DB Ahmad Lyons (Wagner) Interview

Ahmad Lyons

Defensive Back / Wagner

Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Ahmad Lyons: I am 5’9, 185.

Alex Khvatov: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Ahmad Lyons: Our strength and conditioning coach created a good workout plan for us. I was also doing DB drills and conditioning. They opened the gyms this week.

Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Ahmad Lyons: I played basketball, baseball and ran track. I did the 300m hurdles, long jump, triple jump, and 4x400m relays.

Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?

Ahmad Lyons: RB, QB, receiver, safety, corner and kick returner.

Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Ahmad Lyons: I was from a small high school. I didn’t have enough exposure. Elon and Fayetteville State offered me. Elon offered me, but their coaching staff got fired. I wasn’t considering Fayetteville because I didn’t want to go to a D-II school.

Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at a junior college?

Ahmad Lyons: I had a high school coach who put in a good word for me with ASA College in Miami. They offered me a preferred walk-on spot.

Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Wagner?

Ahmad Lyons: I had an offer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Albany, but I didn’t commit in time. I had no offers for two weeks. Wagner came with an offer in late December. Coach called me on the phone, and I committed on the spot.

Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your junior season?

Ahmad Lyons: Basically, we had a bad year. We went 1-11. We felt that we had a great defense. We didn’t play with the same standard. The offense and the defense just didn’t jell together as a team. I played well. I ended up with two INT’s, four pass deflections and 40 tackles. I played SS and as a nickel corner. They moved me around.

Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from your team this upcoming season?

Ahmad Lyons: This year, the team is ready to go. We are ready to come back and dominate every school. I expect every one of our players to be accountable.

Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?

Ahmad Lyons: I can play anywhere. I read the play well. I am smart with the details.

Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Ahmad Lyons: Working on patience a little bit more. I am also light for my position. I need to put on more weight.

Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Ahmad Lyons: I came up with an interception against Monmouth in the red zone last year. The game was on the line. We were up 14-10, and I caught an INT with two minutes left in the game. Unfortunately, they came back to win the game on the last drive.

Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?

Ahmad Lyons: Fight till the end. Keep fighting no matter what.

Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?

Ahmad Lyons: Tyrann Mathieu.

Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Ahmad Lyons: DB Darrell Malone, WR Josh Decambre, LB Titus Leo, LB Jordan Haven, DL Jabreil Salaam, and WR Noah Ellison. Look out for RB Ike Ogwuegbu.

Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Ahmad Lyons: The best player we faced last year was WR Lonnie Moore from Monmouth. His quickness stood out. He is fast. He is dangerous out of the slot.

Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DB?

Ahmad Lyons: You got to be a dog. You can’t be soft.

Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?

Ahmad Lyons: You work hard and you invest your emotions in this game. I love the atmosphere, working out, the weight room, practice and the game.

Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?

Ahmad Lyons: You can put me anywhere, and I will ball out. My versatility.

Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?

Ahmad Lyons: Someone who holds everyone accountable and takes responsibility for everything. A leader has to speak up and encourage the team.

Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?

Ahmad Lyons: I produce music and videos. I made a couple of videos of myself and others.

Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Ahmad Lyons: I want to be a music producer.