Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Brett Sylve: Football means everything to me. If you ask anyone who knows me, they would tell you the same. Football is my outlet; this is a place where I can escape from what’s going on in the world. My talent is God given so when I play, this is my way of praising him. Football has also given me the opportunity to earn a college degree while also being able to chase my dreams.
Joe Gaiter:What is your untold story?
Brett Sylve: I’ve always been overlooked. I’ve never been the fastest or the strongest, but this made me work that much harder to be that. In High School, I only played offense for one season. Even though I came in as a running back, I was moved to linebacker because we were short. I started as a sophomore and led the team in tackles for two years. Going into my senior season I told my head coach that I wanted to go back to offense because it gave me a better chance at making it to the next level with my size. He put me at receiver, I played in the slot. My first game I had 6 catches for 136 yards and a touchdown. I started 8 games at running back due to our starter going down and I finished first team all-district. With my limited time in the back field, my recruiting was not heavy at all coming out. I had two preferred walk-on spots at Southeastern La and McNeese State, besides that I had two D3 offers and one juco offer. I had the big head, so I tried to do the juco route so I could get more film, but it did not work out like I thought. I played my freshman year at Louisiana College, but was still not satisfied, so I transferred to Southern University. I tried to walk-on, but the ball never really got rolling, at this point I was ready to call it quits. I had no idea where I was going to go or what I was going to do so I was ready to be a regular student. I had one last option, which was my high school coach. He helped me get to Kentucky State and I found a home there, the rest is history.
Joe Gaiter:What are your thoughts on KSU 7-3 2019 season?
Brett Sylve: I feel like we had a great season, even though we were picked to finish last in the conference. That really gave us all sort of a chip on our shoulder. We had something to prove and we really came together as a family not just a team.
Joe Gaiter:Do you feel the weight of the team on your back?
Brett Sylve: Not so much as weight of the team, but I do have high expectations for myself every game. I am my own worst critic. Often after I make a bad play you see me go to the end of the bench. This is not to exclude myself or to get pity, but this is me trying to get my mind right to focus in on the next play.
Joe Gaiter:You lead the team in rushing this year with 1093 yards. How do you prepare for each game?
Brett Sylve: My preparation starts in practice, shout out to the practice squad. Practice helps you know where your cuts are going to be on certain plays, and this is when I try new jukes that I want to add to my package. My gameday prep is simple, I like to listen to my next level playlist and visualize what I am going to do. I am not real vocal before the games I like to get in my zone.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your workout schedule during the off-season?
Brett Sylve: I like to find a routine in the offseason. I work more during this time, so I like to map out my weeks. I work upper body on Mondays, cardio on Tuesdays and Thursdays, a full body workout on Wednesdays, and legs on Friday.
Joe Gaiter:How do you get into the head of your opponents on the field?
Brett Sylve: I talk all game. With the offense that we use I am constantly getting hit, so I like to bring it to them first. By the time they realized I’m not backing down it’s too late.
Joe Gaiter: What can we expect from you this upcoming final season at KSU?
Brett Sylve: This season I want to be a more polished back. I want my name to be in the conversation. I want people coming out to see me. If you don’t know my name you will.
Joe Gaiter:How do you use your size to your advantage athletically?
Brett Sylve: I use my size to my advantage in many ways. I can hide behind my line and when you see me, I already have a full head of steam. With my height, it gives me an advantage because my center of gravity is so low. Most defenders try to take kill shots and I bounce off because of my balance.
Joe Gaiter:What has watching the 2020 NFL Draft taught you about the journey you will take for the 2021 NFL Draft class?
Brett Sylve: Watching the draft this year really fed my hunger that much more. Watching Clyde Edwards-Helaire a similar type back go in the first round gives me hope. Plus watching my cousin Cameron Dantzler get drafted drives my ambition. I know in order to make it to the draft I must be patient and take it one step at a time.
Joe Gaiter:Congratulations on graduation. What was your major and how do you plan on using it?
Brett Sylve: Thank you, and I got my bachelor’s in business administration. I want to be an entrepreneur; I want to have my hand in a bunch of different industries. I am going to be my own boss, I don’t just want to be a football player.
Joe Gaiter:Describe yourself in 3 words
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Determined
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Ambitious
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Motivated
Joe Gaiter:What does your family mean to you?
Brett Sylve: My family is everything to me. I come from a big family where everyone knows everyone. My family is one of my motivations, they support me through the ups and the downs. Family is always there for you.
Joe Gaiter:What do you want your legacy to be?
Brett Sylve: I want people to mention my name when they talk about great backs. I often hear stories of players who came way before me, I want fans to tell stories about the game they came and saw Brett Sylve play.
Joe Gaiter:Final Words?
Brett Sylve: I want to give a big thanks to Gaiter Sports. I appreciate you giving players a platform to tell their story.
Joe Gaiter:Shoutouts?
Brett Sylve:
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Shoutout to my family
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Shoutout to Jetway
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Shoutout to TheUsual
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Shoutout to Louisiana (985)
IG: Jetway.surf
Twitter: Tigerbby23
