The Utah State coaching staff added a transfer running back into the fold on the evening of Saturday, January the 23rd when former Oregon State running back Calvin Tyler accepted his scholarship offer. Rated a mid three-star by 247Sports coming out of Silsbee High School (TX), Calvin ranks as the No. 1,032 college prospect in the country, the No.24 running back nationally and the No. 163 college prospect in the State of Texas in the 2017 class. He currently checks in at 5 foot 8 and 215 pounds. As a junior in 2020, Calvin logged 15 carries for 45 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 2 receptions for 9 yards. As a redshirt sophomore in 2019, he tallied 12 carries for 68 yards and added 1 reception for 15 yards.
I had the opportunity to have a Q&A with Calvin about his commitment to the Aggies.
BP: First question, what is your transfer situation? Are you a graduate transfer?
CT: I graduate in March from Oregon State and would be able to head to USU right after.
BP: Fantastic news! Congratulations on earning your degree!
BP: So, you will graduate and be able to go through spring ball correct?
CT: Yes we working on that now everything should line up right, so I can be back for spring ball.
BP: Perfect! That would be big for you to make it back in time for spring ball!
BP: You have 2 years to play 2 correct?
CT: I would have two years of eligibility and would be able to play right away.
BP: Can you talk briefly about your career at Oregon State and your decision to leave?
CT: My career at Oregon State was definitely a learning experience and I grew a lot through the process. I started and played as true freshman, I started on KOR (kick off return). (I) Got a couple carries in a crowded backfield with two of them going to the NFL. (My) Sophomore year the year I was suppose to start and was the number 1 back. I got injured week 3 of fall camp just two weeks before the first game and had to miss the whole season. Junior year was definitely slow and I had to play behind a back and then last year was the same thing. It wasn’t easy for me going from leading the state of Texas in rushing yards coming out of high school, to not playing these last two years was definitely hard. But like I said before, I don’t regret it and glad I was able to learn and grow from it.
BP: It sounds like you’ve really grown from experiencing some adversity as far as your football career goes and you would like to make the most of your next opportunity here at Utah State!
BP: Did you have an opportunity to virtually visit the Utah State campus and if so what was your first impression?
CT: No, I haven’t got to change to visit but saw pictures of the campus and facilities and it’s beautiful.
BP: It’s even better in person!
BP: What was your first impression of the football program?
CT: My first impression was that I know a lot of coaches and players that have played at this university. Especially with Gary Andersen recruiting me to OSU and knowing he coached at Utah State. So I can say I was familiar with it in a way. But my first impression was wow they really pack out home games and love the Aggies!
BP: This town truly does love Aggie athletics!
BP: What kind of player do you feel you are? What do you bring to the table when you step onto the field?
CT: I’m the type of player, to describe it in a unique way, you have an indoor dog and outdoor dog. The outdoor dog is that dog that’s scared to come outside and don’t have to scrap for food, but that out door dog is outside, scrappy and ready to earn everything. I’m that outdoor dog. I’m a self driven player who goes to work and makes plays. When I step on the field I bring speed, separation and the ability to make people miss. I can hit the home run ball at anytime and can also catch out the backfield. I’m most definitely going to lead by example on and off the field and that’s by the strength of the Good Lord above.
BP: I love the analogy! I’ve never heard a player describe themselves like that! That is straight up blue collar.
BP: Technically speaking what do you feel like you do best? What skills are the strong point of your game?
CT: I think my best skill is my vision, I feel like I have great vision and the ability to change directions quickly. But also being able to hit them home run plays and catching.
BP: I like that you are a weapon in all parts of the game. It makes the Aggie offense more dangerous!
BP: What goals or aspirations do you have leading into the 2021 spring ball season here at Utah State?
CT: I plan on mastering the playbook, establishing myself on the team and getting my teammates respect and support. I also plan on working my way up and battle for the 1 RB on the depth chart going into fall camp. Also getting faster and stronger with the strength and conditioning team.
BP: It sounds like you are a lead by example kind of dude.
BP: What Aggie coach or coaches were your primary recruiters during the process?
CT: I talked to (Running Back) Coach (Chuckie) Keeton a lot but also talked to (Head) Coach (Blake) Anderson and (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Anthony) Tucker. The conversations I had with all three definitely played a part in my commitment.
BP: Those are great guys to get your conversation started about coming to Utah State!
BP: At the time of your commitment, what other schools did you have offers from and which ones were recruiting you the hardest?
CT: I’m not go mention every school but my main two came down to Utah State and Memphis. I had good relationship with the staff at Memphis, I just knew Utah State would be a better fit.
BP: It’s all good! Memphis is a good school to beat out.
CT: Most definitely a hard decision it was just hard to beat that relationship I’ve had with Coach Keeton and how authentic the staff at Utah State was when I talked to them.
BP: Why did you choose to commit to Utah State?
CT: I chose Utah State because I knew it was a place where I can grow and just focus on football and block out distractions. It’s not a very big city like Memphis was. I’ve got a goal I would like to accomplish and I just knew Utah State would be a perfect fit.
BP: Very cool! Welcome to Aggie Nation my man!
CT: Yes sir and thank you for and hearing my story also.
What I like best about Calvin is his initial burst and I think that it’s really the calling card of his game. He is a thickly built, but not a huge player, the speed that he generates from that burst gets him through the line with the power to run through arm tackles and around the edge and down the sideline on stretch plays. On counter plays, he’s quicker to plant a foot and cut through a seam faster than the defense is able to react to the play. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield lends to his potential role as that of a ‘utility player’ that can be motioned out of the backfield and line up as a slot receiver at times. Despite his smaller stature he is still a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the football. He will definitely benefit from going through spring ball and summer conditioning.
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