Interview: Highly Productive 2020 SS/OLB Kyle Floyd Bringing Heat to College Camps

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The Upland High School defense was a nasty one during the 2018 season holding opposing Division II offenses to 16 points per game on average on the way to a CIF title and an invitation to state. A big part of that resistance to opposing offenses finding their way into the end zone goes to the Highlanders’ one-two linebacking punch in Justin Flowe and Kyle Floyd. While Flowe gets the national spotlight rated as a five-star, Floyd is that tough as nails talent versatile enough to do just about anything asked of him on the field. College scouts are now seeing what he brings to the field raising his stock on boards along the west coast after showing out in regional mega camps.

Defenses have adapted to high school offenses operating out of the Spread. But the trick to being able to stop an up-tempo Spread attack is having a versatile outside linebacker who is a hybrid capable of coming off the edge, stuffing the run, and covering the slot. Floyd is that new-age talent who can do it all, and the stat line proves it. Floyd put an end to 133 plays last season with 84 solo tackles, seven tackles for a loss, seven sacks, 11 QB hurries, and one forced fumble. The stat line may suggest Floyd is a prototypical 6-3, 225-pound, defender, but this first team All-Baseline League and first team All-CIF selection is roughing jokers up at 5-11, 177 pounds. The proof is on tape, please check it out! He can get to the QB, chucks offensive tackles out of his way, and is fluid enough to cover; he is that all-purpose talent college defenses need in the modern era.

With three offers on the table and several college camps attended, it was time to sit down with one of California’s top overlooked Class of 2020 players for an in-depth one-on-one interview.

Interview

Kyle, you were so disruptive for the Highlanders last season bringing pressure from all over. How did the Upland coaches utilize your athletic abilities within their defensive scheme?

“They put me in different types of situations and different schemes. At nickel, I was more of a safety and at outside linebacker I was playing against the run. A lot of coaches recognize that I can do both. They see me training with other athletes in that hybrid role.”

With all that you can do on the field, how did your overall game improve last season?

“It improved by working on my technique. In the Calabasas game, I bull-rushed the offensive tackle and got to the quarterback. I use different moves like push-and-pull that most outside linebackers my size does not do. Every game it was hard work, but I was improving and loving what I was doing. I got better at getting into the backfield getting past both the tackle and guard. I also improved a lot on my reads.”

What do you feel are the strengths to your game at this point of your career?

“I lead my team well and I take action on the field. I know what to do on the field. With our play calling, I can check us out of plays and put our defense into position to stop an offense if I do not see the call coming from the sidelines. I form tackle and I have very good closing speed.”

I would agree with all of that after seeing you a couple of times in person and I remember you shaking the offensive tackle with that push-pull. All very impressive.

“Thank you.”

How did spring ball go with the team?

“It went great. We went 6-1 in a San Diego 7v7 tournament. We lost one in the semifinals. We saw things we need to change around and areas we need to improve upon for this season. Our spring practices have been really good. We are looking to the future now and on what we need to improve upon. We have some transfers coming to our team; I am helping them understand what we do here and how we do it.”

Is that defense going to be nasty again in 2019?

“Oh yeah. Real nasty.”

I like it. What have you been working on this spring?

“I have been working on my footwork and foot placement. Going through game film against Redlands East Valley, I tripped over my own feet on a play. That is why I started focusing on my footwork. I have also been working on my coverage, my hips, and my stamina.”

Where are you already seeing improvements in your skillset from spring workouts?

“I am seeing it in my hips and footwork. All that training is showing improvement. I am building my body up as well.”

Have you showed off the skills at any camps this spring?

“Yes. I have been to three Redlands mega camps. All the coaches there noticed me and saw what I could do.”

You showed what you can do at the camps, how did it go overall?

“Phenomenal. I was blessed with an offer from San Jose State.”

Nice. At which position have you competed at with the Redlands camps?

“Safety.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted this offseason?

“I ran a 4.6 (laser-timed) at the Opening Combine (LA). I know I have improved my speed since then.”

Do you have any other camps upcoming?

“Yes. I have an SC camp this weekend.”

Which schools are now showing interest in you?

“I am receiving interest from San Diego State, Sac State, Wyoming, Washington State, Arizona State, Fresno State, and Kansas State.”

Which schools have offered you?

“Southwest Minnesota State and San Jose State.”

*Dixie State offered after this interview

Have you visited any schools this offseason?

“Yes. I visited San Diego State. They wanted me up there for a tour and to show me around. They are not far from home.”

Do you have any planned visits on the schedule?

“Yes. I am planning on visiting San Jose State and Southwest Minnesota in December.”

Last question. Given your athletic talents and your great production on the field, I view you as someone who is under the radar but should be high above it. What message do you have for college coaches about the type of student-athlete you are and what they would get in you if they were to recruit you?

“I have always been the underdog. You know how under dogs are on the field. As a team, we took that mentality and won CIF last season. As a person, I am a leader and I take action and pride in what I do. I work on my technique and am constantly trying to improve. I am an athlete who will play safety or running back at the next level, whatever position needed. I will develop into that player college coaches need.”

Kyle, it was great speaking with you today. I wish you success with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Floyd family; Kyle Floyd at San Diego State