Interview: 2022 Arkansas QB Tevin Carter is a Power 5 Conference Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The talents of dual-threat quarterback Tevin Carter extend state borders, and with great success. The 6-4, 215-pound, talent can slice up a defense with his arm, legs, and knowledge of the game and on either side of the Mississippi River. As a freshman, Carter slung the pigskin for Freedom Preparatory in Memphis and continued the onslaught in Arkansas with West Memphis High School. An ACL injury slowed Carter’s progress on the field last season, but that has not stopped college programs from coming after one of the elite players in the 2022 class. To date, 12 programs have offered Carter in hopes of receiving his signature on a National Letter of Intent.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Carter covering ground on his workouts since his ACL injury with an update on his recruiting options.
Interview
Tevin, during the 2018 season, it looks like you guys were running the Pistol, what offense were you running last year?
“An RPO (run-pass option) out of the shotgun.”
What were some of the routes you were throwing to in the offense?
“Slants, go-routes, comebacks – a majority of all the routes.”
Speed is a big part of your game when you decide to tuck it and run. How fast are you?
“On my last 40-yard dash I ran a 4.68.”
Game footage shows you knew your leverages and where you wanted to go with the ball off your pre-snap read, that comes with game preparation. How did you prepare for each game during the season?
“Usually I watch film by myself. I take notes and look at the tendencies of the defense. When the game comes, I know what will happen because I have been seeing it all week. After a game on Friday, on Saturdays I’m already watching film on the new team.”
Even though you did not have a full season, there was still opportunity for you to push your game forward last season by observing. How do you feel your overall game improved during the 2019 season?
“I picked up on a lot of leadership qualities last season. I picked up on the game speed and was reading everything faster. I got stronger too.”
What offense will you be running in 2020?
“The same thing, an RPO.”
Have you started throwing with your receivers?
“Yes.”
Are you fully back from the ACL injury?
“I’m throwing and running. I am ready to be released for contact.”
No doubt. Which areas of your game have you been working on this offseason so far?
“Footwork and accuracy. Accuracy is a big part of my game. You don’t want to always hit them in the chest, sometimes you have to put it on the shoulder or on the outside or inside of the receiver.”
If things pick back up to normal in time, are there any camps you may attend?
“The Elite 11, Under Armour, Rivals, Texas A&M, Duke, Florida State, Florida, and I will camp at Alabama again. The rest will play out.”
Transitioning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Mississippi State, Kentucky, and Northwestern.”
How many offers are you holding?
“12.”
Carter’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Auburn, Baylor, Florida State, LSU, Memphis, Michigan, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt
Over the last few months, have you visited any programs?
“Kentucky, for the Tennessee game.”
What was that visit like for you?
“I liked it, but it was cold.”
There are camps planned, separate from the camps are you scheduling any visits in the coming months?
“Yes. Wake Forest, Duke, Ohio State, and maybe Michigan. Definitely A&M.”
Tevin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts until we speak again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Carter family; Tevin Carter working out and on the field