With a long legacy of outstanding quarterbacks, Newhall (Calif.) Hart continued the trend with the play of Tyler Lyon (6-5, 210) in 2004.
Lyon replaced California State Player of the Year Sean Norton for 2003 last season, and while the Indians missed out on the CIF Finals for the first time since the 1990s, Lyon had a productive year on the field.
He threw for 3,108 yards on 213-for-364 passing and 27 touchdowns.
“We didn’t do particularly as well as we would have liked, but it was a good learning year,” said Lyon.
While it’s early in the recruiting process, Lyon is hearing from a few schools, and has one offer to date. “I’ve got an offer from Arizona, and I’m hearing from Colorado, Syracuse and UCLA,” said Lyon.
Lyon was at UCLA’s Junior Day, and spent time with the coach recruiting him, quarterbacks coach Jim Svoboda. “He’s a good coach and a nice man,” said Lyon. “They showed us around the campus and we got to go to the basketball game.”
In terms of a favorite, Lyon said his hometown school has long been at the top of his list. “I’ve liked UCLA since as long as I can remember. That’s where I’ve always liked.”
A top baseball prospect (pitcher), Lyon is not close to deciding what direction to go in college. He’s even undecided about which sports he’s going to play this summer. He is a candidate for the prestigious high school baseball event, the Area Code Games, but because is unsure if he’ll play in it due to football passing leagues. “We have a busy summer, so I don’t know if I’ll be able to do it if I’m asked,” said Lyon.
When making his decision on whether to play both sports in college, Lyon said it will take a great deal of research on his part before deciding. “I’ve got a big decision to make. I really have to do my research, and see what goes on. Being a quarterback, one of my concerns is spring football, because it’s during baseball season. But I’ll be prepared when I decide,” said Lyon.
Academically, Lyon has a 3.0 GPA and scored an 1,110 on his PSAT.