Daily photo by Brennen Smith

Nose to nose with . . .
Tanner High's Josh Byrd

Tanner High center Josh Byrd helps anchor an offensive line that paces the Rattlers’ potent offense.

The 5-foot-11, 250-pound senior, who played a variety of positions on the line before settling in at center, took a few minutes before practice this week for 10 questions with Daily Sports Writer Brooke Milam:

Question: As Tanner’s center, you have a lot
of responsibilities.

What is your checklist of things to do on each play?

Answer: First, make sure to look for the blitzes, so everyone knows who to block. Make sure the snap count is right. Look for the double-team and know who they’re going for. That’s about it.

Q: Have you ever played any other position on the line other than center?

A: On offense, I’ve played center, right tackle and guard. On defense, I’ve played defensive tackle and defensive end. Right now, I’m just playing center, and I’m second-string defensive end.

Q: Football players, especially linemen, are known for eating. If there was a postgame meal waiting for you in the locker room, what would you want it to be?

A: Probably some steak. We sometimes go to Greenbriar to eat on Thursday nights before a home game. And we always eat together in the lunchroom as a team on Fridays.

Q: What is the best mascot you can think of that no school you know of has?

A: Dragons. Probably green and white would be good colors for that.

Q: Being a lineman can be a thankless job. What makes you feel appreciated?

A: Getting a good block for a touchdown. Right after we get done on the sidelines they tell us, “Thanks.”

Q: What is the most important part of your day other than football practice?

A: Keeping my schoolwork in good shape. Algebra II is my hardest class right now.

Q: How do you spend most of your time in the offseason?

A: Working out and working at Subway in Decatur. I also like to go swimming and just hang out with my friends.

Q: Who is the toughest defensive line you have faced?

A: East Limestone — their speed and power.

Q: What would you say the hardest part of Tanner head coach Laron White’s job is?

A: Making sure everybody shows up at practice. Working us out hard and keeping us in good shape.

Q: How much does football define you and your teammates?

A: It has a lot to do with our personality. Football is important because you get to know guys on the team better and become good friends and stuff.

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