Rock Chalk Talk with 2009 Kansas Recruit Tyrone Sellers
by Owen on Oct 17, 2008 9:30 AM CDT
in Kansas Jayhawk Football
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Thursday afternoon I had the opportunity to conduct a phone interview with McCook Nebraska defensive end Tyrone Sellers. Tyrone will be a 2009 graduate and has committed his college playing days to Mark Mangino and the Kansas Jayhawks.
I want to say thanks to those of you who added your questions to the list and hopefully we got them answered.
The interview went great Tyrone seems like a great kid and I expect him to fit right into the Kansas system. He has the right attitude, desire and really seems to me like the type of person that Mark Mangino consistently describes as ideal for his program.
I hope this is something you all will enjoy and if so we will try to continue it as a series as I do have some other contacts among the recruits for next year. In the future I am also working on getting these in an audio format so you can actually hear some of these guys and their responses. Tyrone was definetly a great first interview and gave some fantastic insight into his recruitment, expectations and future with the Jayhawks.
Jump into the post for the entire interview...
Tyrone Sellers Interview w/Denverjhawk…10/16/08
1.) Talk a little about your senior year, how your team is doing and how your year is going individually?
Tyrone…My senior season is going by quick. It’s going real well we are 7-0 and have had a great week of practice. We’ve got a big game this week and we are looking to redeem ourselves a little bit after giving up 2 touchdowns last week on defense. It’s funny because the starters really haven’t had a chance to play a full game this year because we’ve been winning so big lately. My personal numbers haven’t been as good but that’s ok the team is great we prepare well, study well and work hard every week.
2.) Who is the best player you’ve gone up against during your high school career? game, camp or otherwise?
Tyrone…I would have to go all the way back to my sophomore year and say Jared Crick he’s a defensive lineman at Nebraska now. We played Cozad in the playoffs and he is the best offensive lineman or defensive lineman I’ve ever faced just based on sheer size and ability.
3.) Is there anybody headed to KU or at KU that you are most excited to play with and why?
Tyrone…Kevin Young, he and I go back to sophomore camps. We are fellow defensive ends and I’m really looking forward to being in Lawrence with him. Kevin is more local to the area so he will be familiar with things and with us both playing defensive end even though we will be on opposite sides we’ll have the same goal.
4.) What was the deciding factor in choosing KU, was there a particular event or player what was it?
Tyrone…It was the coaches. You can sit down with every coach at KU and have a great conversation. They understand high school kids and their expectations going into college. Another big thing for me was I really see myself as a defensive end and so does Kansas. I had other offers but some were at tight end and some were at outside linebacker but I really want to play defensive end. Nebraska thought I was too small for the spot and doesn’t think I can put on the weight but at Kansas they aren’t as worried about my size and really see my speed and athleticism as my strength.
5.) Is there a particular player you’ve modeled your game after and how would you describe your play?
Tyrone…I watch a lot of NFL defensive ends. I watch Dwight Freeney because he isn’t the tallest or the biggest. With me I’m the same way I may not be the biggest but I get a good pass rush. People are amazed at how well I can get an offensive tackle off balance and a lot of that is because of my speed and quickness.
6.) When you get to KU what are your expectations as are as playing time?
Tyrone…That was another thing I liked about KU. They are not against starting a freshman if they are the best player. They think I could easily put on 25lbs by the time I get to KU and if I’m the best player than they won’t keep me off the field just because I’m a freshman. Even if it’s not a realistic possibility it’s nice to know that they have that attitude about you even when you’re that young in the program.
7.) Have you been following KU’s season this year? What are your thoughts? And how do you feel about the OU game this weekend?
Tyrone…I’ve been watching them a lot. The offense seems to be getting on a role and playing with a lot of confidence and that’s great because they’ve got a lot of big games coming up. OU’s going to be tough but I think KU can go down there and do some damage.
8.) Will you be getting down to Lawrence for any games this year?
Tyrone…I was at the Colorado game and I will be going down for the Texas Tech game as well.
