Update Interview with 3-Star 2020 Louisiana OLB Taiwan Berryhill
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 5A Louisiana gridirons were proving grounds during the 2018 season for Taiwan Berryhill. The defensive end/outside linebacker was a force to be reckoned with for St. Augustine High School showcasing his speed, power, and football IQ against some of the best competition the Sportsman’s Paradise has to offer. College coaches who are aware of the 6-2, 205-pound, ascending talent have made quick work to extend an offer. Berryhill enters the offseason with eight offers in his hand from Kansas, Indiana, Tennessee, Southern Miss, Memphis, Eastern Illinois, South Alabama and Louisiana-Lafayette.
With a busy slate of national camps and combines upcoming along with the spring evaluation period, I sat down with Berryhill covering what he is working on this spring with an update on his recruitment.
Interview
Taiwan, you are fun to watch get after it. You are all over the field for St. Augustine making plays, what are your roles within the defense?
“I have multiple jobs because I play multiple positions. As a defensive end, I am a quick pass rusher. As an outside linebacker, they want an athletic-speedy guy who can cover No. 2 receivers and can make tackles in space.”
Because you can do so many different things as a defender, how does the Purple Knights defense help showcase what you can do on the field?
“It is in the type of defense we run. Like I said, they like the fast-speedy guys, that is what I do. Our defensive coordinator always sets up the right defenses for us. That helps me showcase my athletic ability. It allows me to show my speed, show my hip movement, and my ability to get the tackle off the edge.”
How did your overall game improve last season?
“It improved a lot. There really was a lot that improved from my sophomore year. I played defensive end my sophomore year. Over the summer, my coach had me playing in 7v7 tournaments and I went to the Memphis Mega Camp to get extra work in. My football IQ went up learning the different coverages. I learned getting in my drops and how to read the No. 2 receivers. I was able to see the route formations and read the offensive line so I could make plays.”
Which areas of your game are important to you to focus on this offseason?
My tackling is what I am working on this offseason, my open-field tackling. I am working on my abilities going against my teammates. We set up the drills like they have at the Nike Opening camps. We go one-on-one in a confined area and they try to shake me. Every Thursday and Saturday, we get on the sled to improve our 40 and work on our shuttle. I am becoming more physical and more disciplined. I am developing my leadership skills as well.”
Will we see you playing any different positions during your senior year?
“You will definitely see me at end and outside linebacker. My coaches Like how I can pass rush and keep containment. My head coach wants me at outside linebacker more this season. He says that is what I will play in college. I think the offensive coach might have me in some packages at tight end this year.”
You mentioned camps a minute ago, are you going to any camps this spring?
“Yes. I have upcoming camps with Under Armour and Nike.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have eight offers: Kansas, Indiana, Tennessee, Southern Miss, Memphis, Eastern Illinois, South Alabama and ULL (Louisiana-Lafayette).”
Which schools are showing interest in you?
“SMU is always checking in on me. Colorado came by school to talk to me in-person recently.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I have visited ULL.”
How did the ULL visit go?
“It went well. We had a nice tour of their facility and I saw two of their practices. Overall, it went well.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They like my athleticism, my speed, and how I show up and make the play. They like my speed and size.”
Last question. What do you do for fun away from football?
“I like to chill with my big brothers.”
Taiwan, it was great doing the interview with you today. Good luck with all your upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Berryhill family; Taiwan Berryhill (left) at ULL