Interview: 3-Star 2021 Michigan RB/SS Anthony Tyus is One Not to Mess with on the Field

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the lights went on for Portage Northern High School during the 2019 season, opposing Michigan teams were feeling the pain brought to the field by Anthony Tyus III. The phenomenal Class of 2021 talent was a bruiser on offense at running back, a necessary bully on defense at strong safety, and a difference maker on special teams. All that talent for the 6-1, 210-pound, athlete has brought about three-star recruiting status and 11 offers on the table.

The Huskies laid it on teams last season posting a 10-3 record behind an offense lighting up the scoreboard for an average of 37 points per outing and a defense holding squads down to 16.5 per game. One of the big common dominators was Tyus. Full season stats have not been posted for Tyus’ play on defense, but his offensive stats have been released. The bruiser chomped up ground covering 1,861 yards off 199 carries with 19 trips into the end zone. The work was widely recognized earning first team All-State, first team All-Conference, first team All-State Detroit Free Press and Detroit News, and he was placed on the Detroit Free Press Dream Team.

In an RNG first visit to the Lab, Tyus sat down for an in-depth conversation covering his play on the field and growing recruiting options.

Interview

Anthony, you were a dog with the ball in your hands last season running over and past everyone. When the lights turn on for a game come Friday night, what motivates you to give it your all?

“My teammates – my brothers standing next to me. My competitiveness as well; I get that from my mom and dad. I go out there and give it may all. Having accountability motivates me; my teammates and coaches, they expect me to do my job. It is the love and bond of football.”

The Huskies used multiple sets to mix it up on the defense. What were some of the alignments you guys went out of in 2019?

“We did some Wing T, but we were more of a Spread. I got quicker and quicker. We had a lot of speed and athletes on our team. We had two great running backs; we had Tyler Amos (Saginaw). Our coaches wanted to have us both on the field at the same time.”

Coming out of the backfield, you were the “A-Train” handing out grass stains on the backside of defenders. Given the punishment you doled out and the high number of carries, how did you take care of your body week to week so you could give max effort in games?

“I became consistent with my stretching, did cryotherapy, and worked with my trainer constantly.”

How did your running game improve last season?

“My speed, burst, and hitting the hole quicker all improved. During my sophomore year, I was a one cut power back that moved the chains. I broke long ones this year and made people miss.”

The coaches also lined you up at receiver, how did that part of your game come around?

“Really well. Not only can I catch, but I can throw. I played QB in little league. My dad moved me to running back because I was too big to play QB. We had some Wildcat plays last year. My coach put me at receiver to catch them off guard. My QB made throw and I made the play. I want to be the play-maker for my team when needed. He threw it to me and I got the touchdown.”

We’ve talked about your play on offense, but you also took back kicks. What else did you do on the field last season?

“Kick return, but eventually they took me off kick return to preserve my body. They started monitoring my reps. I played some at punt returner and strong safety. They monitored my time and minutes to avoid injury.”

Going to your play on defense. What were the defensive formations for the Huskies last season?

“We did a lot; 4-3 and 4-4. It depended on our opponent, and our injuries. Our coach, he is great. He knows the team needs and how to adjust. I feel we had the best defense in the division. He does a great job adjusting and game planning each week.”

How did your play at strong safety go last season?

“It went really well. I feel like my sophomore year I did better with interceptions but the teams we played this year did not throw as much. Still, I had the third most tackles on the team. They moved me to the box against the run. I was comfortable there having played linebacker in the past. I was happy with the energy I brought to the team on defense. My coaches were happy with my play at strong safety. That was my first year playing strong safety. I knew the position; it fit me really well.”

Where all will we see you line up in 2020?

“During my senior year I will focus even more at running back. They will limit my time on defense. I may be a first and second down guy, or only a third down guy. The goal is preserving me for offense so we can score more. It all depends on what we need. We lost 21 seniors, we have a lot of young guys this year, but they are focusing me more at running back for right now.”

How are you preparing now for your senior year?

“Speed, speed, and quickness. My strength has always been there; I’ve been blessed. But I don’t want to be just big and strong. I want to accelerate quickly and outrun the defense. The mental game, my dad talks about it all the time. You have to win the mental battle during the game. By watching film on myself, I see the negatives and positives. I am looking back to see what I can do to give myself the best senior season possible.”

Colleges are responding to your play on the field with a load of offers. How many offers do you have?

“Thirteen.”

Tyus’ Offer Sheet: Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Indiana, Kent State, Michigan State, Northern Illinois, Toledo, and Western Michigan

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Minnesota, Penn State, Iowa State, Iowa, and Boston College.”

Over the last few months, did you take any visits?

“Yes. I went on a Junior Day to Michigan, Michigan State, and NIU.”

How did the Michigan visit go?

“It went really well. They are another team talking to me a lot. They want me down for another camp. With the virus, that will be hard to do for a while, but they love my film. I like Michigan a lot. The Big House is one of the biggest stadiums in the country. That was a great experience.”

And Michigan State, how did that visit go?

“That went pretty good too. I liked it a lot. I have not met the new staff yet but I plan to see them when pandemic settles down.”

A visit is planned for Michigan State, which other schools might you visit in the near future?

“Minnesota, Michigan, Penn State, Indiana, and Purdue.”

When your time comes to make a decision on the ideal fit for you, what will that school have to earn your commitment?

“A great culture with a head coach that is involved in the program, not laid back and calm but in it. My family, how they react on the visit. I want to start during my freshman year. The culture, the motivation to win, a great atmosphere, and being welcomed are all the things I am looking at before I commit.”

Anthony, it was great covering so much ground with you today. Thanks for your time and good luck with your offseason workouts until we talk again.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Tyus family; Anthony Tyus at Michigan State and Michigan