Interview: One of California’s Best, 2023 TE Walker Lyons is a Key Target
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
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The tight end position has become a pivotal piece to collegiate and NFL offenses again with a focus on a player who can run and catch like a receiver but also block like a traditional H-back. The high school ranks are answering the call. One of the best putting the skills on display along the 7v7 circuit while waiting the start of the 2020 California high school football season is Walker Lyons.
At 6-4.5, 225 pounds, Lyons fulfills the role of a big target for his quarterback and has the hands and wheels to do something with the ball when targeted. He has that extra something in him when asked to block putting defensive backs on roller skates or in the ground while capable of taking on ends and linebackers to support the ground attack.
Once the 2020 season gets going, Lyons will be suiting up with Folsom High School. When the Friday night lights come on, he will be playing with offers from Arizona, BYU, Florida State, and Oregon State.
In an RNG first-look interview, Walker runs down his offseason workouts with an update on his recruiting options.
Interview
Walker, during the 2019 season you got to show off the gun for an arm and your wheels playing quarterback. Looking back, how did your freshman season go overall?
Overall, it was good. I had a fun time playing. That was my first real high school football experience. It was good getting the feel for high school ball and the schedule. I had a fun time doing it.
When the 2020 season gets going, where all might you line up?
This upcoming season, tight end and defensive end. I will be on both sides of the ball.
What have you been working on with your fundamentals preparing for the 2020 varsity season at tight end?
I have been working with my trainer. We’ve been preparing by running routes, working on my form and footwork. I have focused on my strength, doing ladder drills, everything you can think of to prepare. Three to five times a week at 4:00 a.m. I am working.
How have you added more power and strength to your skills?
At school, we do tons of squats, snatches, power cleans, and military press. We are mostly on the squat rack. Squat rack is everything for our school.
And what have you been doing to increase your speed and agility?
Ladder drills, conditioning, sprints, box jumps, band work, and speed training. I have focused on having better form and mechanics.
Are you playing 7v7 this winter?
I am. I am playing with Game Fit Elite out of Sacramento. If we start playing high school games, I will have to get back to my high school season.
How is the 7v7 season going?
It is going really well. This is my first time doing it, I had never done it before. This is my first time in tournaments, we’ve been to two big ones. We are going to a Pylon tournament this weekend in Nevada. My production has been good, we’ve played well. It is going good.
Taking on other high school talents from California and throughout the country, where are you already seeing the improvements in your skills?
My route running. The biggest improvement has been my route running, and finding open space and taking what the defense is giving me. I have been really focused on my route running, running them like a receiver not like a tight end. I have been running them quicker and with better movements.
Have you been to any camps or have any coming up you may attend?
I was at the Opening in November in the Bay area. I did well there, especially for my first time. There was an Elite Underclassmen camp in Vegas this fall. Upcoming, I am not sure yet.
Let’s get into some recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?
I am talking to Washington a lot and Cal. Some other schools that are showing interest are Arizona State, Utah, UCLA – a lot of Pac-12 schools. It is hard because I can’t talk to coaches directly. I have a lot of follows on Twitter from programs like Notre Dame.
How many offers have been given to you?
Four.
Which program was the first?
Florida State.
When did they offer?
Back in December.
Having that goal become a reality, what was that like for you?
It was really cool. It showed the hard work will get you ahead. I did not see it coming. It was unexpected. I was super happy when it happened. It was a crazy feeling. It is a testament to hard work.
Visits appear to be opening up in June. When that happens, are there any schools you’d like to go visit?
I want to go to Washington and check out USC and UCLA. Utah for sure, Arizona State and Texas. There are a lot of schools I’d like to go see.
Walker, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you and your 7v7 team success with the remainder of the season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Lyons family; Walker Lyons
Featured photo credit: Los Angeles Dimes/Lyons family; Walker Lyons