Dyer Unplugged

Little Rock Christian senior star running back prospect Michael Dyer spends a lot of time answering questions. The 5-9, 205-pound five-star recruit estimates he receives an average of 20 calls from media and another 20 from college recruiters per day.

Dyer got a chance to do the talking after the photo shoot for the VYPE 2009 Arkansas Football Preview, in which he appears with Oakland Raider running back Darren McFadden. We turned on the microphone on and let Dyer share his feelings about the recruiting process, the media and other issues. Twenty-five minutes later (with just two follow-up questions), this is a sampling of what’s on his mind.

On the High Phone Call Volume
“I try not to complain about phone calls. Some kids dream about one phone call. I get a lot, so I try not to say anything negative about the recruiting process. I try to take it in and enjoy it, and make it a special thing for me. When you put in a lot of time on something you are rewarded for it. I think that is what is happening right now. But, sometimes I just wish I was a regular kid.”

On His Passion for Football
“I love football. I’m going to play hard every down, every second I’m on the field. That’s what I wanna do, and that’s what I’m gonna do. Football brings the person out of you. You learn a lot about life through football.”

On Living in a Fish Bowl
“Sometimes you don’t want to be a role model, you just want to have a life. I signed up to play football, and I signed up to be a good person. I have to deal with the issues and consequences of being a recruited football player. I can’t do certain stuff I could do a few years ago. I have high standards to live up to. Because I am one of the best players in Arkansas and because I’m highly recruited there are things I can’t do. I can’t say certain things because of who I am, and I can’t go to parties and do things kids do. Those are things I can’t do and don’t want to do. Sometimes people wish they were a star or wish they were Michael Dyer. They don’t know all the headaches you have to go through. There is so much more than just being great on the football field.”

On Commitment
“(Football) teaches you about not giving up and pushing through when you get tired. When it’s 6 o’clock in the morning, you don’t want to practice, but you do because it brings out the man in you. I know I have to get up and take responsibility if I’m going to be the best I can be. I’ve learned there are a lot of great players. There are lots of great running backs and quarterbacks. What gives you the edge is your character, and the things you do. I try to balance everything and not waste time on something I shouldn’t be doing.”

On the Media
“I wish (the media) wouldn’t continue to ask me the same questions. They can read one article and know my answer. I know it’s a business, but it’s not going to be that much fun if you continue to ask the same question over time. But, if you ask me a question that intrigues me, and makes me want to talk to you… Instead of asking where I’m gonna go, you might ask how this has affected me. — More important questions. Everyone asks the same questions. If you really want the answer, you can go look it up. There are times I’m not going to answer the phone because I know I’m going to get the same question. (The media) don’t ask why I like (football) so much, or why I want to drive eight hours to visit a school.”

On Picking a School
“I have to feel like I feel when I go home. I have to feel comfortable. I know what I want in a school. I know what I’m looking for, and I know what I need. I need to find a place I’m comfortable with and don’t mind staying for four years. That’s how you narrow it down. I’ve been to many campuses and different schools. There’s some that just didn’t feel like home.

On College Coaches
“There’s some that just shoot you straight and tell you how it’s going to be. Those are the ones I like. The ones that try to sell you something are the ones you really don’t want to go to. It’s not really about you; it’s about the school or the facilities. ‘I’m not interested in how big your weight room or stadium is. I’m doing just fine in a small weight room at Little Rock Christian. I wouldn’t have visited if I didn’t like those things. I want to know how I fit it.’”

On the College Coaches He Likes Best
“The ones I like so far are the ones that tell me exactly the way it is. I don’t want to say it’s my list but these schools but — Alabama, Auburn, Arkansas and Notre Dame — get a better seeding because they shoot me straight. They’re not trying to sell me the school. I know they have a good program and good school. I’ve got that down. They’ve told me what to look forward to and how it’s going to be. Tell me how I can fit in, how you can help me, and how I can help you.”

On Playing Immediately
“I’m not going to go somewhere I have to sit out or redshirt. I want to play college football my freshman year. Wherever I am, I’ll be ready. I’m going to make sure I’m ready. I just want to play. When I was a kid, I never remember sitting and watching someone. I really don’t know how it feels to be on the sideline. I’m not scared of any running backs, but I’m not going to go somewhere they have good running backs that are doing the job the way the coaches want. I’m not really interested in a running back by committee.”

On the Crowded Arkansas Backfield
“People are saying I’m scared to go to Arkansas because they have so many running backs. But, that’s not true. They have good running backs. I’m good friends with all of their running backs. I’m good friends with all of the Arkansas players they have because I’ve been there so much. I’m not scared of anyone. But, I am going to be smart and choose the school that I can help right off the bat. I don’t mind competition. I love competition. They say, ‘You aren’t going to go somewhere because you are scared.’ That’s not how it is. I’m gonna go where I can play. I can play at Auburn. I can play at Arkansas. I can play at Florida. I think I can play about anywhere, but I’m going to go where I think it is a good place for me.”
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To read more about Dyer and his relationship with McFadden, check out the VYPE 2009 Arkansas Football Preview available at Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, Hastings and Kroger as well as other fine magazine retailers across the state.