Louisiana: Interview with Loyola College Prep DT Khalil Sumlin

Written by Charlie Beuttel

The Loyola College Prep Flyers have a long history of football in Shreveport, Louisiana as they have been playing since 1920. In 2014, Loyola suffered through a 2-8 season but one of the leaders of the team, defensive tackle Khalil Sumlin, had a monster junior season. Sumlin had 63 tackles including eight tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. For his efforts the defensive star received All-District and Academic All-District honors in 2014.

Through five games in 2015, the Flyers have started off 2-3 and Sumlin is on pace to have a better statistical season than 2014. The 5’11”, 295 pound, run stopper has 42 tackles, two tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks through the first half of his senior season.

Sumlin also excels in the weight room as his bench max is 335, his squat max is 485, and in the classroom he currently has a GPA of 3.5.

The senior leader attended several college camps this summer including LSU and is currently drawing interest from several schools like Northwestern State.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Khalil to talk about his career at Loyola College Prep and his recruiting process.

Interview
Khalil, Loyola is off to a 2-3 start. What are your thoughts on the season so far?

“We’ve played a little lower than expected. We start district this week. I think we have a good chance of winning district this year.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance?

“I think I’ve gotten off to a good start. I’m averaging eight tackles a game.”

What are your strengths on the football field?

“I’m a pretty good run stopper and I’m working on my pass rush more.”

How does Loyola look going forward into district play?

“I think we have a good chance of winning district.”

Loyola opens district play (1-3A) this week against Green Oaks. How are your preparing for the game?

“They’re fast but if we can contain their quarterback we should have a good game.”

What games left on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?

“Captain Shreve, they’re a 5A school and it will be a good experience to play them.”

What did you work on the most to prepare for your senior season?

“Mostly my pass rush. I want to get my sacks number up more and I’ve been working more on my speed.”

Did you attend any college camps this past summer?

“Yes, LSU, Northwestern State, Harding (AR),and Hendrix College (AR).”

Do you have any interest from any schools?

“Just Harding (AR), Northwestern State, and Wagner (NY).”

Have you gone on any visits?

“This Saturday I’ll visit Hendrix College.”

What kind of feedback have you received about your football skills?

“I’ve heard I’m strong and can control the middle pretty well.”

Did you have any personal or team goals going into your senior season?

“Our goals as a team was to win district and end with a winning season. Personally, get into a college and play as best as I can.”

What is your favorite part about playing football?

“It’s really fun to play with friends and a get a win every Friday.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?

“Probably my mother, Shonda Sumlim, she’s very supportive.”

What do you want to study in college?

“I’m thinking about engineering.”

Thanks for your time today Khalil.

“Thank you.”

 

Photo credit: Shawnda Sumlin; No. 70 Khalil Sumlin.

Photo credit: twitter.com; Khalil Sumlin at LSU