ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Lyston Barber

Ocoee High rising senior Lyston Barber had three-and-one-half sacks and five tackles in the spring game against University High on May 20. The Knights came out on top, shutting out the Cougars 6-0. The performance capped a strong spring for the defensive standout, one that has put Barber on the radar of many college coaches.

What are you most looking forward to about the upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to winning a district title, and that’s the only thing on my mind, really. That’s most important to me. 

How would you describe the team dynamic after the spring game?

I think the team did pretty good. We have a lot to work on. We have new quarterbacks coming in, but the linebackers and offensive line did well. We should have scored more points, but we have a lot of potential, and we should have done better than we did, but we came out with a win, so that was good.

Any plans for after high school?

Hopefully I’m going to try to get a (Division I) scholarship, and if not, we’ll see where life takes me. I would like to go to UCF or UF, somewhere in Florida, and I’d like to be a mechanical engineer.

What’s your favorite Disney movie?

“The Lion King.” I grew up watching it and thought it was pretty cool, and I like Simba. It’s one of those childhood memories.

Do you have a favorite class in school?

I used to like science, but when I got to high school, I didn’t like doing the chemical equations, so I kind of like U.S. history and the learning and knowledge that comes with it. It helps out in life.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Steak. You can’t go wrong with eating steak. It has the protein in it, the carbs, and it’s naturally good for you.

What music do you listen to before a game?

I don’t listen to music, I listen to speeches. I listen to Eric Thomas speeches. It keeps me focused more on doing what I have to do. 

Who do you look up to in pro football?

Clay Matthews, from Green Bay, and J.J. Watt, from Texas. 

What’s your least favorite chore to do?

Dishes. I work at Texas Roadhouse, and I do dishes there, so I come home, and I don’t want to do any dishes.