AZ Prep Varsity caught up with Cactus Shadows defensive lineman Dylan Malone in this article now!
Q&As | Football Articles | Q&A Nomination
How has everything with the football season been going so far?
“It’s had its ups and downs. We’re 3–4 right now, and all four losses came against teams ranked in the top five in 5A. Three of those games we lost by a total of 11 points so we know we can hang with the best. Now it’s just about taking that next step and figuring out how to finish those games. We’re close to turning the corner.”
Have you been pleased with how you have played this season?
“Not really pleased, because at 3–4 I know I can do more to help us win. I’ve made progress in some areas, but I’ve still got things to clean up and get better at. Jobs are not finished.”
How do you feel your team has played?
“We’ve battled every game. Even when things haven’t gone our way, we’ve stayed together and kept fighting. When we’re locked in, everything clicks, we just have to find that consistency and keep flying around.”
What do you feel your team can improve on?
“Mainly communication and playing alignment/assignment football, especially late in games. We’ve got the talent, but it’s about finishing and doing our job every snap. When we do that we can beat anybody.”
What are the keys for your team being successful going forward?
“Discipline, effort, and energy every single snap. Trust our coaches, do our jobs, and play for each other. If we do that and finish games the way we’re capable of, we can beat anyone.”
Why did you commit to CSU-Pueblo?
“Pueblo just felt like home right away. The coaches believe in me, and I love the way they play defense fast, physical, and aggressive. I know I can grow there as a player and as a person.”
Why did you decide to end the process early?
“Once I visited Pueblo and met the coaches in person, I just knew that was the right place for me. I didn’t see a reason to drag it out when I was sure where I wanted to be.”
Are other colleges still trying to recruit you?
“Yeah, a few have still reached out from messages and game day invites, which I really appreciate. But my focus is on my high school season and then getting ready to compete at Pueblo when I get there. I talked with a lot of great programs like Sioux Falls, Augustana, Michigan Tech, Western New Mexico, and Western Colorado.”
What stood out about CSU-Pueblo over those other schools?
“Their culture for sure. The coaches and players there compete at a really high level, and you can feel how close everyone is. I went out for a spring game visit and the defense was just flying around making plays. There’s something special about that place I wanted to be a part of.”
Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yeah, Arizona State. I went to at least one game a year with my dad growing up, so that was kind of my team as a kid.”