Interview: 4-Star 2022 Mississippi OT Bryson Hurst Talks Skills and Potential Recruiting Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Strength, mobility, long arms, and the desire to punish, just a few traits that help define the game of Mississippi four-star left tackle Bryson Hurst. Stretching the tape to 6-foot, 6-inches, while tipping the scales at svelte 300 pounds, Hurst is that developing cornerstone talent that has future collegiate All-Conference written all over him, and college coaches tracking him feel the same way. The Gautier High School attraction in the trenches has secured nine offers so far with more SEC, Big 12, and Pac-12 squads watching.

Stopping by the RNG Lab for an in-depth interview, Hurst goes into detail on his skills and recruiting process.

Interview

Bryson, there are a ton of fantastic high school football players in Mississippi, many of them lining up at defensive end. On any given night, what is a typical matchup like for you playing left tackle against 5A defenders?

At left tackle I am mostly seeing edge rushers. Rarely am I seeing inside guys. I am always going against the rush from the outside.

What offensive scheme were the Gators running during the 2020 season?

We run a pass first, run second, offense out of the Spread. We are always looking to pass with the great receivers we have on our team.

Your feet are quick, do you also play basketball?

I did. I had to stop because I was missing a lot of time in the weight room.

How has shuffling your feet in basketball guarding someone or boxing out helped you on the gridiron staying in front of ends and linebackers?

Absolutely it has helped.

Which areas of your game showed the most improvement during the season?

My kick speed did. When I first started playing tackle, towards the end of the 2019 season, my kick wasn’t good. But it is pretty fast now. Also, getting to the second level and my down blocking.

Another area of your game that shines is how you stay low instead of popping straight up. What are some of the other traits to your game that you feel are strengths?

I can move well to either side and getting low, like you said. If you get high, you will get bull rushed. You have to stay low.

In which game did you turn in your best all-around performance?

Had to be when we played the No. 1 team in the state Picayune.

What did you do well in that game to make it your best?

They had a defensive end, he would rush inside first, and we’d do run plays behind me. He was a quick guy.

Going into the weight room, what is your offseason focus?

Trying to lose fat and gain more muscle.

What are some of the workouts you are doing or will do to make it happen?

A lot of squats, bench, deadlifts, power cleans, ab workouts, sit ups, crunches, planks, and all that stuff.

Which areas of your game are you going to focus on this winter and spring?

I will work on the speed of my punch. Right now, I am punching fast, but not as fast as I want. Most NFL kick with hands shooting up. Hands from lower chest, pinky to bellybutton, hands to my hips and punch from there.

Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest after the season turned in?

Arkansas, Kentucky, Georgia, West Virginia, and Colorado.

How many offers have been given to you?

I have 10 offers.

Which program was the last to offer you?

UCF was the last. They offered in December.

Hurst’s Offer Sheet: Alabama-Birmingham, Auburn, Central Florida, Florida State, Mississippi State, Missouri, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, and Tennessee

When visits start up again, which programs would you like to go see?

I’d like to see Mississippi State for sure, Ole Miss, and Auburn. I want to see all of them that have offered.

Bryson, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you success this offseason preparing for the 2021 year.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Hurst family; Bryson Hurst