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Pyron, Hammond Bullies On The Field

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By NICK WILLIAMS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 4, 2008

TAMPA - At first glance, Chamberlain defensive tackles Dontavious Pyron and Eric Hammond are intimidating figures.

Pyron, a senior, is 6-foot-2 and 260 pounds while Hammond, a junior, towers at 6-3 and 305.

Once the two begin to converse, however, it doesn't take long to warm up to their humble and welcoming personalities.

Don't be mistaken, though. On the football field, Pyron and Hammond are totally different.

In fact, the two linemen said they can more accurately be described as bullies.

Pyron and Hammond have controlled Chamberlain's defensive line the last two seasons, leading the Chiefs' defense to four shutouts last year. This season, the duo plans to dominate the trenches.

"We're trying to repeat what we did last year," Pyron said.

"We work well together, we're like brothers," Hammond said. "Offensive linemen already know most teams can't block us."

Pyron, considered a four-star recruit, was a Tribune All-County first-team selection, an FACA all-area first-team selection and second-team Class 5A all-state as a junior. He finished last season with 81 tackles, five sacks and three fumble recoveries, and was later named one of the top 250 prospects in the nation by Rivals.com. During the spring, coaches from LSU, Ohio State, Michigan and Clemson visited Tampa to see Pyron in action.

Only a junior, Hammond will surely receive the same attention. As a sophomore, he recorded 77 tackles and was credited with half a sack.

"They're hard to find," Chamberlain coach Billy Turner said. "You can find a linebacker or defensive back but you don't find guys like Pyron and Hammond every day. Everybody knows Pyron is great on film. Eric started four or five games as a ninth-grader and he clogs the hole. He plays center and gets double teamed."

By the time they were in the eighth grade, Hammond and Pyron were reaching 250 pounds. Neither lineman played football until they reached high school, but Hammond, who originally wanted to play basketball, was upgraded to varsity as a freshman.

"Their potential is unlimited," Turner said. "They're strong and they can move."

Hammond and Pyron said they have undeniable chemistry on the field.

"It's a feeling," Pyron said. "I know the play goes my way, he'll help my side."

Constantly aware of each other's position, they said opposing teams will struggle trying to stop them.

"He controls one side, I control the other side," Pyron said. "He's big and powerful and I'm fast and powerful."

Pyron and Hammond are the lone returning starters on the line and have taken it upon themselves to assist the younger players.

"We want to make this a group," Hammond said.

Turner said with Pyron and Hammond back, the Chiefs shouldn't have any problems making another postseason run.

"I think they'll have a great year," Turner said. "They'll make it easier for our linebackers."

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