9.) You’re from Nebraska everyone there knows football and most are husker fans. What is the perception of Kansas football in Nebraska and has it changed over the last few years with the Jayhawks success?
Tyrone…You know it’s changed a lot. All my teammates grew up Nebraska fans and I grew up Nebraska fans but the direction of the KU program is getting attention. The big 12 is a premier conference and recruits have to look at all their options now even when they come from Nebraska. A big thing for me was that Kansas does things the way my high school does. We may not have the biggest names but we all work hard, buy into the program and play till the final whistle. That’s the way Kansas does it and I like that.
10.) A few quick hitters to wrap up
Q. Favorite NFL Team?
A. Tennessee Titans
Q. Favorite NFL Player?
A. Julius Peppers
Q. Other Than football what are you looking forward to most about KU?
A. I love the atmosphere in Lawrence and also I’m looking forward to meeting new people.
Q. If you had to pick a position other than DE what would it be?
A. Outside LB
Q. Big 12 Team you are looking forward to playing against the most?
A. Nebraska
Q. OU KU what’s your score prediction?
A. I’ve got to go with KU on this one 24-17.
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Great interview...
I like his level of confidence in KU’s defense to hold the Sooners to 17 points in Norman.
When he first told me the score...
I made the comment to him that I was surprised he thought it would be so low scoring…he told me I should expect that he’s a defensive guy.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
Some deeper thoughts beyond 'very cool'...
1) I really love our recruiting strategy regarding the two specific things he mentioned “that he really likes about Kansas”; playing kids where they want to play and playing kids as Freshman. As long as there are no promises made, it is a perfect way to do things. Because, when you are presented with a kid, like Tyrone, who is very sure of himself and is positive he can play DE, odds are he can. And even if he can’t cut it, it will probably be pretty evident, and he will likely be content with moving for the better of the team, after realizing for himself that it probably wouldn’t have worked out at his preferred position. Not saying this is the case at all in this scenario, just a good general rule for recruiting.
Plus, with our lack of DE depth, we shouldn’t be turning anybody away that wants to play DE and can. Good call.
And as far as playing freshman goes, same thing. If they aren’t going to play, you might as well redshirt them, but it is an awesome recruiting tool to not only say “we will play you as a true freshman if you’re good enough”, but actually show examples of people playing. And not just blue-chippers, either, or even just starters. Last year as a true frosh, Jonathan Wilson only saw a handful of snaps a game. In hindsight, when looking at that one particular case, it probably would have made more sense to redshirt him. But it just proves that, if you are good enough to break the cut-line as far as who will see field time or not, you will play, whether you are a true freshman or whatever. This is a good message to send to kids, millenials, who want what they want when they want it (I can say that being one; in fact, I am a member of the general HS Class of 2009). Give every kid an opportunity to play, if they’re good enough.
2) Just reading the interview, he seems very Mangino-ish. The whole play to the final whistle, play as a team, all of that fun stuff; it sounds as if he has gone under the Mark Mangino interview rules, or something. Which is cool. It is clear the kid is about team-first, which is awesome, and certainly something Mangino loves (and requires).
3) Gotta love beating NU for Nebraska kids. Obviously, it is clear that our belief that he could play DE played a huge role, but still; beating the Huskers at recruits they want is impressive, considering the standard rule of thumb of the 80’s and 90’s where any-and-all Nebraskans decided to stay home, even if they sat on the bench for four years.
Again, awesome interview Denver. I am eagerly anticipating any more you may have upcoming; I love hearing why players choose Kansas over others. It fascinates me.
You are exactly right...
Tyrone in no way made it sound as if he was promised playing time and I think he realistically believes he might need a redshirt year to get up to speed etc. But the fact that the staff believes in playing the best player even if that is a freshman is a big plus for Tyrone. As far as the Mangino school for interviewing…if there is such a thing, Tryone passed with flying colors. Couldn’t agree more he sounds very team first and like his values will reflect the values of the team. Really enjoyed it and came away thouroughly impressed with the young man.
Some people are like Slinkies...not really good for anything but they make you smile when pushed down the stairs.
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