Camp Conversation: Tyrel Dodson

12thman.com's coverage of the 2017 Training Camp is brought to you by:

12thMan.com's latest "Camp Conversation" showcases sophomore linebacker Tyrel Dodson.

The true freshman from Franklin, Tennessee burst onto the scene in 2016, appearing in every game. His 27 tackles were the highest on the team among the rookie class.

Dodson visited with 12^th Man Productions student reporter Fallon Appleton.
 

---

 
FA: A video of you went viral recently of you squatting 675 pounds after running stadium sprints. Walk us through that moment.

"Well, I was kind of disappointed I didn't get a power clean max earlier in the week, so after the stadiums, I was like 'I want to go in the weight room and prove that I'm one of the strongest'. I went in there and proved that, and all the guys hyped me up and took video, which they posted on social media, and it went viral. I couldn't do that without my strength coach, (Roberto) McBride. He's helped me a lot. He got me more flexible and got me a whole lot stronger this offseason."
 

FA: Speaking of putting in major gains in the weight room, what else have you been doing in the offseason to get ready for this moment?

"Coach Hocke has kind of set the tone. We ran a whole lot more than I have in previous years. My conditioning has played a huge part at my position, and also my flexibility. I've been in the weight room stretching almost every day and that has helped me with my game."

FA: What's been your favorite thing to do in the weight room so far?

"I really like the squats."

FA: Well, that's been pretty obvious with your video…This is your second season under Coach Chavis. How have you seen yourself develop and grow as a player?

"He's helped me on and off the field. He's always preaching to be a good player on and off the field, so I'm trying to improve on that. And also, with the Xs and Os, knowing where I need to fit, knowing where the safety needs to fit, and how everyone works around me. He's helped me improve my game a lot."
 

FA:  Your roommates are Ikenna Okeke and Nick Starkel. How did two guys from Tennessee end up rooming with a quarterback from Texas?

"We all just kind of clicked during the offseason…freshmen coming in, we all just worked together. Us three were the leaders of the freshman group, so we all just stuck together."

FA: You said you were the leaders of the freshmen last year, do you see yourself taking on a leadership role this year?

"Yes…playing middle linebacker you have to be more vocal and show a lot of emotion. So I'm stepping up and showing I can be a better leader."