Fall Camp Interview with Under the Radar 2019 Arkansas WR Garrett Body
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A difference maker on the gridiron is always speed. A player with elite speed, especially at a skill position, can be a game changer every time said talent steps onto the field. When Class of 2019 receiver Garrett Body puts the mouth piece in and snaps the helmet on, he is that player defensive coordinators have to scheme against on every play.
Body spent his junior season with Newport High School as a two-way player shinning on both sides of the ball. On offense, Body pulled in 21 passes for 236 yards with three trips into the end zone and carried the pigskin five times for 28 yards. On defense, the 6-0, 176-pound, speedster came up with 28 stops and a pick playing corner for the Greyhounds.
When the lights turn on for the 2018 Arkansas high school football season, Body will don a different jersey suiting up for Benton High School, which should lead to more opportunities on offense to showcase his talents and at a higher in-state classification. The added perk playing against 6A competition in central Arkansas for Body should include more college coaches in the stands for the Panthers’ games. Benton was one of the tougher teams in their classification during the 2017 season making a two-game run into the playoffs. The roster is once again loaded with players like Kyvin Carroll, Colen Morrow, Zak Wallace, and Body, just to name a few. The wins on the field will help draw an even bigger recruiting crowd throughout the season.
Ahead of a big senior season that begins with the Salt Bowl, Benton’s annual season opening rivalry game against Bryant, I sat down with Body to learn about his new role on offense with the Panthers with an update on how fall camp is going.
Interview
Garrett, horrible joke here, but it is fitting that the team you played for last year had a greyhound as a mascot. How fast are you?
“I am pretty fast. My 40 times this summer was a 4.4 and 4.5-flat.”
Nice. Do you also run track?
“Yes, sir.”
Which events?
“The 100, 4×1, and sometimes the 200.”
What is your best time in the 100?
“My best time is a 10.9.”
You were able to showcase your play-making skills last year at receiver, what do you consider the overall strengths of your game on that side of the ball?
“My footwork and my ability to confuse the defender on my routes. I am good at reading coverages – Cover 2, Cover 3, and man. This summer playing 7v7 ball with Benton, defenses would try to disguise their coverages. We played a lot of 7v7 ball, I got really good at reading defenses. I am good at catching in traffic.”
What did you work on with your game this offseason as a receiver?
“Catching the ball, a 5-yard stop, and running towards the ball rather than waiting on it to come to me. I know from talking to college receivers and college coaches, you cannot wait on the ball. If you wait, the defender will be there when the ball gets there. I also worked on my comeback routes, posts, and I ran with a parachute to build up strength and endurance.”
You also played in the greyhounds secondary at corner, what are your strengths on that side of the ball?
“I love playing corner. I love being able to mess with the receiver as a corner. Because I played both ways, I can tell what they are going to run. I can jump the route, get in on a jump ball, and I am good at knocking it down or picking it off.”
Are you going to play in the Panthers’ secondary in 2018?
“No. At Benton, I am strictly on offense.”
Did you go to any college camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. I went to a Murray State and an Arkansas Tech camp.”
Of the two, which was your best camp?
“I would say Arkansas Tech was my best.”
What did you do well at that camp?
“My 40 was good and I did well during the one-on-ones even though I did not get as many reps as I wanted.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Arkansas Tech, Memphis, Independence (JUCO), and Murray State are showing interest in me.”
Have you taken an unofficial visit in 2018 yet?
“Yes, sir. I went to Tennessee-Martin for a Junior Day visit.”
Do you have any planned visits lined up for this fall?
“Yes, sir. I have one to Arkansas Tech.”
Back to football. When did Benton start fall practices?
“We started about two weeks ago.”
How is the team looking?
“We are looking solid on both sides of the ball. We have good corners and a good free safety. On offense, we have a lot of talent. We are looking good.”
Are we going to see you doing different things within the offense during your senior year?
“I will get more kickoff returns. They have me at middle returner this year. I think I will get the ball more on offense as well.”
You guys start the season off later in August (25th) against Bryant, what kind of game can the fans expect then?
“That is a big game. It will be very competitive with both teams going hard. It is more than a game to this town and to the county. It is something big.”
Are there any other games besides the opener you are excited to play this year?
“I am looking forward to playing Cabot, Wynne, and hopefully Greenwood in the playoffs. That is all the team is talking about, playing Greenwood in the playoffs.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“This is a big one for me. I am looking for 1,000 receiving, 10 touchdowns, and no drops – I hate dropping the football. Whatever I can do to help my team win, that is my priority. I want some kick returns for touchdowns – take them back to the house.”
Garrett, it has been fun. I appreciate your time today, and good luck with the upcoming season.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Body family; Garrett Body at a 7v7 tournament and at Arkansas Tech