3-Star 2019 Arkansas OL Logan Kallesen Updates Offseason and Position Changes
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Northwest Arkansas has a well-deserved reputation for developing collegiate football talent. The cluster of towns comprising the area – Fayetteville, Rodgers, Bentonville, and Springdale, churn the talent out routinely for Division-I programs year after year. One of the many in the area carrying the legacy forward in the 2019 class is Shiloh Christian offensive lineman Logan Kallesen.
Kallesen was the anchor on the Saints’ offensive line during his junior season. His spot in the trenches has been firm with the Saints as a three-year starter, to be four years in 2018. As a sophomore, Kallesen earned second team All-Conference honors seeing his acceptance among area coaches rise during his junior campaign earning first team All-Conference, Arkansas Next Level Underclassman All-State, and team Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Kallesen can mix it up anywhere along the offensive line, potentially adding starting center to his resume in 2018. In addition to playing on offense, the Saints’ coaching staff may further utilize their 6-4, 295-pound, talent on defense at nose guard and/or defensive tackle; a spot he got some snaps in at in 2017. Recruiting interest is coming in for the versatile talent from Arkansas, TCU, Utah, and Arkansas State, among others.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top talents in the Natural State covering his junior season on the field, offseason workouts, and growing recruiting prospects.
Interview
Logan, what was the biggest difference in your game from the end of your sophomore season to the end of your junior year?
“The biggest difference was probably my physicality and finishing blocks. That was a big difference.”
What are some of the technical aspects of your game that you do well?
“My best aspect is probably pulling. Being a guard, my coach has harped on that with me. We rep that a lot in practice. My pass set, kick, and power setting, I feel I can do that day and night. With run blocking, you got to have quick footwork and drive ’em back.”
Did you guys track knockdowns and pancake blocks last year?
“Yes, sir. I think I had 45 pancake blocks and 35 knockdowns.”
I have a better follow up question for you, how many guys did you drive off the playing field?
(Laughs) “Probably about four or five off the sidelines.”
Was there a defensive lineman that challenged you last year?
“Yes. In Week 2 against Little Rock Christian. They have a defensive lineman, I cannot remember his name who was a challenge. We played them the year before, he kicked all our butts. This year, we held him well. There were a couple of times when he won the rep but I feel I did well against him this year.”
How did that challenge help you improve your game?
“I got better that game going against him. He has some moves I had not seen before. Playing against him helped me out a lot.”
Which game was your best last season?
“In Week 10 against Pea Ridge, I had the best pancake all year in that game. They were No. 2 in the state. They made it to the semi-finals. We won that game. They had a guy going D-II, when I went up against him, I played well and finished hard.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on getting stronger. I played baseball the last couple of years, that took time away from the weight room. I am working on my footwork and working on being a leader on and off the field.”
Will we see you at a different position or multiple positions during your senior year?
“Yes. I played a little defense last year. I will play more defense this year.”
At which positions?
“I’ll play some nose guard and defensive tackle. On offense, I will probably play center, or wherever they need me.”
Is there one part of your blocking technique that you are intently focused on above all others?
“Outside zone blocking and my off-hand strike with the snap.”
Have you attended any camps and/or combines this spring?
“I went to the U.S. Army All-American Combine. I was invited to the Rivals Three-Stripe but could not make it.”
Are you going to any college camps this summer?
“I am going to Arkansas, Memphis’ Big Cat Camp, Tulsa, Arkansas State, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, and there will be a few more I’m just not sure where all yet.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Arkansas, Tulsa, Arkansas State, UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), Utah, Tennessee-Martin, and Harding.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I have been to Arkansas, TCU, and Tulsa.”
How did the Arkansas visit go?
“It went great. I was impressed with their facilities – they are top notch. The change with the coaches is going well. The juice – the excitement for Arkansas football is there for sure.”
Do you have any planned visits scheduled?
“I am going to UT-Martin on April 14.”
Last couple of questions. We know you get after it in the trenches, but what type of person are you off the field?
“Off the field, I have a relationship with God and I am focused on family and friends. I work on setting a good example for the younger generations. I love to hunt, shoot, and fish – any outdoors stuff.”
How are you getting after everything in the classroom?
“I have a 3.45 GPA and I scored a 20 on the ACT, but I am working to get that score up.”
Logan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visit to Tennessee-Martin.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Kellesen family; Logan Kallesen at Arkansas; Logan Kellesen celebrating a touchdown