Interview: 3-Star 2021 DE Renard Gwynn Talks Arkansas Football and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Class of 2021 defensive lineman Renard Gwynn cut his teeth at the varsity level in 2018 with Freedom Prep High School. The Memphis squad posted a 9-4 record making a three-game run into the Tennessee playoffs seeing their 6-2.5, 250-pound, defender rack up 28 tackles, five tackles for a loss, one sack, and five QB hurries with the Eagles. When the 2019 season begins, the three-star recruit will be taking on a new challenge going up a few levels of competition playing against 6A Arkansas teams with West Memphis High School. The Blue Devils season is loaded with challenging games against squads like Marion, Jonesboro, Searcy, and Sylvan Hills. The tough schedule for the Blue Devils gives Gwynn a great opportunity to showcase his skills against top talent sure to add onto the six offers already in his possession from Arkansas, Memphis, Rutgers, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Tulane.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Gwynn covering fall camp with the Blue Devils, the upcoming season, and his recruiting.
*Click link for May 27, 2019, RNG video interview with Renard Gwynn
Interview
Renard, how have your offseason workouts gone?
“They have gone great. I have been coached by a former Alabama player, D.J. Pettway. He has been teaching me the techniques and leverages of pass rushing. He is helping me improve.”
Did you go to any college camps this summer?
“I did. After I saw you at The Opening Regional, I went to Mercer, a Memphis Mega Camp, and to a Tennessee camp.”
How did the Memphis camp performance go?
“It went great. There were a lot of coaches watching. There are a lot of coaches looking at my junior year. They want to see my growth on the field this season.”
Tell me about the Tennessee camp.
“It went well. There was a lot of competition there. I went against Chris Moore; he is like a brother.”
What did you do well at that camp in front of the college coaches?
“I showed my pass rushing skills, my speed, and my get off. I was getting off hard. How fast your get off is, that is what makes offensive tackles uncomfortable. You get off fast, you win battles.”
Which schools are now showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Liberty, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, Kentucky, and Indiana. There are some more schools looking at my tape this year. On Sept. 1, when the dead period is over, I will know more. I am looking forward to it.”
How many offers have you racked up so far?
“I have six offers.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Do you have any visits on the schedule for this fall?
“Yes. I might visit Texas A&M and I might visit Tennessee as well. I am thinking about visiting Arkansas if I can.”
You made the move this offseason to West Memphis in Arkansas. How has the move gone on the field for you so far?
“It has been going great. It is like Texas football in Arkansas. The energy is great. There will be a lot of competition this season. I have a great defensive line coach; we have great coaches overall at West Memphis. We are getting the team together.
“I am getting used to the system at the school. They welcomed me in as family. I am blessed. Hopefully I can make a statement my junior year and finish off with a great senior year.”
Where all might you play on the field for the Blue Devils?
“I will be playing defensive tackle and end. I play some special teams too.”
How is the team looking in fall camp?
“We are looking very good. We have one of the top offensive tackles in the country, two good 2020 quarterbacks, and good corners. We have a good 2021 defensive tackle on my side; I think we have a great team overall. We have a lot of great seniors. We will make the best of what we have.”
I know it is all new to you, but which games on the schedule are you looking forward to playing?
“I am looking forward to playing against our rivals and Marion.”
What goals have you set for the 2019 season?
“My goals are to have at least 18 sacks, 20 or more tackles for a loss, and 70 or more total tackles.”
Renard, I hope you hit all your goals and more this season. Thanks for your time and good luck.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: West Memphis HS/Gwynn family; Renard Gwynn