Interview: A Breakout Season Ahead for 2020 Arkansas ATH/WR Truitt Tollett

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

A call-up to the varsity level during Truitt Tollett’s freshman season paid off big for Shiloh Christian coaches during the 2017 season. Their speedy playmaker was a force in the Saints’ passing attack pulling down 33 passes for 487 yards with four trips into the end zone against Arkansas 4A competition. Another area where Tollett shinned was on special teams. The stats do not show the full effort with penalties calling back great runs, but the 6-1, 165-pound, athlete was feared as a return specialist by opposing sidelines. The mix of size, speed, and productivity is starting to attract attention by college scouts leading to a big junior campaign for the Springdale area product.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the emerging Natural State talent to learn more about his overall skills on the gridiron with an update on his offseason workouts.

Interview

You made the Saints varsity roster as a freshman, what was that experience like for you all the way back in 2016?

“It was really cool coming of junior high going into the playoffs and getting to be involved. That was a great experience to start my high school career. It was great to get some touches later in the games that year.”

How has that early time helped set you up for on the field success later in your high school career?

“It led me to expect what was to come, and knowing that I can play with these guys. Of course, some of them were bigger than me, but it led me to expect that I can compete with them.”

When your sophomore season was completed, what did you consider the strengths of your game as a receiver?

“I feel that I have good speed, really good hands, and I run good routes. I have really good reactions after I catch the ball, and I am good at getting yards and getting up field after the catch.”

The Saints got into the playoffs in 2017 going up against Stuttgart, how has that hard-fought game helped motivate and propel the team forward this offseason?

“It hurt us to go down in the first round, we knew we were better than them. We’ve been talking about it this offseason, a lot. The loss has motivated us on the field, in the weight room, and during 7v7 tournaments to come back stronger than ever. We have been training to not let that happen again.”

How is the team looking in spring and summer practices?

“We’ve been looking great. We started off with a 7v7 tournament in Fountain Lake, we won that. After that we went to a Tulsa team camp, we did not look so hot there. But, we regrouped. The following week we went to another camp and we did better. We had seniors stepping up and getting the team together. We have been looking good since then.”

Where all will we see you on the field during your junior season?

“I’m playing receiver, slot, and I am known for my punt and kick returning. I had one return for a touchdown last year but it got called back. I should play some free safety on defense and maybe a little corner as well.”

Are you excited about playing free safety and corner this year?

“I am. I’ve been working at corner, wherever they need me on defense. I like to do it all. Wherever they tell me to go, I’ll go out there and try my hardest.”

Are the coaches going to utilize your playmaking skills in any new ways in 2018?

“They are trying to include me on the run game with sweeps. There has been talk of me doing some Wildcat stuff. Mainly I’ll be at receiver and doing some motion sweeps, stuff like that.”

What have you been working on with your game this offseason?

“I have been working on my footwork, my route running working with Blake Thompson – we’ve been working a lot after practice. I am improving my hands. In the weight room, I am getting my strength and speed up.”

Where are you seeing the biggest growth in your game?

“This offseason I have seen improvement on my explosion and my route running. One thing I have improved is being stronger in the air. If the ball is up, I have the mentality that the ball is mine.”

Speed is such a big part of your game, how fast are you; what’s the best 40-yard dash time you’ve put down?

“Actually, I have not ran a 40 in two years. Our coach does not want to time us until we get a laser-timed run. My last time was a sub 4.65 two years ago.”

Nice. This offseason, have you attended any camps?

“Yes, sir. I attended one camp, the Arkansas Elite Camp for quarterbacks and receivers. I learned a ton at the camp with Coach (Justin) Steep (receivers) and from the rest of the staff. They helped me with stances, route running – they are really good teachers. I learned a lot. It improved my game.”

Did you get any feedback from the coaches at that camp?

“They have a “Camp Champ” award, I received one for the top receiver.”

That says it all. Did you receive any camp invites by schools that might be showing interest in you?

“Yes, sir. I received camp invites from Arkansas State, Ouachita Baptist, Central Arkansas, Southern Missouri, Arkansas Tech, Central Missouri, and Memphis. There are others that I cannot think of right now.”

Do you play any other varsity sports for the Saints?

“Yes, sir. Basketball and track.”

Which events in track?

“The 110- and 300-hurdle, long and triple jump, and I subbed in on the 4×4 relay.”

Wow. Impressive. Of them all, which is your best event?

“My best event has been the 110-hurdle. My freshman year I ran the 110-hurdles in conference. I got second and qualified for state. At state, I placed ninth overall in state as a freshman.”

Impressive again. Back to football. What motivates you on the field?

“A big motivation for me, I am a competitor. I do not like to lose. I play for my team.”

When the 2018 season has come to an end, what goals will you have accomplished?

“I really want to win a conference championship and our goal is to win state – that is what is big on my mind. I want to be involved as much as I can with the team on both sides of the ball. There is a lot of talent on our team, I think we have a great team. For me personally, I want to lead the conference in punt and kick returns and in receiving.”

Truitt, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Tollett family; Truitt Tollett with Chad Morris at Arkansas camp