Interview with Fayetteville Class of 2017 Rising Star DL Akial Byers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The story of Fayetteville High School’s Akial Byers is in the early stages of development but is still a very intriguing story with the potential for an amazing ending. The 6’4”, 250 pound, junior is an emerging talent who is just starting to tap into his potential.

The Bulldogs ended the 2014 season with an 11-3 record suffering a difficult 24-21 Arkansas State Championship Game loss to heated rival Bentonville. Fayetteville was loaded with talent but the sophomore was not a key contributor by his own doing. The commitment to the game was not a priority then and practice was not of interest, but all of that has changed.

When Byers was on the field last season he played defensive end but switched to tackle this year. In some sets the Bulldogs will still line him up on the outside but for now Byers is a gap plugging, run stopping, quarterback pressuring tackle forcing his way up the recruiting boards of top colleges across the nation.

To date Byers has 24 tackles, five tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, two sacks, and three quarterback hurries helping the Bulldogs, who are once again stacked with Division-I talent, to a 6-0 start to their season. Some colleges have jumped on Byers growing potential with Mississippi State already extending an offer and interest being drawn from schools like Arkansas, Alabama, Notre Dame, Georgia, Arkansas State, Kentucky, LSU, and Auburn.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Akial before the Bulldogs big showdown with Har-Ber (Springdale) to get his thoughts on the Bulldogs season, how his play on the field is improving, and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Akial, going from a reserve role last year to a starting position this year, how has your preparation changed this season?

“I do extra reps in the weight room just to challenge myself and get stronger. Every other morning I go on a run before school. I’m like an extra coach in practice sometimes because I’ve put in work with the different drills so during practice I’m helping others with the drills.”

From the offseason going into your junior year what were some of the things you wanted to improve upon from last year?

“Last year, since I did not start, I was not going to practice and that’s why I did not start. Over the summer I changed and became more committed. I went to practice more and started going into the weight room a lot. I’ve been working on my pad level a lot lately. That’s kind of my problem because I’m so tall, I have to get lower.”

How has the season gone so far from a team perspective?

“It’s pretty good. Everyone has their ups and downs and they make up for it. We have a really good quarterback (Taylor Powell) and a lot of talent on the team. We’re doing a good job.”

How is the season going for you?

“It’s going good actually. Last year I would have never thought it would have gone this well. I feel like I wasted a year with recruiting and stuff because I did not go to practice. Since I’ve been more committed to football and I’ve started working myself into position to do well on the field, it’s going well.”

What part of your game on the field this season are you most proud of so far?

“My tackles for a loss.”

Is there a team left on the schedule that you are really excited to play this year?

“Har-Ber (Springdale), they’re 5-1, and Bentonville. Those games will be a challenge.”

Which schools are showing interest in you other than Arkansas and Mississippi State?

“I’ve been getting a bunch of letters from Notre Dame, Auburn, Arkansas State, LSU, Kansas, Kentucky, Georgia, and in the last month I’ve received the most interest from Notre Dame, Georgia, and Alabama.”

When you’ve talked to the various college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your game?

“They said they like how I play the three technique. They think that since I’m just a junior I’ll improve and get better by my senior year.”

Are you taking any unofficial visits this fall like to Arkansas since you’re so close?

“I like the Razorbacks. They have a nice campus but I don’t have a visit set up with them right now. I might go to Alabama on the 24th.”

Are you going down to Mississippi State’s campus anytime soon?

“I’m planning on going down in the spring.”

What college one-day camps are you going to this summer?

“I went to Arkansas, it was a two-day camp. It went good. I liked it. It was raining that day, we were soaked. I got a tour round the locker room and all of that. It went well. There were kids there that I already knew. No one different to go up against.”

Do you play any other sports for Fayetteville?

“I know I’m going to play track, throw the shot put. I’ve played basketball but not sure if I’ll play this year over heading to the weight room.”

What is your bench press and squat max?

“My bench is 275 and my squat is 335.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The competition and getting out there with my teammates. I want to go to a college where I can play with guys I like at a program that will make me a better player.”

Akial, thanks for your time today. Good luck the rest of the way.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Byers family; Akial on the field for Fayetteville High School.