Interview: 3-Star 2021 ATH Dyson McCutcheon is The Skill Player for All Occasions
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The Bishop Amat coaching staff is lucky to have a player like Dyson McCutcheon on the roster; heck, all coaching staffs across the country would love to have a guy like him on the field. McCutcheon is a wonder to watch as a true game-changing athlete in all three phases of the game. The 5-10, 165-pound, phenom earned first team All-League and All-CIF honors as a shutdown cornerback, but was also a yard producing machine out of the Lancers backfield in 2019 helping his squad to a 9-2 record. If that wasn’t enough, McCutcheon killed opposing California Division 1/2 teams as a return specialist with his blazing speed flipping the momentum of games with long returns and touchdowns scored.
College football programs have been equally impressed with McCutcheon’s play seeing 15 offers dropped into the lap of the three-star recruit. Given his prolific nature and rising recruiting status, McCutcheon and I had a lot to talk about in an RNG exclusive interview.
Interview
Dyson, you were the do-everything talent for the Lancers last season making an impact in all three phases. Where all did you lineup during the 2019 season?
“At cornerback, running back, and they mixed me in at receiver. I made a big impact on special teams as kick and punt returner.”
Of all the positions played, do you have a favorite?
“Cornerback, because I am the most comfortable there. I have the best knowledge at that position.”
Your open-field speed is amazing, as well is your burst in space on a cut. What is the fastest timed run you’ve posted?
“I have not run a true 40 yet. I’ve been training with my dad, but I am not sure how fast I am. I think I am pretty fast.”
Yeah you are. How many special teams touchdowns did you score last season?
“Two.”
I would have guessed 20. Other than finding a crease and turning on the jets, do you have a secret to your success as a return specialist?
“I feel like our scheme, our special teams coach puts people in the right position. It was our scheme and our blocking was great. They gave me open field to make a move, I used my speed a lot to outrun defenders.”
On offense, what were some of the ways the coaches were getting you the rock?
“Mostly on stretch-zone runs. They wanted me to read the hole and maybe bounce it outside. Out wide, I was getting the ball on screens and routes in the flats looking for open-field. Against Mater Dei, I had some fades because I was mismatched on their linebacker.”
How do you feel your overall game improved on offense last season?
“My field vision improved, but my confidence mostly. My confidence helped me run faster, hitting the hole and going. I was stronger this season than last; that helped with slipping off defenders and making people miss.”
What about on defense? How did your game grow on that side of the ball?
“I read the quarterback’s eyes better this year. I read down and distance and I watched more film to know what they were doing in certain situations.”
What all are you working on this offseason?
“This offseason I am working to improve on my breaks. Instead of just getting pass breakups, I want to get interceptions. I am working on my cuts on offense and gaining weight too. If I am going to play more offense, I need to have more weight on me to take more hits.”
Turning to recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
“Fifteen.”
McCutcheon’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Boise State, BYU, California, Colorado State, Duke, Fresno State, Notre Dame, Oregon State, San Jose State, Southern Miss, USC, Vanderbilt, Washington State, and Wisconsin
Who dropped the most recent offer?
“Boise State.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Washington, Oregon a little bit, Stanford is showing some, and Utah is showing a little bit as well.”
Have you started visiting programs yet?
“Yes. I went to USC at the end of the season for a Junior Day.”
Going forward, are you planning any other visits for this spring?
“We are planning on going to Notre Dame and Wisconsin. Definitely Cal as well.”
This offseason, are you competing at any national camps?
“I might go to a Rivals camp and to The Opening Regional.”
Are you competing in any other sports for Bishop Amat this year?
“Yes. I am running track.”
Which events?
“The 100, 200, 4×1, and I may do 4×4.”
Wow. You are a busy man. Dyson, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming visits and track season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Bishop Amat HS/ McCutcheon family; Dyson McCutcheon in action