PALM BEACH GARDENS – Dalton Lyons was nominated for our Lineman of the Year and Breakthrough Player of the Year for Private Schools.
He won both honors with ease.
Without a doubt, the 6-foot-5, 300-pound college prospect (94 total pancakes this past season) has earned his spot as the top-ranked offensive lineman in Palm Beach County. And without a doubt, he is one of the very best players overall in Palm Beach County.
Lyons proved it by playing quite well on a consistent basis at the center, guard, and tackle positions. He provided top-notch protection for sophomore quarterback Tyler Aronson (2,177 passing yards, 32 total touchdowns, five interceptions) and sophomore running back Chauncey Bowens (1,368 total yards, 15 total touchdowns) all season long.
“He played all over the line, so his versatility was easy to see,” Benjamin offensive coordinator Mike Colee said. “Aside from that, what really stood out was his strength and determination to finish blocks.”
Benjamin senior linebacker Mason Thomason (75 tackles, two sacks, one interception) concurred.
“Dalton is easily one of the top guys at his position in the county and is someone who will work hard to perfect his craft on and off the field,” Thomason said. “He is a hard worker who deserves the recognition he is receiving.”
For those who did not know – but will know now – Lyons started out at Seminole Ridge before transferring to Benjamin prior to his junior season.
Our Co-Underclassman of the Year for Public Schools and junior running back Sebastien Christian was able to get an early look at how Lyons performed on the gridiron.
“I went with him there,” Christian said of Lyons. “He’s a really genuine guy. He always worked his butt off, and he was never settling. I’m glad he did what was best for him. Now he’s got a couple offers. I see him at the gym sometimes, and I know he’s about to do some huge things at the next level.”
Speaking of that, Lyons is currently taking an official visit to Grambling State to fellow Benjamin teammate and classmate C.J. Bowens (58 tackles, 11 sacks at the defensive end/linebacker positions).
Both Lyons and Bowens received their offers recently from former NFL head coach and current Grambling State head coach Hue Jackson.
For Lyons, this was an opportunity that he could not pass up. This is why he will not be participating in the inaugural Battle of the Beach All-Star Game tonight (Jan. 15; 6 p.m. kickoff) at Keiser University in West Palm Beach.
“I really wanted to,” Lyons said of playing in the Battle of the Beach All-Star Game. “But I have a official visit with Grambling and Coach Jackson, so I had to did that. It is one of only two D-1’s that have offered me.”
NEXT UP FOR LYONS: Blue-Grey All-American Bowl on Monday, Jan. 31 (1 p.m. kickoff) at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
“It’s funny because I didn’t really know how big the Blue-Grey Game was,” Lyons said. “But my father came home ecstatic. He was explaining to me and once I realized how big that honor was, I was blown away. Truly humbling. I just give all I have every week and game night I play the best I can. For me to make that game it’s truly a honor. With names like Jason Taylor and Patrick Mahomes and so many more that have played in that game, for me, it doesn’t get much bigger.”
NOTE: The other nominees for Lineman of the Year – Private were St. Andrew’s senior offensive lineman Addison Hoffman, American Heritage (Delray Beach) junior defensive end C.J. Johnson, and Cardinal Newman junior offensive lineman Sebastian Scott.
