Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arkansas ATH Ja’Quez Cross Talks Purdue Boilermakers Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When writing about a player like Ja’Quez Cross (5-10, 175), there is no easy place to begin because he does so many things at an elite level. To say the least, he is one of the most versatile and athletic players in the Natural State and he is taking those skills at the collegiate level to the Big Ten with Purdue.
The stat line posted on either side of the ball in 2019 would have been one heck of a season for anyone else, but Cross showed out in all three phases. Playing safety, he brought down 61 ball carriers with three tackles for a loss, forced two fumbles, picked up one taking it back for a score, and took away 10 passes. On special teams he compiled 375 return yards with one touchdown, that’s 182 yards on kicks and 192 on punts. His offensive output was equally amazing rushing 24 times for 210 yards with two touchdowns while hauling in 58 passes for 975 yards with 14 more scores going up on the big board.
Cross’ Fordyce High School football team is one of the best in Arkansas rushing out to an 8-0 start. His contributions to the unblemished season on offense includes 67 carries for 603 yards with 11 touchdowns and 21 receptions for 546 yards with seven more scores. In the third phase, he’s taken back 10 punts for 120 yards. On defense, the highlight is seven interceptions thus far along with 24 stops, a tackle for a loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
In a preplanned visit to the RNG Lab, Cross surprised me with his commitment to Purdue announced minutes before our call. To update all, he picked the Boilermakers over 15 other offers.
*Click link for Ja’Quez Cross’ March 2020 RNG interview
Interview
Ja’Quez, let’s talk Redbugs football. You guys have dominated this season going 8-0. What are the strengths to the team overall making you guys unbeatable?
Leadership from the seniors and from our defense. Even when things go wrong, we have faith in ourselves, especially on defense that we can stop any team.
The offense has been laying it the opposition. Which offensive set are you guys running in 2020?
We run the Wing T and Spread, the same as last year. I’ve only played three full games this season. My stats are not what they could be. We handle business early and let the younger guys get experience.
Wow. So, you’ve been on the sidelines for the second half of most of these games with a stat line that could be even greater?
Yes, sir. Like I was saying, I have only played all four quarters in three games. I am guessing I have only played about 65 or 70 percent of the year so far.
Very impressive.
Thank you.
How is the offensive coordinator getting you the rock?
Any way he can. Between the tackles or outside the tackles, and on a lot of short pass allowing me to make something happen. Every now and again I go deep but not as much this year as last year playing slot. Whatever is working, we go with it. Power runs, inside and outside zone plays, dives, and isolation plays. They like to get me in space a lot. They let me do my thing. A little pop pass or an out route. One of the best parts of my game is after the catch.
How are teams lining up against you?
In the Spread, three over two. I have been double teamed in every game this season. In the Wing T, they stacking the side opposite of me thinking I am coming that way. They load the opposite side. As a receiver, I have one in my face, one over, and a corner spying. I like it though. I like the challenge. If I am ever in man, I start yelling to my coach. I know I can win that battle.
You are leading the team in rushing and receiving yards. As an overall playmaker, where are you seeing the improvements in what you do on the field from last season?
I am moving my feet faster after working with my trainer over the offseason. I was striding like I was much taller, and my agility moves were too wide. This season I am moving my feet faster, and I feel great. With defenders closing, I can make something happen. My versatility overall is a big improvement.
How have you pushed your talents forward as a tailback this year?
The biggest, last year I played more at receiver, this year I am getting more touches at running back. I am keeping the ball on my outside arm and bracing for contact. Playing receiver is different – you get what you can. There are more details as a running back.
And what about as a receiving threat? Where are you seeing the improvements there?
My route running. I feel like I am a better route runner this year. Running a fade last year, I could just outrun whoever. On the short routes, you have to give more detail. Being double teamed, you have to be creative. You have to push your route to get the DB to flip his hips or make him think you are going the opposite way.
Playing safety is working for you again with seven interceptions. Quarterbacks know you are back there ready to make them pay, how are you still getting it done?
My ball skills. Playing receiver, any ball on offense is mine. I just take that same approach on defense; I feel the same way. If the ball is being thrown, it is still mine. Some of my picks, the ball was not coming my way. I had to go make the play. Playing offense, as a safety you know what the other offense is trying to do. My pre-snap reads and knowing the down and distance, I position myself to make the play and I do a lot of baiting. I know he wants to throw it here, then I go get it.
Which game this season has been your personal best?
My personal best was probably our first game, against Rison. They were good, and we won by one point (29-28).
Why did you pick that game?
We had no summer, nothing. We came out and it was a dogfight. I had four touchdowns, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery. And on offense, I had 150 receiving yards and 120 rushing in that game.
That qualifies. Since we talked last, your recruiting has blown up. How does it feel to be recognized in the form of scholarship offers for all the work you’ve put into your game?
It feels great. Especially being where I am from. Hampton has a population that is barely 2,000. Fordyce has about 4,500 people. To live something that is a dream, I never thought I would play D-I football. It is all a dream. I am living in the moment and enjoying it.
How many total offers do you have?
I have 16 offers.
Cross’ Offer Sheet: Akron, Arkansas State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Army, Austin Peay, Eastern Illinois, Lamar, Louisiana-Monroe, Missouri State, New Mexico State, Purdue, South Dakota State, Southeast Missouri State, and Tennessee-Martin
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Purdue and New Mexico State
Which schools have been showing interest?
Penn State, TCU, Memphis, and Hawaii was at one point.
At which position are most of the schools offering you?
Mostly for offense.
With all of these offers and having another great season, where are you at in your process?
I committed to Purdue this morning.
Wait, what? Did you really.
(Laughs) Yes, sir.
Sorry, I had no idea. I have been writing, preparing for interviews, and doing interviews. Congratulations.
Thank you. I am excited. It happened this morning.
How did they become your ideal fit?
It was how they came at me. They made me feel that they wanted me there and they made me feel comfortable with them and going to a Power 5 school. Some teams were coming at me for defense, some only talked to me about defense. With Purdue being a Big Ten team, they want me to touch the ball on offense. They have faith in me. They knew they wanted me, they put it there for me to take it. My comfort level with them was the main thing. I got a lot of FBS offers, but them offering me on offense made me feel great.
When did you notify the staff that you were committing?
I told them yesterday.
How did they react to the news?
They were very excited.
That moment right before you got on the call and when you were on the line with them, how did you feel? Were you nervous or excited?
Yes, all of it. I was nervous and excited, and I was thinking about the next four years of my life. A lot was going through my head, especially being where I am from and being a part of something positive. Being from Arkansas, playing for Purdue in the Big Ten, you are facing great competition week in and week out. It feels great. Little Ja’Quez from Hampton, I am going to play Big Ten football now. Kids in other states like Texas, California, and Florida may have someone else to relate to in this process but I don’t. It is overwhelming and exciting. I am blessed.
Ja’Quez, thank you for your time today. I am truly happy and excited for you. Wishing you and the Redbugs a great game tonight and for the rest of the season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Cross family; Ja’Quez Cross