High School Diamonds Interview: Layton von Brandt, OT, Appoquinimink High School, Delaware

• Name: Layton von Brandt 
• Position: OT
• School: Appoquinimink High School in Delaware
• Class of 2027
• Height: 6’6.5 
• Weight: 280lbs
• Twitter: @LaytonvonBrandt
• Instagram: @layton.vonbrandt

What aspects of your game do you believe separate you from other top prospects at your position?

My length, mental understanding of the game, my refined technique & my athleticism for someone my size.

Which skill have you worked hardest to improve over the past year, and why?

I always work on all aspects of my game but I’ve dedicated an increased amount of time into improving my strength and mass in the weight room and in my diet plan.

What does your offseason training routine look like, and who do you train with?

I lift 4 days a week with my team and strength coach at school and then on my own at least once on the weekend at our local gym. I train technique with my offensive line coach, Coach Marcus Johnson.

Can you describe a moment when your work ethic was tested and how you responded?

After my team lost in the first round of the playoffs my Sophomore year. I realized that perhaps I could have done more to put my team in a better position to win and I dedicated myself to the weight room and my diet even more to maximize my talent.

How do you lead your teammates?

I have always been a vocal leader but as I have matured I’ve learned to lead also by example by doing the little things correctly and at 100 percent. Sometimes they can come easy to me because of my size so I didn’t necessarily have to do that to succeed but I realized thanks to my coach Billy Lewis that my teammates follow my lead and if I’m going 90 percent in practice that can negatively affect my teammates effort who may not necessarily be able to get away with it. By going 100 percent in everything I do it not only sets a standard for younger guys that are watching me but also makes me a better player at the same time.

What role do you play in the locker room, especially with younger players?

I just try to do the little things to standard and show them the way and also build confidence in their game by helping them with technique and encouraging them through tough times.

How do you hold yourself and your teammates accountable?

Just by holding myself to a standard of work and effort and encouraging first through positive affirmation and through demanding if necessary that they follow in order to achieve the goals we want.

What are you looking for most in a college program beyond football?

A great education, and a campus setting that feels like home, where I can build great relationships with coaches and teammates.

Who has had the biggest influence on your football journey so far, and why?

My older brothers. My oldest brother Ryan von Brandt was a D1 tight end at VMI so he really set a standard for us to all follow and then my CO 2026 brother Edge von Brandt is the toughest player I’ve ever been around playing through injuries and always giving everything of his self to help the team.

Where do you see yourself in five years, both on and off the field?

With a College Degree in hand, and hopefully preparing for the NFL Combine to be a high draft pick. But regardless of football success I want to be prepared to be a successful man, husband and father one day through the maturation of my college experience. 

What is your WHY? 

My WHY?, is my family who has supported me and sacrificed so much to put me in the position I am in. They made sure I was involved in sports for as long as I can remember, and always been my biggest cheerleaders and supporters throughout my whole life.