Interview: 3-Star 2021 St. Augustine RB Byron Cardwell is the True Mix of Speed and Power

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

One of the joys of covering recruiting is seeing all the talent a player has in the current state and knowing where it can go with continued hard work. While Class of 2021 running back Byron Cardwell is already considered a three-star talent, his potential seems unlimited. He had a breakthrough sophomore season carrying the rock 221 times for 1,096 yards with 13 scores and pulled down 19 passes for another 405 yards posting two more touchdowns on the board for St. Augustine High School in 2018. With a mix of power, at 6-foot, 200-pounds, and speed (4.48), seven college programs have already dropped offers hoping he will be a difference maker on their team for years to come.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of California’s top tailback recruits in the 2021 class for an in-depth talk covering his play on the field and offseason workouts.

Interview

Byron, I bet you have never heard this one before… you are fast.

“Thank you.”

How fast are you?

“My 40 was a 4.48 at school.”

Was that at St. Augustine?

“Yes. We have a laser timed set up at school.”

Wow. I knew you were fast but that is tremendous. The Saints offense was geared around you during the 2018 season, what were some of the many ways the coaches were getting the ball to you so you could make plays?

“I would usually get the ball off hand-offs attacking the defense. If the defense adjusted, we would run screen plays and swing routes.”

Your speed is one thing, but your field vision and patience allowing plays to develop is another. What are some of the other aspects of your game that make you so dangerous out of the backfield?

“I would say my strength, not giving up on plays, and my willingness to do it for an entire game.”

What have you been focused on this offseason to take your game to yet another level?

“I have been focusing on my footwork, being able to breakdown defenders in open field and setting up where I want to run.”

Did you showcase the skills at camps this offseason?

“Yes. I went to the USC Elite camp, but watched, and I competed at The Opening Regional in LA.”

Tell me about your performance at The Opening.

“The opening went well. It was a good experience. It opened my eyes. It showed me that I have to put in a lot of work to compete at the next level.”

How many offers do you have now after the big sophomore season?

“I have seven offers.”

Cardwell’s Offer Sheet: Nebraska, San Diego State, San Jose State, UCLA, USC, Utah, and Washington State

Are any schools showing interest?

“The only one I know of is Washington.”

You mentioned running track, what other sports do you compete in at St. Augustine?

“I run track, and next year I will be playing rugby.”

Which events in track?

“The 100, 200, 400, 4×1, and 4×4.”

What is your best time in an individual event?

“I did not run this year, but last year, my freshman year, I ran a 11.2 in the 100, 23.56 in 200, and a 55.96 in 400. Our team ran a 41.9 in the 4×1.”

Back to football. When spring ended for the Saints, how was the team looking?

“We looked solid. We have grown a lot from last year. We have developed our talents and we have bought into the system.”

What goals have you set for the 2019 season?

“My goals are to pick up where I finished off last season. I want 2,000 yards with 20 touchdowns this year.”

Byron, I can’t wait to see how the season turns out for you. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Cardwell family; Byron Cardwell