Interview: 2020 Arkansas DB/WR Kevin Compton Wows All with 10-Interception Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are certain stats in football that are harder to attain than others, and picking off a pass is arguably at the top of the list. So many factors go into getting an interception from opportunity, to knowledge of the game, and then having the athleticism to haul in the pass swiping it away from a receiver. After a 10-game season of making opposing 5A Arkansas offenses look silly, 2020 safety/receiver Kevin Compton has proven himself to be among the best in the nation doing the improbable after pulling down 10 interceptions in 2018.

The thought of a 10-interception season boggles the mind, but Compton did it, and did it in style. From diving catches, to acrobatic hooks, and straight ball-hawking plays, Compton compiled an outstanding career’s worth of picks in one season and still tallied 38 stops with two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. The 6-2, 165-pound, athlete further showcased his skills for Watson Chapel High School bringing down 18 passes for 290 yards with six scores as a team leader on offense.

The heroics of Compton are just starting to spread outside of the Natural State. The Pine Bluff area standout has an unofficial visit to Houston this weekend and is visiting Mississippi State on Nov. 17.

In a fun RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of Arkansas’ hidden recruiting gems covering his season and budding recruiting process.

Interview

Kevin, you are a great thief of passes. Pretty amazing that you picked off 10 this season. What do you attribute the big season to as a defensive back?

“I can read quarterbacks well and I know how to judge the ball. In high school, a lot of the quarterbacks look at their first target and throw to that receiver, which is good for me. I like to jump passes.”

Are there wanted posters of you throughout Arkansas because you stole so many passes?

(Laughs) “No.”

It seemed that teams did not learn by watching film to not go deep in your area, at any point in the season did teams start throwing the other way?

“Yes, sir. Towards the end of the season they realized that throwing in the middle was a bad idea. After that they tried to avoid me.”

Tough question, did you drop any near interceptions?

“I could have caught one against JA Fair, it went off my fingertips.”

There was a half-back pass you picked off. I can only guess all the positive things going through your mind when you saw him winding up to throw.

(Laughs) “I knew they were going to do something like that, it was right before halftime. I saw the receiver going downfield running full-speed. As soon as he let it go, I knew I was going to go get it.”

You also were a team leader on offense in receptions and yards. How did your game improve on that side of the ball this season?

“It improved a lot. I was getting one-on-one coverages allowing me to be physical going for the ball. My quarterback knew he could rely on me to come up with the pass if he threw it my way.”

What are some of the things you feel you do well as a receiver?

“I feel like I am tough to stop, especially in man coverage. I am long and with my first stride, I beat a lot of people off the line. In man, I will get behind you and get an easy catch.”

Between safety and receiver, which position do you like best?

“I like both equally. I have not decided on one over the other.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“A 4.6 at an Alabama camp.”

Nice. With the Wildcats season concluding last Friday, what are your offseason workout goals?

“My goals are to get bigger, improve on my game and my routes, and increase my speed. I am trying to get down to a 4.5.”

Which schools have responded to the great season you’ve had in the form of interest?

“I am receiving interest from Houston, Oregon State, and Mississippi State.”

Do you have any planned visits set?

“Yes, sir. I have a Houston visit this weekend and I am going to Mississippi State on Nov. 17.”

What has you excited about visiting Houston?

“I am excited about being in the college football atmosphere there at Houston. I am excited about being around the coaches and meeting people.”

What about the MSU visit, what has you excited about that visit?

“I am excited about to be at a SEC school. I know it will be a fun experience.”

What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?

“They like that I am long and good off the line. They like that I am athletic and long.”

Are you playing any winter or spring sports?

“I play baseball and this summer I am playing on the Arkansas Elite 7v7 team.”

Kevin, it was great talking to you today. Good luck on your visit to Houston and to Mississippi State.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 10 Kevin Compton in action