Q&A with Kye Staley

By Chris Evans

 

            Inside the Guthrie High School library a portion of the bookshelves served as a background with an Oklahoma State University banner. Kye Staley wore a white hat with the orange “O” logo representing Oklahoma State. In the room were coaches, teammates, teachers, and friends as they listened to Staley’s announcement at a press conference.

Staley, who also celebrated his 17^th birthday on this day, sat down with his mom at his side and told the state and nation that he would play his college football at Oklahoma State University. Staley, will join former Guthrie Bluejay David Washington on the roster next season. Staley said he has had communication with the Cowboy center and was an influential part of his decision.

            I recently caught up with Kye after a Bluejay practice and talked with the Oklahoma prep star and collected his thoughts on recruitment, goals, and his career.

 

 

Guthrie Sports Page (GSP)

Congratulations on this day not only your announcement, but your birthday as well.

 

Kye Staley

I turned 17 today, finally. I am the youngest on the team senior wise.

 

GSP

What is your birthday dinner going to be?

 

Staley

Home made lasagna.

 

GSP

Why did you make the announcement today as oppose to the end of the football season?

 

Staley

I have always known where I want to go and if I get hurt they have to honor my commitment. Plus, it is close to home.

 

GSP

When did it occur to you that you knew you could play Division 1 football?

 

Staley

When I got the offers from Division 1 schools.

 

GSP

What Cowboy coach recruited you?

 

Staley

Joe DeForest

 

GSP

What made OSU appealing to you and made you want to play in Stillwater?

 

Staley

David Washington told me how close it is (to Guthrie) and their new facilities coming. OSU has a lot of big things going for them.

 

GSP

Do you know what position the coaches would like to see you play?

 

Staley

Mostly at running back, but if I don’t play that probably the safety position.

 

GSP

Did the news about Emmanuel Moody possibly coming to Stillwater affect your decision?

 

Staley

No.

 

GSP

Talk about your recruiting process. Is it something that you have enjoyed?

 

Staley

I enjoyed it at times, but it sometimes it got annoying. I would get like four calls a day and I would stop answering, but I would call them back if they left a message.

 

GSP

You almost decided to play with Les Miles and LSU a few weeks ago. What changed your mind?

 

Staley

At first, I talked about committing (to LSU), but then I decided not to because I have not seen what they had to offer, but saw what OSU had to offer and that changed my mind.

 

GSP

Who was your favorite Bluejay player to watch before you enter high school?

 

Staley

I had two, DeMarko Jones and Steven Smith.

 

GSP

When you reached high school a lot of people around here immediately started to compare you to DeMarko Jones. Is that something that you enjoyed and how did you handle it?

 

Staley

I just tried to play the way I played and not try to imitate anyone else.

 

GSP

When the injuries occurred to Josh and Kale in the Deer Creek game in 2004 and you got the call to go in at quarterback. What was going          through your mind at that time?

 

Staley

I was just surprised and went in and tried to do my best.

 

GSP

Does that seem like a long time ago, or just yesterday?

 

Staley

Seem like a long time ago.

 

GSP

So far in three seasons at Guthrie what has been your highlight?

 

Staley

I can’t say that I have a highlight yet because we haven’t won a state title. That will be my highlight.

 

GSP

How influential has the GHS coaches been to you not only in the recruiting process, but also making you a better player?

 

Staley

Just helping me a better person off the field and on the field, and helping me be a better leader.

 

GSP

Has the media been a nuisance for you? Well, except for me, of course.

 

Staley

Sometimes it can be annoying. I just try an act like it is not there, but I can’t cause I know it is there.

 

GSP

Last question, what are your goals as you finish your career at Guthrie?

 

Staley

Of course, to win State!

 

            At the conclusion of our interview Staley said he had to go inside the field house locker room and take his medicine. No, not medication, but medicine from his teammates that birthday boys receive. Hey, what happens in the locker room stays in the locker room. Even if you are one of the elite players in the nation.