixing up the fronts depending on the team played. What were the various fronts and were all did you line up?
“We ran a 4-2 most of the time and we were also in a 3-3 front. We started out in a 3-3 to confuse the quarterback. I would rush off the edge, run rush, or pass drop. Those were some of the things we did last year to deceive the quarterback and catch him on his toes.”
Which areas of your game showed the biggest improvements on defense a year ago?
“My quickness to figure out the play improved a lot, and is still improving. My football IQ and play recognition has helped me a lot. Being there before most people, I feel I do a good job at that.”
Entering the offseason, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game on that side of the ball?
“I was just honored as having the strongest clean in Louisiana and my 40-yard time is a 4.53. My speed and strength help a bunch, and I am hard hitting.”
When the 2020 season gets going, where all will we see you on the field?
“This season I am playing a hybrid back, a running back/slot mix. I am still playing flex but from the middle of the field. We are changing it up a little bit.”
This offseason, what have you been doing to prepare for your role at running back?
“Most of my work has been with our offense. I am getting the plays down. We have a fast-paced offense, I will rotate in a lot. I am very excited about that.”
You’ve shared some fantastic numbers out of the weight room on Twitter and Hudl, and a couple of minutes ago. Going deeper on this subject, what are your maxes?
“My clean is 335, 565 on back squat, 475 on front squat, 10-foot broad jump, 38.5 inch vertical, and my bench is 270.”
Impressive.
“Thank you.”
Throughout the offseason, what has been your workout routine to expand upon your size and strength?
“Speed mostly. I have always been strong but I have worked on speed a lot this offseason. I am getting faster and working on my quick twitch muscles.”
Among the information shared was a 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash, where did you post that time?
“I ran that on a track with my dad. My official time is a 4.57.”
Let’s dive into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Dartmouth, a lot of the Ivy Leagues, Harvard, Columbia, Cornell, Davidson in North Carolina and Furman.”
How many offers do you have now?
“Four D-III offers; Louisiana College, Concordia, Wabash, and Trine in Indiana.”
Have you had a chance to take any visits yet?
“No. I was all set up for visits over spring break, but the virus hit before that.”
Which schools were you to visit before the campuses were shut down?
“Davidson, Samford – really interested in them too, Furman, UAB, and Wofford.”
Whenever the campuses open back up, do you have any planned trips?
“I definitely want to visit Samford, Davidson, Furman, Wofford, and Tulane too. It all depends on what happens.”
Going into the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?
“My GPA is a 3.8 with a 3.9 core.”
Did you get to take the ACT and/or SAT before the virus hit?
“Yes. I got a 29 composite and a 31 super score on the ACT.”
Fantastic. Last question for you. What goals have you set for the 2020 season?
“For the season, my goals have been to make a bigger statement on defense; I want over 100 tackles. On offense, I want to score a bunch of touchdowns. The goal for the season is to show I can play anywhere. I don’t care where I play, I just love the game. I want to get a D-I scholarship; it doesn’t matter where as long as I feel that I fit there. I am just looking for a home.”
Wyatt, it was great covering ground with you today. Wishing you and the Hawks success the rest of the summer preparing for the 2020 season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Dobbins Sports Photography/Coffey family; Wyatt Coffey