Interview: Arkansas 2018 QB Gerry Bohanon Pulling Top D-I Colleges to Earle

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The recruiting talent coming out of the state of Arkansas seems to get better and better every year. The 2018 class in the Natural State is full of a lot of athletes and is shaping up to be especially strong at the quarterback position. One of the top players in the state already drawing SEC offers is Gerry Bohanon.

Bohanon cemented his spot as one of the top quarterbacks not only in the state of Arkansas but in the nation during his junior season after throwing for 2,734 yards with 28 touchdowns. His ability to stretch a defense with his arm was quickly noted but his playmaking skills as a runner makes him the ideal total package college coaches love. The 6-4, 215 pound, talent flashed his speed and strength rushing for over 1,000 yards with 14 more trips to the end zone during his junior campaign. All the on the field heroics by Bohanon helped the Bulldogs to a 9-4 finish in 2016 making a run to the third round of the playoffs.

College coaches are currently scouring the country for top senior talent to sign to their 2017 class but are also checking in on the next crop of standouts they need to jump on early. Bohanon already has four offers with Arkansas State, Memphis, Alabama, and Auburn placing a scholarship in front of him with the rest of the Division-I teams sure to follow as word gets out on the big talent from a little town with a population around 2,400 about a half hour west of Memphis.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Bohanon shortly after he received his newest offer from Auburn gaining insight on his junior season and how the recruiting process has ramped up over the last couple of weeks.

Interview

Gerry, when did you start playing varsity football for Earle?

“I’ve been playing varsity since my ninth grade season.”

Did you grow up playing quarterback?

“Yes. I played some running back in junior high. I flipped back and forth between running back and quarterback but during my 10th grade season I stayed at quarterback.”

What type of offense does Earle run?

“We run the spread. We line up under center on goal line or when we are in a power formation. We run the ball a lot too.”

How does Earle’s offense play into your strengths on the field as a quarterback?

“Actually, before I became the starting quarterback we ran the Wing-T. They changed the offense for my abilities.”

What attributes do you have in the pocket that sets you apart from others?

“My speed, arm strength, and I have a high IQ.”

What is your weekly preparation like during the season?

“We watch film, I breakdown film, and I watch film at home. We prepare new plays for the team we are going against and I work with my receivers to make sure we are on the same page.”

What are you working on during the off-season?

“Bonding with my receivers. We have new receivers moving up this season. I’m trying to build that relationship with them so we trust one another during the season.”

Are you playing on a 7v7 team this off-season?

“Some coaches in Arkansas are trying to put together a team. Hopefully I can end up on a team. I’d like to be on a 7v7 travel team.”

Your recruiting stock is soaring right now. How many offers do you have?

“Four.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered you yet?

“Georgia just started contacting me today (Tuesday, Jan. 24). LSU, Baylor, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Cincinnati, Iowa State, Purdue, Notre Dame, and Arkansas are all showing interest.”

Which school was the latest to offer?

“Auburn offered today.”

How did they offer you?

“My coach (Albert Coleman) was on the phone with Coach Tim Horton (running backs coach) and Coach (Gus) Malzahn (head coach). My coach gave me the phone and they offered me. It was a big surprise.”

What was your reaction when they offered you?

“I was smiling and jumping around. I was very excited.”

You have an offer from Alabama too. How did the Crimson Tide offer you?

“They called also. They are coming to see me this week or next week.”

Which coach extended the offer?

“Coach Billy Napier (wide receivers coach).”

Did you take any game day visits during the season?

“Yes, sir. I went to visits at Alabama, Memphis, and Arkansas to see all of them play.”

Was there anything you learned from your visits that has helped you have a better understanding about the college game?

“I learned how much faster the speed of the game is than in high school and how much work all the players put in to the game. I learned a little bit about how college life is playing sports.”

Do you know which camps you may attend this spring or summer?

“I plan on going to the Under Armour All-American Camp in Dallas, the Elite 11 Camp in Atlanta or Chicago, and a Rivals camp. I’m not sure about the college camps yet.”

How is everything in the classroom?

“I have a 3.8 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I’m taking my tests next month.”

Are you playing any winter or spring sports?

“I’m playing basketball.”

How is the season going for you so far?

“It is going good so far. Hopefully we can win another state title. We won it all last year.”

Nice. Do you know what you are averaging on the court?

“I’m around 18.5 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists per game.”

Have you put a posture dunk on anyone yet?

“I came out late because of football so I only have about seven or eight right now.”

Nice. Have you posted any of the dunks yet?

“No. Our coach does not tape the games unless someone has one of the dunks on their phone.”

What do you do for fun during your downtime when you are not doing something for football, basketball, or hitting the books?

“I play Madden, that’s what I do. I watch film of other quarterbacks too. I try to learn new stuff from other players to improve my game.”

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

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: WholeHogSports; No. 11 Gerry Bohanon looks for a receiver downfield.

Photo credit: WholeHogSports; No. 11 Gerry Bohanon.

Photo credit: Bohanon family; Gerry Bohanon at Alabama.