Interview: Kayvon Thibodeaux Rising above being Top Rated 2019 Recruit in Nation

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Being the best at what you do in sports is never a bad thing. The attention that comes with being the best, that spotlight is not always easy to navigate and can be tough. Being rated as a five-star prospect as a defensive end comes with a list of high expectations like making every tackle, batting down every pass, forcing a turnover, and/or sacking the quarterback on every other play. No matter how great the player, a play is not made on every snap of the ball by the best of the best. Even though he is carrying a load of heavy expectations, Class of 2019 defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux has risen to the challenge and surpassed his projected trajectory.

Thibodeaux may not tally a stat on every play but he sure effects the outcome of each snap of the ball when he is on the field. Opposing California offensive coordinators are well aware of No. 8 and what he can do on the field. After earning Freshman All-American honors, Thibodeaux suited up for a sophomore season knowing he was going to get double-teamed, chipped by running backs, and have to hunt down plays going the other way. Thibodeaux was an unleashed beast in 2016 helping change Dorsey High School’s fortunes from a 7-6 season in 2015 to a 10-4 record in 2016 that included a run to a CIF Championship title game. His ever present force was felt in the opposition’s backfield for 27 tackles for a loss and 14 sacks while picking up two fumble recoveries and blocking a punt in 10 games played.

The 6-5, 230 pound, talent has been rated the top player in the nation regardless of position by 247Sports. College programs feel as highly about his abilities as 247Sports with at least 21 teams already dropping an offer. Some of the schools that think he can help win ball games at the next level includes Michigan, Tennessee, Arizona, Miami, Oregon State, Montana State, Washington State, Utah, Oklahoma, Cal, Washington, Fresno State, LSU, Alabama, Florida State, and Florida. The Los Angeles native has two backyard programs wanting him badly, and rightfully so, in UCLA and USC.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Thibodeaux covering his sophomore season, off-season plans, and recruiting process to date.

Interview

Kayvon, you played in 10 of Dorsey’s 14 games in 2016, did you have an injury last season?

“I had a bone bruise in my leg.”

You’re healthy now and a 100 percent?

“Oh yeah. I missed the first game of our playoffs but was there for the run to the championship game.”

What was the championship run like for you in 2016?

“It was a lot of hard work and dedication. During the season, I was not getting home until 8- or 8:30 at night then I had to sit down and do my homework or study. In the end, playing on the big stage was a lot of fun. We had the crowd going throughout the season. It was fun.”

How will the Narbonne game (lost 42-34) serve as motivation for you this off-season?

“It truly is motivation – I hate losing. We just have to win it. We came close but we have to win it this time. We had all the tools. This year I have to be more of a leader. We came together as a team last year but not until the end of the season. We’ll change that this year.”

How did your game at end develop in 2016?

“My hand work and my footwork got better. I became wiser. I was able to read what was going on better. My experience and time playing the game helped me out.”

Did you earn any post-season honors?

“Yes, sir. I was All-League (Coliseum League), All-City, and All-State first team. I was also Defensive Player of the Year in our league.”

Will your role on defense change next season?

“No, but I might add outside linebacker.”

Will we see you take on a bigger role with the offense after pulling in four passes for 62 yards during your sophomore season?

“It all depends. Our quarterback just graduated. Our other quarterback was a tight end. It all depends on how things work out. It might be a possibility that I have a bigger role on offense.”

What are you working on during the off-season?

“Weight room. There are a lot of people that tell me my legs are skinny. No camps for me this of-season. This off-season is all working out for me.”

No camps this off-season? No exposure camps or college camps?

“No, I don’t think so. I’m trying to stay under the radar. I’m working on getting ready for next season.”

Are there any schools showing interest without offering you?

“I don’t know. My coach takes care of that. I don’t know until they offer.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have 21 or 22 offers. Sorry, I can’t remember right now how many I have.”

No worries. Of the teams that have offered you, are there any keeping in regular contact with you over the others?

“Everyone is trying to keep in regular contact with me. I try to keep a distance from the recruiting process other than with UCLA and USC. Those are the main schools talking to me.”

Which schools have you visited so far?

“I have been to USC and UCLA a couple of times. It wasn’t a real visit but I went to Cal once.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“No.”

Are you playing any others sports for Dorsey this year?

“Track. I was going to play basketball but that keeps me slim.”

Which events in track are you doing?

“The 100 and 4×1.”

Are you playing with any 7v7 teams this off-season?

“No. I thought about it. In college, I’m not going to be a tight end. There is no need for me to go out there and get hurt.”

Last question, what has the recruiting process and media attention been like for you so far rated as the No. 1 player in the 2019 class by 247Sports?

“Honestly, it brings a lot of attention. I’m not being a regular kid anymore. It is hard. I can’t do what everyone else does. Everything I do is monitored. I have to stay on my P’s and Q’s, not that I wouldn’t anyway but I really have to stay on it now.”

Kayvon, thanks for your time today and good luck with your track season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: YouTube.com; No. 8 Kayvon Thibodeaux quick off the ball (2016).

Photo credit: rivals.com; No. 8 Kayvon Thibodeaux warms up (2016).

Photo credit: twitter.com; Kayvon Thibodeaux sporting USC gear.