Interview: Little Elm Texas 2020 DE Tyrese Powe Emerging as One to Watch
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Sometimes the winning formula for high school coaches is already on the roster, unbeknownst to everyone on the team, including the player himself. That is how the 2017 season started out on the gridiron for Little Elm High School, head coach Kendrick Brown, and Class of 2020 defensive lineman Tyrese Powe.
Powe began his sophomore season much like every other player across the country in his grade classification, hopeful of getting some playing time and one day working his way into the starting lineup. That one day did not take long for Powe. The Lobos kicked off their schedule with Adams High School (Dallas) winning 57-13. In one series, Powe produced four tackles and a sack capturing the coaches’ attention earning more playing time and an eventual starting spot on Little Elm’s roster.
The move into the Lobos 3-4 defense as an end and tackle proved to be invaluable for the team. Complete stats have not been released, but an estimated stat line has the 6-2, 220 pound, rising star with 30 quarterback hurries, 13 tackles for a loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. The Little Elm squad ended the season 7-3 just missing out on the Texas 5A playoffs.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the unknown talent on the recruiting trail covering his surprise sophomore season and offseason goals.
Interview
Tyrese, how did your sophomore season go overall?
“I think it went really well, especially with the way our team and defense played. But, unfortunately we did not make the playoffs.”
Did you know going into the year that you would have this big of an impact for the team on defense?
“I did not think that at all. Going into my first varsity game, I played very little. I had four tackles and a sack, but my playing time skyrocketed after that.”
You are listed as a defensive end but from your reel it looks like you were more of a defensive tackle in a 3-4 defense, where all did you lineup for the Lobos this year?
“I lined up at end sometimes and at defensive tackle. Where I lined up depended on what the coaches needed. If they needed a rush, I’d go against the slower guards at tackle. On long down and distances, they would put me on the outside.”
Getting dirty in the trenches is never easy especially at the 5A level in Texas. What were some of the adjustments you had to make to your game early in the season so you could be more productive?
“The biggest was pad level. Another thing was the use of my hands. I use my hands a lot but mostly my pad level was the biggest adjustment.”
How did your game get better this season?
“As my confidence grew in practice and in games, I got faster and more aggressive. My game kept improving. I was going harder all the time as the season went along.”
What are the strengths of your game?
“My strengths are my get off – I am violent off the ball, I have a knack for getting to the quarterback, reading my keys, and watching the tackle.”
What do you plan on working on this offseason for your junior year?
“I will work on getting stronger and faster. I will also work on my get off, my hands, and my footwork. The goal is to come back bigger, stronger and faster.”
After a year of varsity experience, what are some of the things that you learned and how will you take that knowledge and change things for the better going into the 2018 season?
“I want to become more of a leader on the team and I want to become more of a monster on the field – more tenacious. I will not be passive next year.”
The process is just beginning for you, but are any schools showing recruiting interest?
“Houston is showing interest.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“No, sir. I was supposed to go to Texas State and Louisiana-Monroe but it did not work out.”
What is your GPA?
“3.5.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“History and science.”
Do you plan on playing any winter or spring sports?
“I might participate in track.”
What goals have you set for yourself for the offseason?
“I want to get my 40 time down to a 4.6 or 4.7, and get my bench up to 300 and squat to 400.”
Tyrese, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
*Click link to see Tyrese Powe’s Hudl highlight reel
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Photo credits: Terry Byerly; No. 44 Tyrese Powe