Interview: Arkansas 2019 DE Kevin Pointer is a Big Time Recruit in the Making

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

God given athletic gifts are just that, God given. What one does with those gifts in a positive way in any sport can simply be summarized as success. With all the gifts bestowed upon Jonesboro Class of 2019 defensive lineman Kevin Pointer, his path forward all depends on how he cultivates those abilities over the next two seasons giving the outside view of unlimited potential.

Pointer had a solid sophomore season for the Hurricanes learning how to set the edge against the run, collapsing the pocket, working through double-teams, and dealing with opposing offenses taking their game to the other side of the field. The raw talent ended the 2016 season with 36 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, a half sack, two fumble recoveries, and one scoop and score.

The hard work put in helped Jonesboro to a 9-3 record before losing a 56-52 shootout in the Arkansas 6A playoffs to Benton. The extra time on the field has helped bring some recruiting attention his way, to an area of the Natural State not normally scouted by college coaches. So far Arkansas State, Memphis, Virginia, and SMU are keeping a watchful eye on Pointer with in-state college Harding already offering.

A closer look at the 6-1, 280 pound, rising star shows he plays each snap with good strength and drive. He gets up the field with ease seemingly always putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. Consistent hand placement and a little more time in the weight room should take Pointer from an under the radar prospect to a player on every other recruiting board at the Division-I level. If the God given abilities come into play any further seeing a growth spurt in the young Hurricane, the Jonesboro staff already uses Pointer at defensive tackle from time to time preparing him to be a playmaker anywhere along the line at the next level.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Pointer to get the inside scoop on his sophomore season, off-season plans, and recruiting process thus far.

Interview

Kevin, when did you get the call up to the varsity level?

“I got the call in the ninth grade, right after the season. I was pulled up for playoffs.”

Did you get any time in on the field then?

“No, sir. I watched and learned.”

How has your game gotten better over the last two years?

“I have improved by getting stronger and bigger, faster as well.”

Between tackle and end, which position do you like the most?

“I like end the best. That allows me to use my hands off the end and get up field faster.”

Who was the toughest offensive lineman you went up against last season?

“The toughest I played against was a Pine Bluff lineman. I’m not sure of his name or number. I know he was a senior. There was no one else who really challenged me last year.”

How did that match-up help you improve your game?

“It helped me improve by playing against someone that was challenging. I went into the game thinking I was going to get him without any problems. He got me to drive more. It was a good battle.”

How did you prepare for each game during your sophomore season?

“I prepared on game day by listening to music getting pumped up for each game. During the week I studied the offensive linemen I was going to face studying how they got off the ball and where their hands shoot out against the defender.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this off-season?

“Not yet. I just came from basketball. I have been lifting the past two weeks.”

If you had a best guess for your maxes in the weight room, what are they?

“My bench is around 275, squat 375, and my power clean is 265.”

Nice. Which parts of your game are you working on this off-season?

“I’m working on quick feet and moving my hips better. I want to be faster off the ball.”

You were at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional on March 5. How did that go for you?

“It was a good camp for me. I learned a lot of new stuff with my hands and moving my feet.”

How did you do in the one-on-ones?

“I did real well. I won all of mine. I came out and worked hard.”

Did you get any honors at the camp?

“I was in the Final 10.”

What other camps are you looking at attending this spring and summer?

“A Virginia camp, they have sent me a camp invite. I’m also looking at Memphis, SMU, and Arkansas State.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“Memphis, SMU, Virginia, and Arkansas State.”

Which school has offered you?

“Harding.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I have been to SMU and a bunch of times to Arkansas State for games.”

How did your visit to SMU go?

“That was the Saturday before the Dallas Opening – It went well. They said they will be in Jonesboro over the spring to watch me some more.”

What all did you do when you were there?

“I tried a jersey on, watched a spring practice, and talked to the coaches after the practice.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“I’m trying to plan one to UCA (Central Arkansas).”

You mentioned basketball, do you play any other sports for Jonesboro?

“Basketball and track. I throw the shotput.”

How is track season going for you?

“This is my first season throwing the shot. At my first high school meet I got eighth place.”

Nice. How far did you throw it?

“Forty-foot nine-inches.”

How did your basketball season go?

“It went well. I played JV. We won a ring.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Science.”

It is really early but have you thought about what you want to major in once in college?

“I want to major in sports medicine. I have thought about that a lot.”

Before entering your junior season, what all do you want to accomplish before the 2017 schedule kicks off?

“My goals are to finish with a 3.5 GPA or higher. I want to take an ACT and get a good score.”

Those are great goals. Kevin, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming camps, track season, and school work.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Pointer family; Kevin Pointer at SMU (March 2017).

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 91 Kevin Pointer celebrates a sack (2016).

Photo credit: wholehogsports.com; Kevin Pointer at the Dallas Nike Opening Regional (March 2017).