Interview: Standout 3-Star 2021 LB Bryun Parham is Blasting California Competition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are talents who impact a game and then there are talented players who impact the game by setting the tone. Like a blast that sends ripples through the air effecting the immediate area, that is a normal tackle for Long Beach Poly linebacker Bryun Parham, and that shockwave of a hit is stopping opposing California run games in their tracks.
If watching a head-hunting linebacker is fun for you, grab some popcorn and watch Parham work his on the screen or on the field magic. Whether you are seeing him live or on film, his play translates in a cogent way forcing offensive coordinators to scheme around him as much as possible. Teams have tried coming at him which has led to a 73-tackle season, 54 solo, with 18 tackles for a loss, five sacks, two quarterback hurries, a pick, four passes broken up, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a blocked punt. If the activity of the 6-0, 210-pound, standout on defense was not enough, the Jackrabbits have used him on offense getting two carries for 11 yards with a score.
Poly is 7-3 on the season with an opening CIF Playoff game against Orange Lutheran on Friday. With ground to cover on his season to date, the upcoming throwdown against the Lancers, and with his recruiting emerging, I got an exclusive interview in with one of Southern California’s best kept secrets.
Interview
Bryun, I love watching you hit. I take it you love hitting. Without naming names, are there any running backs you have taken out of games this season, not by injury but essentially made them quit, or at least you know you slowed their roll after a big hit and they were not coming into the hole near as hard after that?
“Yes, sir. In the Wilson game that happened. They were talking trash after we started the season slow. I think they were 5-0 or 6-0 going into that game. I hit them hard from the start, their running backs did not play too much after that. The Los Alamitos game, I hit their running back hard and they stopped running after that. The Millikan game, we stopped their running game good with hits.”
That’s what I thought. Being the quarterback of the defense is not easy, how do you prepare for each game so you can communicate effectively with your defense?
“I try to watch as much film as possible. This week, before I knew who we were going to play, I was watching film on teams we might play. I was watching film on all of them. Film work is the most important thing for me preparing for a game. I learn their plays, formations, and everything. I try to be the quarterback of our defense giving the signals and calling out plays. I work to be the field general of our defense.”
That responsibility as a middle or inside linebacker also means you have to do more than hit, you have to know the other team’s plays before they run them, as mentioned. How has the instinctive part of your game expanded this year along with reading your keys?
“Again, film work has played a huge part. It has made me so much better. It has sped my mental cycle up. I am getting to spots faster and using down and distance into the situation – I know the plays they will run after watching film. If they motion, I call out the play letting my teammates know what is going on.”
How have the other parts of your game from covering to shedding blocks improved during your junior year?
“In practice we do the Heisman drill, that helps me get away from blocks. I use my speed and agility a lot; I dip and rip and get low; they cannot move like me. With my coverage, I try to perfect that in our scheme as much as possible to know where to drop to pick off the quarterback’s passes.”
Putting it all together, what makes you a standout at linebacker for Poly?
“I am very physical, I watch a lot of film, my speed, my will to get to the ball, my knowledge of the game, and my heart. I want to be the best; I cannot let anyone take that away from me. I do not want to be on someone else’s highlight tape.”
That kick-ass mentality has been used a little bit this season out of the backfield as a short-yardage back. How have you liked that experience going the other way with the pain?
“It is cool. In Pop Warner I played running back. I know what to do out of the backfield. I can change the game at running back too if I played it more.”
So far this season, which has been your best game?
“The Los Alamitos or Serra (Gardena) games. I was active in those games. I created turnovers. My physical games were Punahou and Los Alamitos. Those are the games that I did well that meant something.”
Which programs have found out about you and are showing interest?
“San Jose State, USC, and UCLA are showing interest.”
Have you visited any schools yet?
“Yes, sir. I have visited USC, San Jose State and this weekend I might be going to ASU (Arizona State).”
Tell me about the USC visit.
“It was a good visit. It was a good experience to see the high-level athletes and competition and to see the atmosphere in college.”
And San Jose State, how did that go?
“That was a great visit. I really liked it. They showed me the weight room and gave me a small tour. It went really well.”
You mentioned you might be getting to visit ASU this weekend. If that happens, what has you excited about visiting the Sun Devils?
“I would get to see some of my old people that I played Pop Warner with and I would get to see my former coach, Coach AP (Antonio Pierce). It is good to travel and to see a good football game with two good teams.”
On Sunday I got an update with cornerback Kam Blanton on what you guys are expecting from Orange Lutheran come Friday. He is expecting them to pass a lot. From your perspective, how the team is looking going into the playoffs getting ready to face that challenge from the Lancers?
“We are looking really good. I feel we are battle tested. Our league gave us confidence and allowed us to get better. We are healthy and ready to go.”
Bryun, it was great talking to you today getting insight on your play on the field. Wishing you and the rest of the team success in the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Parham family; Bryun Parham and Kam Blanton at SJSU and at USC