Edgar Ayala – Sports Writer
Junior Kayjuan Bynum, has been a key principle on defense for Southern’s football team, producing a team-high 37 tackles through the first seven games of the season.
As a reward for his efforts, Bynum managed to get the Connecticut National Guard Athlete of the Week, and weekly honors from the ECAC from his performance against Stonehill College on Oct. 3.
In the game against the Skyhawks, Bynum led the defense with a team-high seven tackles, while putting up career-highs of 3.5 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Additionally, Bynum became the first Owl in seven years to notch at least three sacks in a game, Andrew Pratt in 2008 against AIC. And the first Owl to force multiple fumbles in a game since Daniel Allen against Pace in 2010.
“It’s been my best season,” said the linebacker, Bynum. “I always feel like I can do better, there’s always more plays that can be made on the field. But I’m over here just trying to improve day by day.”
Vasilios Grigorakos, sophomore linebacker on the football team, said Bynum has been playing “outstanding,” always focused with his responsibilities on the field.
“He’s a great teammate,” Grigorakos said. “Takes coaching very well and fixes any mistakes he made in practices and games. He never settles to be average, he’s always looking to be greater then the day before.”
According to Grigorakos, Bynum has made several big plays that have tremendously helped the Owls on defense, and offense. He added that Bynum always brings a great attitude to practice, and a player the team trusts while on the field.
Sports aside, Bynum attended Putman High School in Springfield, Mass. He was the team captain as a senior, won a state championship, two-time All-Western Massachusetts selection and team MVP from his time with Putman.
Despite being a defensive player for the Owls, Bynum said he played quarterback and linebacker in high school, winning Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year. He said that even though he won individual accomplishments, winning the state championship for Putman High School has been his biggest accomplishment to date.
Once he made the decision to come to Southern, Bynum said he had other schools looking to recruit him but landed with Owls after having a “good feeling” about the school and football program.
According to Bynum, defensive coordinator Chris Lorenti has taught Bynum many things, but there was one specific advice that he got from Lorenti that he carries with him.
“Do your job and capitalize on opportunities,” Bynum said. “He tells me that you don’t get many opportunities and plays in the game, so when an opportunity arises, make sure you capitalize on it.”
He did just that, as he managed to get an interception against Assumption College on homecoming weekend, to go along with six tackles on the night.
Apart from football Bynum also played basketball in high school. And as a passionate sports fan it’s no wonder why Bynum chose to pursue a career on the field.
“I love sports,” said the sports management major, Bynum, “I’ve been playing them all my life. I want to do something that involves sports. Whether it’s managing, being an athletic director, agent or coach. Anything that deals with sports keeps me motivated, it makes me want to put in 100 percent effort.”
The next time to catch No. 11 on the field will be Saturday Oct. 24, when the Owls take on Saint Anselm College.
Photo Credit: SCSU Athletic Communications
