Interview: 2020 Arkansas Talent Kevin Compton is Tearing it Up in All Three Phases
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After the junior season Kevin Compton had on the field with Watson Chapel, only an insane man would take the field against the Wildcats without a scheme against him – and that is what is happening in 2019. Compton was one of the nation’s best against the pass as a junior picking off 10 passes with 38 tackles, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble from his safety position. In 2019, the opposition is trying to limit the 6-2, 172-pound, talent, but it is not working. Going against Arkansas 5A competition, Compton has 33 stops, a tackle for a loss, two passes deflected, and two picks. Where he is showing the added dimensions to his game is on offense and special teams. Compton has 14 receptions for 361 yards with six trips into the end zone. As a return specialist, he has 11 kicks taken back for 274 yards and one punt return for 18 yards.
Despite all that Compton does to win games, college coaches have been slow finding him with four offers extended. To find out about his season and recruiting process, we got together for another confab.
*Click link for April 2019 RNG interview with Kevin Compton
Interview
Kevin, the Wildcats are having a good season with a 5-3 record, which has to be exciting for you given it is your senior season. How has the season gone overall to date?
“It is going pretty weel. A lot of teams are double-teaming me on offense, it has been hard to get me the ball. I am a playmaker. My coach depends on me to make plays; I always find a way in each game to make a play. We have to win one more game to make the playoffs.”
Last night, you guys took down J.A. Fair 35-6. How did the team look in the win?
“We looked pretty good. We came out fast, we laid it down some in the middle of the game but then we picked it up. We played through horrible weather and bad field conditions but we got the win in those conditions.”
For you, how did the game go?
“Okay. It was not my best game. They were not doing much my way, but I almost got a pick – I had a good deflection. We did not allow them to get anything going last night.”
When we talked last you were going through your offseason workouts with a focus at safety. How are those workouts translating onto the field for you this year?
“It shows in that I am giving more effort. A lot of coaches already knew I was a ballhawk, so I worked on my form tackles; I am leading my team in tackles this season. One thing I knew going into the season was I had to be more aggressive and not let anyone catch the ball.”
You were doing the same as a receiver, which must really be paying off because you have a 26-yard per reception average. What are you doing so well on offense this season?
“People do not realize that I have always been an offensive player. I am long and fast, and when I get them off the line, it is natural to me making plays after I catch the ball.”
The speed is also being showcased this season on kick return. Tell me about that part of your game.
“On kick return, I try to make plays. I am good at seeing the holes and hitting it. I have had some plays on kick return this season, that was one of my preseason goals, to show college coaches my athleticism and overall play making skills.”
Over the summer, did you post a 40-yard dash?
“Yes, sir. I ran a 4.5 at Baylor.”
Nice. Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Baylor is showing a lot of interest. They texted me a week ago telling me to keep working hard.”
How many offers are you up to now?
“Four: Henderson State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Northeastern State, and Tennessee-Martin.”
Have you visited any schools on an official or unofficial this season?
“Yes, sir. I took an unofficial to Louisiana-Lafayette.”
How did the ULL visit go?
“It went well. They won. They have a nice atmosphere there and great people there. ULL is a good place.”
At which position is ULL recruiting you to play?
“They are recruiting me as an athlete, for both offense and defense.”
Are there any planned visits ahead?
“I will take an official to ULL soon, but I am not sure when yet.”
Going into the classroom. What is your cumulative GPA?
“My cumulative GPA is a 3.3 and on my ACT I scored a 19.”
The team has two big games left, what needs to happen over the next two to get ready for a playoff run?
“We have to get everyone healthy and come out hard. As mentioned, we have to win at least one more game to make the playoffs. We want to win both to get a good seed.”
What is there left on the field you want to accomplish before all the games are completed?
“I want to go out get two more picks and a few more touchdowns. College coaches know my talent, it shows on film. Teams have been targeting me, so it has been hard for the coach to get me the ball. I want to go all out in the last couple of games and in the playoffs for my last year.”
Kevin, it is always a pleasure covering ground with you. I appreciate your time and wish you guys luck the rest of the way.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Watson Chapel HS; Kevin Compton on the field
Photo credit: Compton family; Kevin Compton at Louisiana-Lafayette