Dallas Dykstra

Player Spotlight Q&A with Dallas Dykstra Columbus East HS (Class of 2027, Safety/ Wide Receiver) What’s a moment from last season that stands out to you? A moment that stands out was seeing how our team continued to fight and compete no matter the situation. Mid year we had of teammates go down with injuries and we had to implement the “next man up mentality.” Those moments of adversity taught me a lot about leadership, accountability, and staying focused on the next play. How would you describe your style of play? Physical, aggressive, and high-effort. I like to play fast, be disruptive, and make sure I’m around the football every play. I take pride in being a reliable teammate who communicates well and plays with great energy. What was the highlight of the 2025 season? After transitioning to play both offense and defense, my biggest highlight was having two interceptions and two receiving touchdowns in a game. It showed I was continuing to grow as a player and worth earning more opportunities to contribute to the team. It was rewarding to see all the offseason work translate onto the field. Other than your own, which stadium do you enjoy playing in the most? I enjoy playing at Bloomington South. It’s a great atmosphere and always feels like a big-game environment. Which road stadium is the toughest to play in? Whiteland. They have a great fan base and bring a lot of energy, which makes it a challenging place to play. Best advice you’ve received about playing your position? Who gave it to you? “Don’t just react—anticipate.” Coach Vogel told me that great defensive backs study tendencies so they can play faster than everyone else. What would it mean to play in the North vs. South All-Star game? It would be a huge honor. Growing up in Indiana, it’s one of those events every football player knows about. Representing my school, community, and teammates on that stage would mean a lot. What’s the best part of being a student-athlete at your school? The culture. There’s a high standard in the classroom, weight room, and on the field, and being part of that environment pushes me to be better every day. The support from coaches, teachers, teammates, and the community makes Columbus East a special place. Favorite part of practice? Competition periods. I love going against our offense and defense and challenging myself against talented teammates every day. Has the transfer portal made recruiting tougher for high school players? I think it has made recruiting more competitive because colleges have another avenue to fill roster spots. At the same time, high school players who work hard, develop, and perform will still earn opportunities. Favorite sports movie or show? Remember the Titans. If you could sit down with any athlete for an hour, who would it be? Brian Dawkins. I’d love to learn how he studied offenses, prepared each week, and developed the instincts that made him one of the greatest defensive backs of all time.