Interview: 2018 Arkansas WR Brett Lynch Big Part of Top National Passing Attack

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Statistically, the passing attack at Pulaski Academy is as good as it gets in the nation. With Class of 2018 quarterback Layne Hatcher in the pocket distributing the rock, he is third in the nation in total passing yards. One of the big reasons for his amazing success is a trio of receivers hauling in everything thrown their way with Class of 2018 talent Brett Lynch doing more than his fair share.

Per MaxPreps, Hatcher has thrown for 3,084 yards this season. Besides being accurate, reading defenses correctly, and getting the ball out quick, he has playmakers doing their job. Lynch is ranked No. 7 in the Natural state in total receiving yards coming in at 685 with 12 touchdowns, 165 yards shy of the No. 2 player in-state, teammate Trajen Johnson. Johnson has pulled in 52 passes for 850 yards with nine scores while Lynch has hauled in 41. Both receivers are moving the chains at a similar clip with Johnson at 16.3 yards per catch and Lynch at 16.7 – defensive coordinators, pick your poison with your coverage. If that wasn’t enough, Class of 2019 tight end Hudson Henry has 37 receptions for 515 yards with eight scores helping stretch defenses left, right, and vertical rounding out the trio.

The senior year Lynch is turning in comes as no surprise to those in the Little Rock area, or throughout the entire state. Lynch exploded onto the scene during his junior campaign with an exceptional stat line of 760 yards receiving off 42 receptions with 10 touchdowns scored. The 6-3, 175 pound, target is a nightmare for defensive backs. His 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash is deceptive with an extra gear in the open-field. Everything is caught clean with routes that even throw off a camera man and moves that look like a point guard crossing up a defender on the hardwood.

The Bruins have strung up three consecutive 5A Arkansas state titles with a fourth looking more and more likely each week. PA is 7-0 after stumping Sylvan Hills 49-21 on Friday, Oct. 13. After dispatching out of state competition Page 59-21 (Sand Springs, OK), Ridgeway 56-20 (Memphis, TN), and Parkway 62-21 (Bossier City, LA) in three consecutive games to start the season, the Bruins caught the eye of the national polls working their way into a MaxPreps Top 25 ranking, No. 1 in Arkansas.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with one of the top receivers in Arkansas getting insight on his game, the Bruins 2017 season, and an update on how college scouts are responding to his play on the field.

Interview

Brett, on Friday night, the Bruins dismantled a tough Sylvan Hills team 49-21, how did the game go overall for PA?

“The game went well on both sides of the ball. Our offense struggled in execution in the first half. Our special teams did well, I think we recovered four onside kicks. Our defense played great. Even though we struggled a little on offense, we were still able to put points on the board.”

How did the game go for you?

“I was targeted six times. I had five receptions with four of the five receptions coming on fourth down plays. I ended up with about 70 yards, one touchdown, and a 20-yard rushing touchdown.”

Nice. How has your senior year gone overall so far?

“I think it has gone well. I am way ahead of last year. I have more touchdowns and I am almost past the yardage and receiving totals from last year. More importantly, we are still undefeated and on pace for fourth state title. It is going well.”

Which areas of your game are most improved in 2017?

“My understanding of the concepts and play calling has improved. My understanding of the quarterback reads has improved. I am looking more for blitz calls to make it easier for Layne (Hatcher). That is helping me get open more and get the ball more. I’ve focused more on catching this year. I have not dropped a ball. Last year I had a couple of drops. I try to make the most out of each ball thrown to me.”

Impressive that you have not dropped a pass this season.

“Thank you.”

What are you working on each week to try to fine-tune an improve upon?

“I’m focusing on defensive schemes more. I am watching more film. During practice, I am putting myself in game situations more. I’m trying to get the feel for the game in practice.”

How have you and Layne Hatcher developed such a strong on the field chemistry?

“We’ve developed it over time. He has been my quarterback throughout my time at the varsity level. We practice together year-round. We catch balls on the weekend. We have developed that chemistry. He trusts me in man coverage and delivers perfectly.”

The Bruins are rushing towards an undefeated regular season with three games left. In your view, what does the team need to do to finish 10-0 going into the playoffs?

“I think the offense and defense needs to do their part in the game at the same time. Sometimes one side plays better than the other. Last game, our offense did not do our best. If we can fire at the same time, we are pretty hard to beat.”

On Friday, Oct. 20, the Bruins play Parkview (4-3) at War Memorial. Does playing at War Memorial Stadium, the second home of the Razorbacks add any enthusiasm for the showdown?

“It does. Growing up here in Little Rock, we always tailgated there before Arkansas Razorback games. My freshman year we played the state championship game there and past few years we’ve had a chance to play there again. Playing at War Memorial brings a lot of excitement. It helps prepare us for the state championship game. Not all teams get that opportunity before a state game to play on that field.”

It is early in the week on scouting Parkview, but of what you know now about the Patriots how will they challenge the Bruins on offense?

“They have a lot of athletes on defense. They have some transfers in from big 7A schools. On offense, we will have to hold our pass blocks and the receivers have to make the right reads so Layne can get the ball out. They do have play makers on defense.”

With the big season you are turning in, which college programs are showing recruiting interest?

“I’m getting some Ivy League interest from Princeton and Columbia. Georgetown has started contacting me about recruiting. UCA (Central Arkansas) too. I think UCA has talked to Coach (Kevin) Kelley (head coach) about me. SEMO (Southeast Missouri State) is showing interest as well. I went on a game visit to both schools over the last couple of weekends.”

You’ve visited UCA and SEMO, have you visited any other schools yet?

“I visited Georgetown a few weeks ago.”

How did the Georgetown visit go?

“It was awesome. We saw some of the sites in (Washington) D.C. and we watched them play in the old Redskins Stadium. They played Harvard. After the game we talked with some of the coaches. We toured the campus – beautiful there.”

What about UCA, how did that visit go?

“The UCA visit went really well. We watched them play, they got the win. I went up with some of my teammates, we saw some of their facilities during our visit.”

What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“They like how fluid a route runner I am and how quick I am in and out of my breaks for how tall I am.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“My weighted is 4.14.”

What is your best score on the ACT or SAT?

“My best on the ACT is 28. I have a new score coming in that should be higher.”

What is your favorite class this year?

“My favorite is my math class, AP Calculus. This is my second year with the same teacher. Math is my favorite subject.”

Which major would you like to pursue in college?

“Pre-med.”

Do you play any other sports for PA?

“Basketball.”

The obvious goal for every team is to win their conference and a state title, what other goals do you have going through the last few games of the 2017 season?

“Before our last game I was tied for first in the state for touchdowns and I was Top 10 in receiving yards. I want to finish Top 5 in both and get All-State.”

Brett, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

*Click link to see Brett Lynch’s 2017 mid-season highlight reel

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Photo credit: Sheldon Smith; Brett Lynch high points a touchdown pass

Photo credit: Lynch family; Trajen Johnson (left), Layne Hatcher (middle), and Brett Lynch (right) at Georgetown