Interview: The Future is Bright for 2022 SS Cyrus Moss, Scary for Nevada Offenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Some things in life are just not fair, like for any receiver or running back that will have to go across the middle or shoot up through a gap with Class of 2022 strong/free safety Cyrus Moss angrily waiting on the gridiron for years to come. Moss played up a level taking on junior varsity talent in 2018 getting a playoff run call-up and subsequent Nevada championship experience with Bishop Gorman along the way. Playing for national powerhouse Bishop Gorman has its perks, including seeing a bevy of college scouts hanging out around the yard already showing interest in the rising 6-4, 200-pound, playmaker. To learn more about his game and offseason grind, I sat down for an exclusive interview with one of Nevada’s top rising prospects.
Interview
Cyrus, how did the 2018 season go for you on the field?
“I believe it went well. There are things I know I could have done to make the season better. One thing I could have done better was capitalizing on interception opportunities. I had some dropped interceptions that could have made the season that much better. I am focusing on that this offseason.”
You lined up at strong and free safety getting experience against the run and the pass. How did your overall game improve last season?
“It was a huge difference coming into high school. Bishop Gorman has a great staff. I learned a lot of technical stuff about playing safety this season that really helped me. This season was a lot of learning the game for me. It was an overhaul of what I was doing.”
You got some varsity snaps with the Gaels squaring off against some four- and three-star recruits. What was that experience like for you helping push your game forward?
“It was interesting. It was a great challenge going against players like that. You get an assessment on what you need to improve with your game. If you go up against someone playing as hard as you and who is as good as you if not better, you learn against those top players better than you do going up against players not at your level.”
You are not a typical sized safety, you are an imposing defender in the secondary – I would say scary for opposing offenses. What are some of the other traits to your game that are strengths you bring to the gridiron?
(Laughs) “I think one of my strengths is my size and my ability to intimidate quarterbacks. I make quarterbacks go the other way. I may get one or two balls my way in a game. Aside from that, I have always pushed myself to play multiple positions. I like putting my body into uncomfortable situations, like playing cornerback, to improve all around as a player. I like challenging my footwork and abilities trying to keep up with smaller receivers.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on putting on more weight and getting faster. I am working on being a better all the way around as a defender. I am watching my film from last year seeing where I can improve. With my weight gain, I played at 176 pounds last season. I am up to 200 pounds now. I am working on getting nasty and being better technically with my game this offseason.”
Because of your size and athletic abilities, where all might we see you line up during your sophomore season?
“That is always a good question. It is hard to tell. We are switching defenses. It all depends on the coaching staff. Whatever they need me to play, I will do it. I will adapt to what they want. It is all up to the staff on where they need me this year.”
I saw you at the Under Armour All-American Camp performing against top national talents, how did that go for you?
“It went well. I did well on the one-on-ones and I did well during 7v7 session. That was great. Being in the zone during 7v7 was easier and related to the game more for me. You could look at down and distance to figure out route combinations and where the offense is at on the field to better gauge what was coming. Those are not things you get in one-on-ones. They can run any route at any time. You can put more of your football IQ in the game during 7v7.”
Are you going to any other camps this spring?
“Yes. I will be at the Oakland Nike Opening Regional in May and I am competing at the 7v7 Pylon national tournament.”
Nice. I know all is new for you with recruiting as an underclassman, but are you already receiving recruiting interest?
“Yes. I am receiving interest from BYU, Arizona State, UCLA, and Southern Utah.”
Have you taken any recent unofficial visits?
“Yes. I have visited all the schools showing interest: BYU, UCLA, ASU, and Southern Utah.”
How did the UCLA visit go?
“It went really well. I got to see one of the guys up there I know from youth football. I got to see all the hard work he has put into his game and where he is at now. He is a Bishop Gorman guy like me. I thought the school was interesting. I like how they kept the old brick style layout with the modern edges.”
And ASU, how did that go?
“They were working on their stadium at the time, but we did go to their weight room. It was interesting there as well. Being able to see it all, it was crazy. It was huge. I really liked their weight room and what I saw of the school.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“I plan on visiting Texas A&M during the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp in Texas.”
Cyrus, it was great getting the interview conducted with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with the upcoming camps and 7v7 tournaments.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Moss family; Cyrus Moss at BYU (May 2018)