Interview: 2018 Arkansas WR Brett Lynch Covers State Title and 21-Touchdown Reception Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are very few high school players across the country, maybe, no really, maybe a handful of players and none in the state of Arkansas that did what Brett Lynch did for Pulaski Academy during the 2017 season. The senior was unstoppable on the field pulling in 77 passes for 1,282 yards with 21 touchdowns helping lead the way for a fourth consecutive state title for the Bruins. What did your leading receiver do on the field this year?
Pulaski Academy romped through the 2017 season laying claim to one of the more prolific offenses in the country rolling up an average of 453 passing yards per game and 118 on the ground. At the helm was senior quarterback Layne Hatcher. Hatcher threw for 5,779 yards with 66 touchdowns tossed completing 72 percent of his attempts. That kind of production cannot be had without receivers that can snag it and then do something with it.
The Bruins had big trio in the passing game with fellow senior Trajen Johnson, junior tight end Hudson Henry, and Lynch. Johnson led the team with 98 receptions for 1,561 yards with 19 scores and Henry pulled in 72 passes for 984 yards with 10 trips into the end zone. All three receivers should be highly praised for their accomplishments on the field. Taking everything a step further, few teams can trot out two receivers with 1,000 yards receiving while adding a third that was just 16 yards away from the 1,000-yard milestone, that adds a bigger emphasis to the stat line taking away from some of the national stat leaders that were the primary and sometimes only option in their team’s aerial attack.
For Lynch, he has next level tools with his frame, speed, and pass catching abilities all there for college scouts to see. Coming in at 6-3, 175 pounds and a 40-yard dash at 4.51, the stat line says the rest. Lynch is getting it done in the classroom as well with a 4.14 weighted GPA and a 31 scored on the ACT. Shockingly, national recruiting interest in Lynch has not poured in as one might expect. Offers from Arkansas Tech and Southern Arkansas are on the table with interest coming in from Louisiana-Monroe, Middle Tennessee, Georgetown, Southeast Missouri State, Central Arkansas, Youngstown State, and Southern Illinois among others.
In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with Lynch for the first time since the Bruins beat McClellan High School 37-36 for the 5A trophy getting a rundown on the championship run and his recruiting attention.
Interview
Brett, we haven’t talked since the Bruins captured another Arkansas state title, what was it like edging McClellan 37-36 for the trophy?
“It was a really intense game. We dug a hole for ourselves early in the game. We were down two touchdowns, McClellan had the ball and they were in the red zone in the fourth quarter, but we fought back and won a close one.”
How did the playoff run go for you personally?
“The playoff run went pretty well. I played well the first two games but in the third round and semis I did not have great games. But, I had a good state championship game.”
What was your stat line in the championship game?
“I think I had nine catches for 130 or 140 yards with two touchdowns.”
You had a tremendous season ending the year fifth in Arkansas in receiving yards with 1,282 and tops with 21 touchdowns. Looking back, how does it feel to have accomplished so much during your senior year?
“There is nothing more I could ask for… finishing my career with four straight championships, it feels great to have accomplished it.”
Please tell me you were on every postseason award list possible.
“I’m not.”
What?
“Yeah – that is kind of a source of contention around here.”
What honors did you earn?
“I was named All-Conference.”
But not All-State?
“No.”
That’s shameful. For what it is worth, as of right now I’m naming you to my first team All-Arkansas squad that I just started. (Brett laughs) With all the stats you’ve posted, has that translated to any new recruiting interest for you?
“I have offers from Southern Arkansas and Arkansas Tech. There are other schools showing interest, but we’ll see where that goes.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Monroe.”
You’ve taken visits to Southern Illinois, Georgetown, SEMO, Central Arkansas, and Youngstown State, do you have any other visits planned for January?
“I’m taking official visits to Arkansas Tech on Jan. 20 and another one to Southern Arkansas, but I’m not sure when I will visit SAU. I’m working out dates for visits to other schools.”
Have you started an offseason workout program yet, if so, what all are you doing?
“Right now, I’m playing basketball and lifting on the side. Trying to balance it so I don’t burn out.”
How is the basketball season going for you and the team?
“It is going really well. We are 7-2. We have more wins this year than last year already. We are off to a much better start.”
Do you know your stat line on the hardwood?
“I am averaging over 10 points a game and a handful of rebounds, assists, and steals per game.”
Brett, congratulations on a great season on the gridiron and a great start to the basketball season. Thanks for your time today and good luck on the recruiting trail.
“Thank you.”
*Click link to see Brett Lynch’s 2017 season Hudl reel
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Photo credits: Sheldon Smith; No. 4 Brett Lynch