Interview: 2021 Kentucky RB/ATH Q’Daryius Jennings is an Impact Player Flying Under the Radar
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For high school football fans and college football scouts looking for the next recruiting gem to unearth, check out Class of 2021 running back/athlete Q’Daryius Jennings (McHenry). Jennings made a lot of noise in Kentucky during the 2018 season rushing for over 1,500 yards with 21 touchdowns while adding an estimate 500 receiving yards with 10 more scores. Playing defense for Grayson County, the 5-11, 195-pound, defender picked off seven passes and put an end to 41 plays. Jennings earned All-Conference and MVP honors for his work. What will he do next?
More of the same production is already being seen on the field during Jennings’ junior season, but this time lining up for Ohio County High School. In his first game with the Eagles, he pulled in five passes for 153 yards with three trips into the end zone, rushed 15 times for 122 yards with another score, and had time to tally three tackles. Game 2 of the Eagles season was another stellar performance covering 248 yards on the ground off 248 totes with four touchdowns scored in a comeback win.
To learn more about the Kentucky talent who is flying under the radar for now, I sat down for an in-depth interview learning more about Jennings overall game and impact capabilities.
Interview
Q’Daryius, your speed is deceptive and on another level from everyone else on the field. Pair that with your running style as a one-cut and gone back, I can see why you ran for over 1,500 yards last season. How do you describe your running style?
“I try to get downhill quick and I make people miss.”
Going back to your speed, what is the fastest timed run you’ve posted?
“I’ve never officially ran 40. My best track time in the 100 meters was 11.1, that was in the eighth grade.”
Which areas of your game did you hone in on over the offseason to great ready for the 2019 season as a tailback?
“I worked on being more mobile. As you said, I am a one-cut back. I worked on making one move and being gone. I have also worked on being patient and trusting in my offensive line. We have a great offensive line this year.”
You also mix it up on defense. What did you work on over the summer as a defender?
“I worked on having quicker feet and making sure my technique is sound. I want to lead the team in tackles this season. As a safety, and playing in the box that much, I may not get that much action. Wherever the coaches play me, I will make plays for my team even when I am at corner.”
You are a difference maker in the passing game coming out of the backfield as well. What do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game we have not talked about yet?
“I don’t do as much blocking, but that is a good part of my game. I am good at running people over and sending a message.”
Which schools caught on to your talent last season and are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Kentucky, Louisville, Cincinnati, Western Kentucky, Ball State, Eastern Kentucky, Miami of Ohio, and Florida State. I plan on taking visiting to Louisville, Indiana, Western Kentucky, and Kentucky, again, this season.”
You kind of touched on this a minute ago. You made the move in the offseason to Ohio County. Where are you lining up for the Eagles this season?
“I am lining up at running back, in the slot at times, free safety, corner, punt and kick return.”
The Eagles got a big 46-42 win last night (Friday) over McLean County. How did the game go for you?
“Oh man. I had 22 carries for 248 yards with four touchdowns. I did not play much in the second half with some leg cramps. It was a great game. We were down 20-6, but we came back.”
How are you being utilized within the offense?
“On inside and outside runs, but mostly on inside runs. We go out of a spread.”
What goals have you set for your junior season?
“My goals are to be more vocal and more of a leader, even though we have seniors doing that. I want to win MVP again and lead my team to championship. I feel we can do that with the team we have.”
Q’Daryius, thanks for your time today and good luck to you and your teammates the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Ohio High School; Q’Daryius Jennings gets to the outside (2019)