No matter which college he chooses on National Signing Day, Columbia’s Kynicholas Tyler expects he will be saying goodbye to quarterback.
Tyler, the 215-pounder who led the Capitals to the Class 2A Upper State semifinals, will most likely be a full-time defensive player when he reaches the next level. Tyler, whose prospects range from Clemson and Auburn to Georgia Military Academy, will announce his decision Wednesday.
“I don’t really like giving up my first, my main position,” Tyler said, “But I understand and I like playing defense too, so I’m going to work just as hard.”
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Notwithstanding the change in position, Tyler said he was well prepared for the process of being recruited. Tyler had a front row seat when older cousin Damario Jeffrey was recruited by South Carolina, and in the years since, has gotten some sage advice.
“The first thing he said was, make sure it’s someplace that is going to be good for academics,” said Tyler, who plans to study business and become an entrepreneur. “It was exciting taking the visits to schools and getting to know people, and the coaches who came to the school kept it real with me.
“I thought I was ready, when I saw it with Damario, but it got hard towards the end,” he said.
Capitals coach Kemper Amick said Tyler held up well against the pressure, and has the defensive credentials to succeed at the next level.
“He’s our all-time yards and touchdowns leader for a career, and he accounted for over 50 touchdowns for us this season alone, but still I’d say he’s been most important for us on defense,” Amick said. “I feel like defense is his best route, and most coaches recruiting him have seen that too.”
Though Tyler has the athleticism and raw talent to eventually become a college quarterback, Amick said Tyler could immediately become an impact player on defense.
On the field nearly every down for the Capitals, Tyler’s play at defensive end helped lead Columbia to a 10-3 finish in his senior season, his second as a starter.
At the North-South All-star game, Tyler was impressive as an outside linebacker.
“Knowing what coaches were looking at me for, I wanted to play defense,” Tyler said. “After a few practices, I felt good about it, I felt like I could be the man down there.”
Amick said Tyler’s dominating performance in the all-star game resulted in increased attention for Tyler — all of it about his defensive skills.
“The more athletic he is, the more they question whether he can really play quarterback, but there are no questions about what he can do on defense,” Amick said.
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