A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, the La Salle product was the first two time state champion in program history. ranked number one in his class at 120 pounds, Byrd has also won prestigious tournaments such as Super 32, Escape the Rock, and was a runner - up at Ironman. Byrd was initially a Maryland commit, but reopened his commitment after the university moved on from then head coach Kerry McCoy. Byrd decided to go with the Fighting Illini of Illinois as his college posting an 11-4 overall record during his redshirt year with a title at the Findlay open at 133 pounds. Once the 2021 season came around, Bryrd seemed primed and ready to step into the Illinois line up at 133 pounds.