Interview: 2020 Arkansas WR Truitt Tollett Talks 1,000-Yard Season and Nashville Game

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Class of 2020 Shiloh Christian receiver Truitt Tollett laid down the framework during his sophomore season for things to come. Going against 4A Arkansas competition, he ended up with 487 receiving yards with four scores and was a difference maker as a return specialist taking six kicks back for 157 yards and 14 punts for 132. With his junior year still ongoing, the 6-2, 165-pound, play-maker is tearing it up and continuing forward through top talent in the 2018 playoffs.

The Saints have been prolific this season on offense tallying 523 total points during an 11-1 season. One of the big reasons for all the wins and bright lights on the scoreboard has been the play of their rising receiver. Tollett has snagged 67 passes for 1,040 yards with 12 trips into the end zone and has added a rushing score to the resume. On special teams, he has taken 11 kicks back for 163 yards and flipped the field on punt returns rolling up 66 yards on three attempts.

The Saints have worked through the first two rounds of the playoffs taking down Star City and Mena with a date against Nashville on Friday night. In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with one of the top receivers in the Natural State to see how his season has gone to date with a preview of the quarterfinal showdown against the Scrappers.

Interview

Truitt, the team is kicking butt with an 11-1 record and an offense producing 44 points per game, what are the strengths of the team this year?

“Our biggest strength is playing as a unit. It is not just one player who goes off with all the stats. We can go to a lot of different players involved. Our defense has been really good at getting the ball back for us. We’ve been able to capitalize on that this season.”

How is the season going for you?

“It has gone really well. We have a lot of skill on offense, we can spread it out. I have been able to do well with the receptions I have. My route running has gotten better throughout the year. I am matching up in practice against our best corner, Blake Thomson, and our best safety, Micah Button. It is showing. My hands have been good this year. My speed has gotten better as well.”

Which game has been the most challenging for you?

“That is hard to say. If I had to choose, I would probably say the (Arkansas) Texarkana game in Week 1.”

How did that challenge help improve your abilities as a receiver?

“It was a good match up. That game showed me I can compete against good and bigger corners in the state. They have a better corner than I had seen to that point. I started against the best. I’m sure I will see great corners in the next few weeks in the playoffs. After that game, I know I can compete against the best.”

Which game has been your best thus far?

(Laughs) “My personal best stat wise was probably the Texarkana game. I got the ball a lot that game. I had two touchdowns and went for over 100 yards.”

The Saints have continued to crush it in the playoffs with wins against Star City (49-6) and Mena (59-7), how did those games go for you?

“Those games went well. Our coaches game planned really well against those teams. I’ve been able to get touchdowns in both games. Mena was especially good. We killed it on offense. In the first half, the starting offense scored every time we got the ball. We were able to move it fast and efficiently.”

How are opposing teams defending against you?

“Up to this point, they are running more of a zone against me. They have tried to backup so we cannot beat them deep. In the games, that has not been very effective. We throw shorter routes and make something happen. I have run the hitch route more this year than any other year. It has been a very productive season.”

You get Nashville (10-2) on Friday, what are you expecting from their defense?

“I am expecting something different this week. Their corners have pressed all year. We are confident going in against them. We feel like we have a good game plan and that we can exploit their weaknesses. Our receivers feel we can make something happen against the press.”

Before I let you go, how is everything going with your recruiting?

“My coaches handle most of that. I’m not sure which schools are showing interest now. They (coaches) are holding that until after the season. I know I have been asked about, just not sure by who yet.”

Truitt, great catching up with you today. Good luck against Nashville.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 8 Truitt Tollett