Interview: 4-Star 2022 Nevada OLB Cyrus Moss Updates Recruiting Process
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Versatility as a defender can only come with time and experience, and four-star Class of 2022 talent Cyrus Moss is already leaps and bounds ahead of his peers on the national stage. The Bishop Gorman (NV) standout came up through the ranks as a defensive back, knocking jokers around as a safety. But his now 6-5, 220-pound, frame suggests he is better suited as a linebacker. The Gaels used their versatile defender as an outside linebacker coming off the edge, fitting against the run, and dropped him back into coverage playing zone and picking up receivers. After his 48 tackles, 10.5 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, four quarterback hurries and two passes broken up, 16 college football programs have responded with scholarship offers.
In another RNG visit, Moss covers ground on his workouts this spring and recruiting process, including some of the visits missed out due to the extended NCAA dead period.
*Click link for previous RNG interview with Cyrus Moss
Interview
Cyrus, your versatility and athleticism allows for coaches to utilize your skills in numerous ways on defense. You’ve filled that safety/outside linebacker fit as needed. What role were you playing in the Gaels defense during the 2019 season?
“It was like a linebacker/defensive end playing on the ball and off the ball. I was going back into coverage, rushing the passer, and playing the run. Sometimes I lined up over their No. 2 receiver. Last season I played a lot of positions in that area.”
At the end of the season, what did you feel were your overall talents as a defender?
“I thought I was really good at watching film, knowing the type of scheme the offense was running, and using everything the coaches were teaching us at the end of the week. Also, working on the moves my coach gave me first of the week and applying that each week in the games.”
What style of defense will you guys run this upcoming season?
“We will run a similar style, maybe blitzing more, maybe some 4-3. The same but with some changes.”
After all that you did last season, where all will we see you on the field in 2020?
“It will be similar to last season, except for that 4-3. If we run that, they have me coming off the edge, but for the most part it will be the same stuff. This year we are fine tuning the defense, last year it was new to us.”
To improve upon your skills from the 2019 season, what have you been working on this offseason?
“This offseason I have been focusing on adding strength to my game. The focus is coming around the edge with speed while adding more strength to my rush so I can get in better spots. I have been working on my pass rush, being more versatile with my moves, and adding strength moves. I want to make myself overall better by using my hands.”
What has been your workout routine this spring?
“It has been tough. I have been doing different exercises, and I finally got my hands on some small weights. I have been going out to the park, keeping my distance, and doing what I can with the weights. For conditioning, I go a mile or two miles, do some sprints, footwork drills, and hand drills to stay sharp.”
Did you get a chance to lay down a new 40-yard dash time this offseason?
“No. The week I was going to do it, it all closed down. I was heading out to Texas for a camp out there. That Thursday or Friday everything was shut down; the camp was on Saturday.”
At school did you get to max out this winter?
“We did do one max out, we usually do more; I got 350 on squat, 275 on bench, and 225 on power clean.”
If the college camp season happens, are there any you may attend?
“Any camp I can go to, wherever that might be. I’m not sure where I will go, I will try to get out to the ones nearby. I will try to get into the SEC, Big 12, and Big Ten if I can. But I am not sure yet which ones because everything is changed around.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Washington, they are one that comes to mind. I spoke with Ohio State a few days ago. Those are the main two schools that are showing interest but have not offered.”
How many offers are you holding now?
“I have 16 offers.”
Moss’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Arkansas, Boise State, California, Colorado, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Oregon State, Texas, Texas A&M, UNLV, Utah, and Utah State
Did you take any visits before the dead period began this spring?
“No. All my visits were scheduled beyond the quarantine. I was planning on visiting Oklahoma, TCU, Texas, and Texas A&M when I was in Texas for that camp. After that, I was possibly going to a camp in Los Angeles. I had done that, I might had hit a few schools in California, Oregon and Washington, and any other schools. There was another camp in Florida I was going to go to as well. I was planning on visiting some schools then, and any others as they opened up.”
Since all your plans were changed, are there any visits upcoming you may take?
“I plan on taking a bunch of visits if I can. Right now, I can tell you a couple of schools but it all depends on how everything opens up going forward.”
Understood. Cyrus, it is always great getting time in with you. Keep up the hard work.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Bishop Gorman HS/Moss family; No. 2 Cyrus Moss on the field (2019)