2025 Interview with Tyson Keyes from Hilliard Darby

 

Tyson Keyes

Hilliard Darby

OL/DL

2026

6’1 290

Jersey Number: 71

Awards won or earned: 2nd team OCC

HUDL LINK: http://hudl.com/profile/17985718

Post a small recap of last season with personal highlights and any other big moments you have and/or memories you have from last season, whether it be a game, the bus ride to or from the game, or any other thing that sticks out.

Last year was my second year playing varsity football, and I feel like I learned a lot about myself throughout the season. With a lot of big losses, I found that I had to challenge myself to stay positive and step up as a leader on the team.

What have been the biggest changes the new coach has brought to the program?

Coach Burchfield has brought fire back to Darby; he set the standard high and pushes us every day to surpass expectations. He’s building a community that is strong and willing to work harder than everyone else.

What did you learn from last season that you will use to be a better player this season?

Last year I learned how to fight through adversity. With such an undeniably rough season, I had to learn how to lose with composure and bring more the next week.

What are your personal goals for the season?

I want to have a standout season this year. I plan on starting both ways and being the guy the team can rely on, whatever position that may be.

What is the best part of the first day of practice?

Honestly, getting in the locker room and seeing your people. There isn’t anything better than seeing a room full of men ready to work and get better.

What makes you a good teammate?

I think what makes me a good teammate is that I hold everyone accountable. I push my teammates and myself to our max; nobody can have excuses, and everybody gets better. I also encourage and lead extra work outside of practices; not everyone can go all the time, but I always encourage everyone to show up and get more from themselves.

What has been your biggest achievement as a football player?

My biggest achievement of my football career is that I’m a leader. Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to help people be their best selves, and I feel as though that’s what I’m doing now.

Is there a pro or college player you pattern your game after?

There is so much to look up to nowadays; there is so much talent everywhere. Although I hate the team he plays for, I find myself watching Mason Graham.

What is the best part of your game?

I’m a great run stopper; I always hold my gap and can disrupt blocking schemes. I’m also very versatile; that will be on display this upcoming season.

What were you able to accomplish during the off-season to aid you in becoming a bigger force on the field?

I spent my offseason becoming a better wrestler. I made it to districts and pushed myself further than I ever had before. I also did track throwing, holding a varsity spot all year as a first-time athlete. Through it all, I worked with the OH-Line academy and got plenty of help from Coach Tyrel and Coach Velasquez to improve my game.

What is the best part of being a lineman?

The best part is knowing the game can be dictated by your position group; if the OL or DL are dominant, the game is set in stone.

Would you share with the readers one or two schools you are hearing from?

I have been talking a lot to the coaches at Heidelberg and Otterbein. I also have two offers from Ohio Wesleyan and Capital.

If you are invited to play in any of the all-star games after the season, will you?

I would love to have this opportunity to show my skill set off, but if this doesn’t happen, I’ll be straight to the wrestling mats.

What is your go-to snack?

My go-to snack is a Fairlife protein shake with some Goldfish; it really hits after a workout.

What is your favorite style of music?

I’m big into rap and a little R&B every now and then.

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