Interview: Postseason Honors Followed Play of 2023 Louisiana OL Tyler Kimble
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The first team All-Parish and All-District honors came Tyler Kimble’s way during his sophomore campaign for good reason, the offensive lineman gets nasty in the trenches and does so with technique. At 6-5, 250, Kimble was the anchor on the Yellowjackets offensive line protecting the blindside for fellow Class of 2023 talent Reese Mooney. Beyond the size and want-to, Kimble displays quick feet getting off the line in a hurry, sliding his protection, and working to the second level taking on linebackers for his running backs.
The developing talents on the field are starting to draw a collegiate crowd to the Denham Springs recruit. Wake Forest, Miami, Stephen F. Austin, Brown, and Texas Tech are among the schools watching Kimble’s development against 5A Louisiana squads
In an RNG first-look interview, Kimble gives insight to his play on the line with a look at his offseason workout goals.
Interview
Tyler, your aggressiveness and determination pops on your game reel. I like finding out what fires up linemen on game nights to play at that level. What motivates you on the field?
This past year, one of our offensive linemen passed away from a heat stroke. He was one of my close buddies, that is one of my main motivations besides my parents.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.
Thank you.
Throughout the 2020 season, what offensive set were the Yellowjackets executing?
Run game wise, a lot of inside zone to create holes for our running back. We did a lot of quick passes and dump offs, and we tried to help get the ball downfield in the passing game. It was the offensive line trying to give time to our quarterback for the deep passes.
Looks like the offensive line changed here and there with a jumbo or a heavy package bringing in another big guy at tight end. What were some of the ways the line was attacking opposing defenses?
Later in the year, we went to two tight end sets. We put our best blocking tight end on the line and a defensive lineman came over to help block. On short yardage plays, we’d go heavy on one side. Sometimes I’d flip to right tackle. Our coaches were trying to get as many big bodies on the field.
When the 2020 season had ended, which parts of your game grew the most at left tackle?
My pass blocking is where I grew the most. Not falling for defensive linemen’s moves was a big improvement. I was staying in my zone letting them make the first move and playing off of them. My aggressiveness in run blocking improved. I was scared playing on the line during my freshman year. I was a scared puppy but then my confidence grew.
Another couple of things that pop with your abilities are your quick feet and heads up play ready to slide protection to pick up a delayed blitz. What do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game?
My footwork is one of my strengths. I used to play basketball, that helped a lot. Getting off the ball fast, being one step ahead of the defensive line. Mentally, I know where to go a second before everyone else. I like to think I am a smart guy. During the game, I am thinking ahead and knowing where I need to go before I get there.
What are you doing in the weight room this offseason?
I am focusing a lot on squats with a goal of having a bigger lower body. That is a weakness. Bench press is a big part for an offensive lineman. I am focusing on getting bigger. I want to play college ball, so I need to get my weight up to make that happen. This offseason I want to pack more weight on.
What are your weight room maxes?
My bench is 275, squat is 405, clean is 225, and my deadlift is 430.
What are you working on with your technique?
With my technique in the run game, I am focused on my footwork, making sure my steps are good, and being better with my hands. If I got beat last year, it was because of my hands. I am working on getting locked on and making sure I am in a good position.
Is there a weight goal you have set for yourself to hit before the 2021 season begins?
I’d love to be to 265 to 270. I packed on 30 pounds this last summer. Anywhere close to that amount of weight again this offseason would be good for me.
Are there any camps you’ve been to already this offseason or any coming up you may attend?
Not yet, but there are some DL/OL camps at Nicholls State I am looking forward to. Before the COVID, I was invited to Brown for a camp. Schools like that have invited me to their camps.
You are a high achiever in the classroom as well. What is your cumulative GPA?
4.3 right now.
What did you score on the ACT and/or SAT?
I scored a 31 on the ACT. I took the pre-SAT; I scored a 1210 on it.
Which subjects in high school are the most interesting to you?
I am a big history guy for sure, history and English. I am not bad at math, but those two interest me the most.
Which subjects in history interest you the most?
U.S. History. I like learning about the wars we’ve been in.
Tyler, I enjoyed our conversation today. Thanks for your time. Good luck with the workouts until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Kimble family; Tyler Kimble