Grand Rapids, MI—GRCCRaiders had a chance to catch up with DeShawn Byrd this week shortly after he committed his talents to Arkansas State. Byrd is the latest member of the GRCC football squad to announce his plans of where to play this fall. Arkansas State’s Red Wolves compete in the NCAA DI Sun Belt Conference and went 10-3 during the 2011-2012 season.
GRR – Jonesboro is a long way from home for you, what made you choose Arkansas State over Akron?
DB – It was a hard decision to leave my family, but they gave me support. They told me all the things I needed to hear. At the end of the day it’s only a year and some months that I’ll be gone. I won’t be away for long.
GRR – How would you describe your experience playing at GRCC, and how has it helped to prepare you for D1 football?
DB – My experience here made me a man. You have to do a lot of things on your own and you have to do a lot of growing up. I think it’s helped me to mature my game.
GRR – What were some of your biggest moments as a Raider?
DB – My Donald Black Leadership award and the Mississippi Bowl. The award was important to me because it showed my success on and off the field. The bowl game was a great experience to go down south and play some other teams.
GRR – Arkansas State had a solid season last year, finished 10-2 in the regular season, and came up short in the GoDaddy.com bowl. What do you bring to the team that can put them over the top to win their bowl game this season?
DB – My physicality. My leadership, the Donald Black Award, and just a fun mature competitive experience to add to their game. The coaching change will bring a new aspect to the team this season as well.
GRR – What goals have you set for yourself both on and off of the football field, both short term and long term?
DB – Short term to earn my Associates Degree, Long term make First Team All American, and to graduate from Arkansas State with a degree in business. I’d like to work in PR or be an entrepreneur. Maybe open a restaurant train or sell equipment. I’d also like to try out coaching at some point.
GRR – Are there any professional athletes that you model yourself after?
DB – Kevin Garnet and Ray Lewis. Garnet is a fun dude, but brings an intimidating spirit to the game. That’s how I see myself. Ray Lewis shows a similar aspect to his game. I compete with a high level of intensity.
GRR – You’ve recently received an award for leadership at GRCC. How do you plan to carry those skills over to Arkansas State?
DB – I’ll definitely make sure I do all the right things. I may not be the average leader, but I’m going to do everything that is required of me and just be an asset to the team.
GRR – You come from a large, athletic family. Are there any other Byrd’s we should be looking out for?
DB – That’s a list. I’ve got a wide receiver brother, Daylin Byrd. He’s going to a junior college this year, and will make up his mind where he’ll transfer later. My little brother Tre’von Williams-Brown has an offer from Arizona. My big brother Dan Byrd Jr. just committed to Johnson & Johnson in North Carolina. My big brother Durrell is nearing a decision on what D2 school he’ll transfer to in a couple of weeks. I’ve got 3 cousins; Geron Johnson just signed with Memphis, Andre Yates just signed with Crinton, and my cousin Keith Winn is down in Tuskegee. Korey Ringer signed to Ferris. My little brother Justin Shells is going to Wright State to play lacrosse. I could go on for days, we’re a very athletic family.
GRR – If you were an animal, what type of animal would you be?
DB – Easy, a bird. An eagle, because they’re on the top. They can see their prey 2 miles away. I can’t see quite that far though.
GRR - Will the Supreme Court overturn the current campaign finance regime?
DB – Did you really put that question in there? I mean, I really don’t know because there are a lot of politics that go into politics.
GRR – Anything else you’d like to say?
DB – Watch out for me. Be on the look out. Thank God, I love my mom and dad, and everyone else in the Byrd-Peavy family. Follow me on twitter @damuffin_man74
