Interview: 2017 Virginia RB Commit Lamont Atkins Finishes Off Fantastic Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Back in April, the future of Virginia’s football program got a big boost when Class of 2017 running back Lamont Atkins decided staying in-state was best for him. The 5-11, 200 pound, Lake Braddock High School rising star was fresh off a 1,100-yard rushing season showing hints of even greater things to come. Atkins did not disappoint during his senior year.

Atkins continued his all-purpose back role with Lake Braddock in 2016 but improved upon his game in just about every way possible. His 1,187 yards rushing off 169 carries with 14 touchdowns in 2015 was bested by 1,905 yards on the ground, off just 156 totes with 31 scores. Over the past two seasons Atkins has hauled in 39 passes for 482 with three additional trips to the end zone giving Virginia multiple options on how to best utilize him against tough ACC competition.

When Atkins has the pigskin in his hands, he shows great field vision making one-cut and is gone. He does not dance in the hole heading north and south leaving defenders in the dust. Adding to his high school resume, he played middle linebacker for his Bruins team during his senior year. After racking up 61 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, one sack, a fumble recovery, and two interceptions, he could not but have helped his knowledge of the game on offense by learning more about how various defenses will try to stop him in the future.

Atkins also goes all out in the classroom with a 3.2 cumulative GPA and scored a 26 his first and only time taking the ACT.

The Cavaliers have a groundswell movement pushing forward under new head coach Bronco Mendenhall. There is an excitement to the program that has been missing since the George Welsh and Al Groh days. Mendenhall has gone a long way on selling the future of the program and getting Atkins on board has helped sell that notion. In addition to his athletic abilities, Atkins will bring with him a winning pedigree from his days with the Bruins and a natural instinct for the game that cannot be taught. Over the past two seasons the Bruins have posted back-to-back 11-2 campaigns against 6A Virginia completion with Atkins leading the way.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Atkins at the completion of his senior year getting insight on his explosive season while learning more about his excitement for heading to Charlottesville in January.

Interview

Lamont, you are a big time running back recruit but also excelled at safety and linebacker for the Bruins. Tough question for you, which position do you like best, running back or linebacker/safety?

“Honestly wherever the coaches like me to play. Our coach (Jim Poythress) needed me to go both ways. In the long run I enjoyed… umm – I enjoyed defense better. I feel closer to my teammates on defense after making a big play than I do on offense.”

Hopefully this question will bring a smile to your face, what type of offense did you run with the Bruins? It looks like a RPO Lamont Atkins spread offense.

(Laughs) “Yeah, that’s kind of what we did. That was great. In the beginning of the year we ran a double-wing. Everyone was on the line, because we were run heavy. Then we ran a spread offense. It changed towards the end of the season.”

Who was the best player you went up against this year?

“I’d say the best player I went up against was Ibrahim Mansaray, one of my own teammates. We grew up together. He’s honestly the best player I have seen. It has been an honor to play with him over the last 10 years.”

Which game was your best game this season and why?

“My best game was against Robinson in the regular season (won 36-7). I had 13 rushes and a bunch of yards (331). That was my best game because of my yards and TDs (three). I did well on defense too in that game.”

How do you or how would you describe your running style?

“I’d say my running style, I try to run as hard as I can. I don’t let the first guy bring me down.”

You are selling yourself short. What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“A 4.6. I did that over the summer, I feel like I have gotten faster since then.”

Your game tape suggests you are much faster than that.

“Thank you.”

Statistically, you improved during your senior year over your junior season. How did your game improve in 2016?

“I felt I got better all around. I saw the holes faster. The game slowed down for me.”

When do you start off-season workouts?

“Starting next week. I’m going to relax for a week and then get back after it.”

What is your off-season workout goal before you enroll at Virginia? I realize that is only about four weeks.

(Laughs) “I workout with a trainer. We will work on getting me more explosive and faster. I’ll work to put on 10-15 pounds. I’ll try to balance it out, not too much weight too fast – good weight.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I think I have 15 or 16. I’m not sure of the exact number. I stopped talking to coaches after I committed.”

When did you take your official visit to Virginia?

“I took my official a couple of weeks ago. I got to see all the coaches and hang out with everyone on my visit.”

What all did you do on your visit?

“We came in, spent the night at a hotel. We went to the game and had lunch and dinner with the coaches. The head coach (Bronco Mendenhall) invited us over to his house. Two or three other recruits were there. I got to talk to him for a while and then hung out with the players.”

Did you go horseback riding at his place?

“I did.”

Are you taking any other official visits before you enroll?

“No.”

Are you going up to Virginia before you enroll?

“I think I will, maybe I’ll go once before I go up there in January. A bunch of the other commits and recruits are coming soon.”

Do you know who will be your roommate at Virginia for the spring semester?

“Yes. My roommate will be Germane Crowell (Class of 2017 – Winston Salem). He’s a defensive back.”

What has you most excited about becoming a Cavalier next season?

“Really just the environment. I look forward to being a part of it. Virginia is really family orientated. I look forward to that.”

Are you recruiting other players to join you?

“There is one guy the coaches have had me reach out to, Mekhi Becton (Highland Springs). He’s an offensive lineman (6-8, 330).”

What is your pitch to other players about Virginia?

“It is a really good program. Coach Mendenhall is recruiting a bunch of good people that will turn the program around.”

Lamont, thanks for your time today and good luck with spring ball with the Cavaliers.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Atkins family; Lamont Atkins visiting Virginia.

Photo credit: www.connectionnewspapers.com; No. 8 Lamont Atkins stiff-arms a defender.

Photo credit: Atkins family; Lamont Atkins with RB coach Mark Atuaia.