Interview: 2019 Arkansas QB Greyson Tackett Updates Season with Playoff Preview

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In a run-first offensive set at Robinson High School, Class of 2019 quarterback Greyson Tackett has been the field general for the Senators ready to apply his trade at a moment’s notice to deliver a big play downfield to move the chains or to put six on the board. The 6-2.5, 211-pound, quarterback has thrown for 1,169 yards with 13 touchdowns through 10 games balancing out a dynamic running back corps that has produced 2,236 yards with 33 touchdowns. The Senators are 8-2 on the year ranked No. 1 in Arkansas’ Class 4A by MaxPreps ready to start the 2018 playoffs with a game against Pottsville (5-5) on a march to War Memorial Stadium.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Tackett covering his improved play in the pocket with an update on his recruiting process and a game preview against the Apaches.

Interview

Greyson, the Senators have been laying it on opposing 4A Arkansas teams this year averaging 38 points per game. What is the offensive side of the ball doing so well allowing for the high scoring?

“We do a bunch of things well. We have a fantastic offensive line. We can run the ball effectively and throw it effectively. Our offense allows us to take advantage of what defenses are giving us. We have a stacked backfield and really good out wide. We have thrown more in games recently. We are pumping out big numbers now, even more than last year.”

How has your game come along as a leader on offense helping run the offense?

“I think I have better control this year of the game as a whole, especially emotionally. Last year I was up and down getting caught up in the emotion of the game. This year I am positive through all the ups and downs. I feel like I have gotten better at reading defenses and putting together drives instead of hoping for a big play. We have showed this year that we can put together drives and punish people.”

As a passer, how has your game improved during your senior year?

“My pocket presence has gotten much better, I am feeling the pressure better this year and I am moving better this year. I am throwing the deep ball better this year. After working out with the guys over the summer, my overall improvement in my passing game is showing up. Calming down and settling in allows me to go through my reads and has improved me in my ability to make plays.”

Is there an area of your game that has improved so much over the course of the season that even you are surprised?

“My overall awareness and my movement in the pocket.”

Which game this season was your best?

“Statistically, this last game against Harmony Grove was my best. I completed 91 percent of my passes for around 250 yards with three touchdowns. I feel like as a QB, my best game was the Arkadelphia game. That was a high pressure situation, they state champs last year. We put together some big drives and we were going up and down the field at will. We were not relying on the big play but working the offense.”

It is always good to go into the playoffs on a winning streak. You guys defeated Ashdown and Harmony Grove building momentum going into the playoffs. What is the mindset now that every game counts starting on Friday against Pottsville (5-5)?

“We like to say every game is as important as the last one, but we all know that is not true. It is win or go home now that we are in the playoffs. The coaches said this could be our last Tuesday practice or we will be here next Tuesday, it is up to you. We will do everything we did in the regular season, but as a high functioning unit.”

When you drop back to pass, what are you expecting from the Apaches defense?

“I think they will try to stay deep so they don’t get beat because of our team speed. They will be tough. Their defensive line will come up, their linebackers hit hard, and their backs will play off some. I think we will be able to do what we want to do against them.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“Lafayette College, Lyon College, and I am talking to Stanford and Air Force.”

Which schools have offered you?
“I have an offer from Missouri Western and some D-III offers. I have been talking to Missouri Western a lot.”

Have you taken any visits during the season?

“I have not taken an official visit yet, but I did go to a Missouri Western game on an unofficial visit.”

When you make your final decision, what will be the criteria that factors into where you will play college ball?

“I want somewhere I am comfortable that feels like home and somewhere I can get a really good education. I want to be somewhere I can play football and not sit on the bench for four years. I want to go to med school to be a surgeon, academics are very important to me.”

Greyson, thanks for your time today and good luck in the playoff game against Pottsville.

“Thank you.”

Notes on Tackett: Greyson Tackett has been selected for the Blue-Grey All-American Game and is a true student-athlete carrying a 3.7 GPA with a 30 scored on the ACT.

Photo credit: Twitter.com; Team captain, No. 10 Greyson Tackett (left)