Interview: 2019 Arkansas CB/WR Kentrell Hill has Upside of Future 4-Star Recruit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A checklist is made by college coaches for every position out on the recruiting trail. There is a wish list that typically starts with a prototypical size expanding from there to include playing style, athletic ability, fundamentals of the game, and on the field productivity. Class of 2019 rising talent Kentrell Hill hits all the marks and then some giving credence to four-star comparisons among peer group.
If you have not heard of Hill, don’t feel ashamed, few have. Tucked away at Harmony Grove High School (Camden), few top college football programs take the time to recruit players dominating the field in Class 2A Arkansas football. All of that should change with Hill emerging as a can’t miss type of recruit.
Hill had a breakout season in 2016 helping the Hornets to an 8-5 record. On offense, he pulled down 30 passes for 742 yards with 11 trips to the end zone. If the 25 yard per reception average did not impress perhaps his time put in on defense will. The 6-3, 190 pound, athlete was a true ballhawk swiping eight interceptions while coming up with 55 tackles, 32 solo, with two tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble from his corner position.
For now, Hill is getting sparse recruiting interest with some Division-I and Division-II schools starting to show interest. Arkansas, Western Kentucky, and Missouri are among the FBS schools while Henderson State, Southern Arkansas, and Central Arkansas are showing interest at the lower level. Once word gets out about Hill’s abilities, and 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash clocked this summer at an Arkansas Razorbacks’ camp, expect Hill to be among the more highly recruited throughout the Natural State.
Interview
Kentrell, you had a breakout season during your sophomore year. Going into the 2016 schedule did you know you would have that big of an impact on the Hornets?
“No, sir. I worked hard that off-season to prepare for my sophomore year to be an impact player. I was expecting to do well.”
Where all did you lineup during your sophomore season?
“At wide receiver and corner.”
As the season went along, how did your pass cover skills get better?
“I worked on it in practice. I worked on it a lot. All the skills to cover a pass, I got it down pat. That is what led me to eight interceptions last season. I led the state in interceptions.”
After three or four picks secured, were you surprised teams kept throwing your way?
“Yes, sir.”
How did your game improve as a receiver last season?
“I worked hard at wide receiver last summer too. I worked on my routes, footwork, and receiver drills. It paid off.”
Did you earn any honors at the end of last season?
“I was first team All-Conference.”
How did spring practices go for you?
“It was great. I worked hard again this spring. When the spring game came around I did well.”
How will the Hornets use your talents on the field in 2017?
“I’ll play some at free safety. I can come downhill and make a big hit and help in pass coverage too. I think I will get some time at kick returner too.”
Did any college coaches come by Harmony Grove to see you in action this spring?
“Not during spring practices, some visited me during school.”
Which schools?
“Southern Arkansas-Magnolia and UCA (Central Arkansas).”
When you’ve talked to college coaches, what are they telling you they like about your game?
“They said they like that I am a bigger corner, that is what they see me playing in college. They like that I have great size and good speed.”
Have you been to any camps this off-season?
“Yes, sir. I went to the Arkansas Elite Prospect camp and to UCA’s Elite Prospect camp.”
How did the camps go for you?
“The Arkansas camp was great. I feel like I did great there. At UCA, I messed up on some of the drills but I have time to work on it still.”
Did you run a 40-yard dash at either camp?
“Yes, sir. I ran a 4.5. at Arkansas’ camp.”
Nice. No questioning that then. Do you have any upcoming camps planned?
“I might attend a Henderson State camp.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Henderson State, SAU, UCA, and Arkansas. Arkansas invited me to their Elite Prospect camp. Western Kentucky invited me to their camps too. On Twitter, a couple of Missouri’s coaches are following me.”
Do you play any other sports for Harmony Grove?
“Yes, sir. I run track.”
Which events?
“The 100, 200, and 4×1.”
Which is your best event?
“The 200. I went to state and placed fourth in 200.”
What is your best time in the 200?
“My best time is a 23-flat.”
What goals have you set for yourself for the 2017 season?
“One goal is to double my interceptions from last year to 16.”
What is your motivation out on the field?
“I just come to play hard and I come to win. I want to make it to the next level.”
Kentrell, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
Click link to see Kentrell Hill’s Hudl highlight reel.
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Photo credit: Hill family; Kentrell Hill at Arkansas with Paul Rhoades (2017).
Photo credit: Hill family; Kentrell Hill pre-game (2016).