Interview: 2023 Arkansas WR Isiah Kendall is an Impossible Matchup for Defenses

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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The great thing about tape, it doesn’t lie. Defenses cannot go one-on-one with Isiah Kendall, and they don’t fare well double-teaming him either. Whether the coaches at Newport High School call a play that utilizes his speed and quickness or one for his size, Kendall is a nightmare matchup for defenses.

How do you defend a 6-5, 180-pound, receiver? Serious question, asking for Arkansas high school football programs. During the 2020 season, Kendall flew past and soared above opposing secondaries for 746 yards with eight trips into the end zone. The Greyhounds posted a 9-2 record with help from their All-Conference receiver and college programs took notice. The first of many offers have been dropped by Kansas and Middle Tennessee.

In an RNG exclusive interview, Kendall stopped by the Lab for a detail conversation covering his breakout sophomore season.

Interview

Isiah, there is a passion you bring to the field that shows on your game reel that is also seen in how your teammates respond on the sidelines to your big plays. What do you love about playing football that you bring with you to the stadium on Fridays?

I love everything about it, the crowd and my team. I just like playing the sport.

In a footrace, no 3A defensive backs were keeping up with you. What is your best-timed run?

I don’t have a 40 time yet. We were supposed to do, but COVID happened. I will do one soon.

Beyond the go or fly routes, what were some of the other routes within the Greyhounds’ scheme you were running during your sophomore season?

Posts, goes, slants, and 10-yard digs.

A big part to your game that I appreciate is your willingness to go across the middle and up high for the ball even though you know you are going to get hit low. What are some of the other strengths to your game that make you such a dynamic receiver?

I put the team first. If coach wants me to block, I will. Anything my coach wants me to do, I will do. I want my team to win.

Which areas of your game showed top overall improvements in 2020?

My footwork, my routes, and going up to get the ball.

What are you working on with your skills this offseason as a receiver?

More footwork and getting stronger and bigger. I am staying in shape and going in the gym a lot. With my skills, I am working on my releases.

What are some of the workouts you are doing to increase your speed and agility?

Cone drills, running with the parachute and in the sand a lot too. I am doing pool workouts too.

Do you play any other varsity sports besides football?

Yes, sir. I play basketball, football and run track.

How is basketball going?

We are 16-3 and heading to regionals. We won district and are conference champs.

Very cool. For you, how is the season coming along?

I like it. I like being with the guys and having fun.

With track, which events will you compete in this year?

The 100 and in the high jump like last year.

Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?

Memphis, Houston, Arkansas State, and U-of-A (Arkansas).

How many offers do you have?

I have two; Kansas and Middle Tennessee.

Getting that first offer from Kansas, what was that moment like for you?

It was unreal. My cousin and I have been dreaming about going D-I… it is crazy. My mom, I go to her with everything. She tells me to pray about it, my prayers have been answered. I feel good.

Isiah, I enjoyed covering ground with you on your season and offseason workouts. Keep up the hard work.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Kendall family; Isiah Kendall (2020)