Interview: 3-Star 2022 Arkansas RB Travelle Anderson Rolled for Over 1,100 Even in Shortened Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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During his sophomore season Travelle Anderson ran rough over 4A Arkansas defenses compiling 1,025 yards with nine trips into the end zone off 111 totes. With defenses keying on the three-star Gosnell standout, Anderson still got the job done in 2020, even in a shortened nine-game schedule. In stats posted through just seven games, the 6-0, 205-pound, back flew past defenses for 1,189 yards off 173 carries with nine scores going up on the board. His all-purpose talents were put on display securing 11 for 160 with one touchdown.

The recruiting trail is buzzing around Anderson’s talents. Offers have been extended from Arkansas State, Colorado State, Kansas, and North Texas with interest spreading into other parts of the Big 12, Big Ten, ACC, and Pac-12.

In an RNG update interview, Anderson covers ground on another incredible season with an update on his recruiting process.

*Click the link for the Sept. 2020 RNG interview with Travelle Anderson

Interview

Travelle, even in a shortened nine-game season for the Pirates you tore it up. What was the secret sauce for you during your junior campaign?

I was everywhere on the field. They lined me up at receiver or in the backfield. They were moving me around everywhere getting me the ball as much as they could.

Out of the Spread offense, the offensive coordinator for the Pirates was getting the ball in your hands in numerous ways, as mentioned. Update us on some of the calls that fed you the rock.

Mainly running inside zone, and then some outside. Sometimes they’d motion me as a receiver. They had me catching some short routes too.

Which routes were you running?

Some go routes, a spot route, or a swing.

Beyond using your speed getting that burst for extra yards, how did your game grow as runner between the tackles?

I learned how to run harder giving 100 percent on every play. I got stronger over the offseason, they’d bounce off me, I’d stiff-arm them, or I’d truck them.

You got to show more of your all-purpose talents in 2020 catching passes in the offense. How did that part of your game improve?

I improved a lot on my route running and catching. Last time we talked, I told you I was working on that. I worked on my footwork, route running, and catching the ball. You need that at the next level.

In which game did you turn in your best performance?

It was my first playoff game against Dardanelle. I had 389 all-purpose yards and three TDs.

Nice. The regular season wrapped in November, what have you been doing to keep pushing your talents forward already this offseason?

I’ve been lifting weights so far; I play basketball too. That is keeping me in shape.

Have you maxed out lately in the weight room?

No. My last max was a while I ago. I got 255 on bench press and my squat was 455.

Have you set any workout or speed goals to hit this spring?

Yes, run a laser 40. It was a 4.5 over the summer. I want to get it down into the 4.4s.

We have you playing football and basketball, are you going to play any other sports coming up?

Yes. Track. I did not get to run track my sophomore year because of COVID. During my freshman year I ran the 100 in an 11-flat. This season I am hoping for a sub-11 in the 10s.

How is basketball going?

It is going pretty good. We are winning most of our games. I just had 16 points in our last game. We won a close one.

Let’s close out on recruiting. After the season turned in, which programs are now showing interest?

Michigan State, TCU, Duke, Memphis, Colorado, and Texas Tech. Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

How many offers are on your table?

Four.

When the dead period lifts, are there any schools you’d like to go visit?

Any school that asks me to visit, I will go visit. My first option would have to be Kansas, they’ve shown a lot of love. They are up there on my list for sure.

Travelle, it is always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time. Wishing you continued success in basketball until we talk again.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Gosnell HS/Anderson family; Travelle Anderson