Interview: 2020 Arkansas LB/RB Jonas Higson Proving He Can Do It All
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Jonas Higson’s junior season was a lot like his sophomore year, that is wowing the fans in attendance and making the opposition look foolish. The big difference was a switch in positions on the Bentonville West roster, but the results were the same – making plays.
After the year Higson put up against 7A West competition in 2017, his path forward seemed destined at a four-year on the offensive side of the ball. Through 11 games, he carried the rock 29 times for 180 yards with three trips into the end zone. He also was second on the Wolverines squad in receptions with 44 covering 559 yards with two more scores posted on the board. Jumping to the 2018 season, Higson continued to dabble on offense with six carries for 21 yards with one touchdown but shinned on defense at linebacker. In stats posted through nine games, the 6-2, 210-pound, rising star put an end to 70 plays, 42 solo, with 4.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and blocked a punt.
With interest starting to emerge after his big season, I sat down with the 2020 recruit to learn more about his overall game and to see which schools are taking a closer look.
Interview
Jonas, the Wolverines (7-5) were on a wild ride during the 2018 season losing the first three games before reeling off a six-game winning streak. During the tough times to open the season, what were some of the lessons learned that will help you going forward?
“The lessons learned are that we have to play together and not play for ourselves. We had to find out what was working for us. In those three games, they were non-conference used in preparation for the big games to come. We viewed those losses as tune-up games. We put it all together in conference and played well as a team.”
You made a lot of big plays throughout the season, of all the big plays and big games which was your best?
“I think the Har-Ber (Springdale) game. I came away with the game ball. I had double digit tackles, a tackle for a loss, pass break ups, and I blocked a punt for a touchdown. That was my best game this year.”
Sounds like it. How did your game improve throughout the season?
“I think I developed well as a vocal leader on the field. The middle linebacker always has to call out plays and lead. I think I also developed well against the run.”
What are the strengths of your game?
“Some of my strengths, going against the run I can go sideline to sideline. Our defense always pushes us to read the guards, the guards will take you to the ball. We have rules for following the guard. If they pull stack over the nose or if they drop back in pass-pro we drop to a 45 degree angle to the hash to read the QB.”
You played some at running back this season, will we see you more coming out of the backfield in 2019?
“I hope so. Offense was my main side of the ball my sophomore year at receiver. They needed me at linebacker last season so I switched. I hope to play more running back next season. We have a lot of guys graduating, I should get an opportunity to show what I can do.”
What will you work on this offseason with your game at linebacker and with your overall game?
“I will mostly focus on lifting weights and getting bigger. Getting faster and stronger is the goal. During the spring, I will focus in during practice more on in-game stuff, reading guards and more football stuff.”
Turning to recruiting, have you started receiving interest from football programs yet?
“Yes, sir. I had game invites from Tulsa and Louisiana Tech.”
Nice. Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?
“Yes, sir. I went to Ole Miss for their game against Alabama.”
How did that go?
“It was cool. I got to look at the facilities. The coaches were awesome. It was a great experience.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“Yes, sir. I plan on visiting Tulsa, Arkansas State, and maybe Oklahoma State and Arkansas.”
Are you playing any other sports for West?
“Yes, sir. I am playing basketball now and I plan on running track.
How is basketball going?
“It is great. We just started the season. Our practices have been good, the team is looking good. I love my teammates.”
Jonas, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck with the basketball season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; No. 21 Jonas Higson in action
Photo credit: Hudl.com; No. 21 Jonas Higson at running back