Interview: 39-Offer 4-Star 2021 Florida DB/WR Terrion “The Hit Man” Arnold Covers Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
No matter which position Terrion Arnold may play on the field at the next level, one can’t help but have the feeling that he will be a takeover kind of talent. At Tallahassee’s St. John Paul II High School, he is that caliber of player already dominating both sides of the ball. Coming up through the ranks, Arnold was a receiver, but during his junior campaign he proved to be a hard as nails defensive back laying out the opposition all over the field – enough so to earn the nickname “The Hit Man.” Whichever college program receives his National Letter of Intent, they will have a tough decision on their hands seeing him as a receiver or defensive back. But before ink goes on the contract, 39 different programs are vying for his signature with a handful of schools still watching his progress.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the highly recruited four-star Class of 2021 Florida talent for an update on his recruiting process and offseason workouts.
Interview
Terrion, I want to start the interview off finding out if you have a cool football nickname? Do you?
(Laughs) “T2, for No 2.”
You’ve more than earned one like the “Hit Man” for your play in the secondary with the Panthers dishing out all the big hits. Do you like that one?
“Oh! I like that.”
Done! When you take the field on defense, there is an attitude that comes with you. What is your mindset on defense?
“Strike with intent to kill.”
The new nickname is fitting (he laughs). On offense, your cuts are on a dime and your speed truly shows. How fast are you?
“At a Florida camp last year, I ran a 4.42.”
It shows. How did your game improve as a receiver last season?
“My route running improved, I am still working on that. Not running them at one speed but adding a change of pace. My catching abilities, making the first person miss and always being a threat to score.”
And on defense, how did you take that part of your game to another level?
“Last season was really my first time playing defense for real for real. After a one-on-one meeting with my defensive coordinator, he started calling plays centering around me. I improved on my open-field tackling, attacking when the ball was in the air, and going and getting it. I was taking advantage of the opportunity when presented.”
Of all the positions played, which position do you like playing the most?
“Cornerback.”
What are you working on with your game this offseason?
“This offseason I am working on getting stronger. I want to be even more of a physical presence on the field. I am working on my hips, improving my speed, and my change of direction. I am working on turning my hips. I want to be college ready in high school to make that transition to the next level easier.”
Even with teams that may not have a shot at landing you as a recruit, I bet there has been a lot of in-fighting between coaching staffs as to which side of the ball would get you once on campus. Where are you receiving the majority of your offers?
(Laughs) “Yeah. As a defensive back.”
How many offers do you have?
“I have 39 offers.”
Arnold’s Offer Sheet (39): Alabama, Arizona State, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Florida A&M, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Maryland, Miami, Michigan State, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, Southern Miss, Temple, Tennessee, Texas, Texas A&M, Toledo, UCF, USC, USF, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington State, and West Virginia
Are there programs out there showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Yes, sir. Clemson, Notre Dame, Ohio State, FAU, South Carolina, and Washington.”
Which schools have you visited recently?
“I took an unofficial to Alabama for a Junior Day four weeks ago. I have also been to FSU and I plan on going to Florida next week.”
How did the Alabama visit go? What all did you do?
“During the visit, I saw the campus, the student union – ate in there, and some of the freshmen got up and spoke. They are getting a new weight room; that will be ready by spring. They had a great atmosphere there.”
You mentioned visiting Florida next week, do you have any other planned visits ahead?
“I want to visit Texas A&M for their spring game. Miami is talking about me coming down on my spring break, I might do that. I have to get to Georgia Tech. I am going on football and basketball visits, but I am not sure if I will play both in college. That is a lot.”
Agreed. When you take a visit to any school, what are you seeking to learn? What are you wanting to see about a program and/or the university itself?
“I try to talk to the players to see how things are at that school. The players, most of the time, are genuine. I question the coaches to see what their plans are for me. I look at the different classes they offer. I want to graduate with a master’s in business. I plan on taking my education very seriously.”
Terrion, that’s fantastic and a great spot to wrap up the interview. Thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Arnold family; Terrion Arnold at Alabama