Interview: Arkansas All-State Senior LB Timon Akins Talks Football and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The repeated “pop” heard in the stands when Marion High School’s defense was on the field during the 2018 season was curtsey of No. 48 Timon Akins. The 6-0, 218-pound, senior linebacker was ever present against opposing 6A Arkansas offenses coming up with 109 stops with nine tackles for a loss and two sacks helping the Patriots to an 8-3 campaign. After earning All-Conference and All-State honors, Akins has earned five more honors off the field, offers from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Ouachita Baptist, Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee-Martin, and Lindenwood.

To learn more about the All-State performer and his recruiting process, I sat down with the 4.0 GPA student with a 24 on the ACT for a one-on-one interview.

Interview

Timon, looking back on your senior season, which game was your best?

“I’d say the game against Jonesboro. It wasn’t the best stat wise, I did put up good numbers, but I had good quality plays and I was disruptive. I turned things around and did what I was supposed to help the defense.”

What were some of the challenges you faced this season that helped make you a better overall player?

“Some of the challenges I faced… one thing coming into the season I wanted to work on was my pass coverage. It was iffy previously. I worked on it all offseason and I received extra practice between games. I did not make as many mistakes covering the pass this year. That was a challenge I worked on and accomplished.”

Nice. In what other ways did your game improve as a linebacker in 2018?

“I improved against the run. I read plays even better now and shedding blocks was a lot easier after getting stronger. My speed increased, so my flow to the ball was better and faster than last year. My weight increase helped bring more power to my tackling. The goal is to make the ball carrier feel it, I had more force this year than last year and made them feel it.”

Which areas of your game will you work on during the offseason?

“I will work on my all-around game. I am still working on my pass coverage. College will be a whole other level. I have to elevate my game before I go to college.”

You have the five offers, which schools are showing interest?

“Henderson State is showing interest.”

Have you taken any official or unofficial visits this fall?

“Yes, sir. I have taken unofficial visits to Southeast Missouri and Ouachita Baptist.”

How did the Southeast Missouri visit go?

“It was great. I really enjoyed. My family and I went up there. They won. We went on the field and I talked to some of the players. I watched their linebackers work and I got to know more about the defense.”

What about OBU, how did that go?

“That was another great game. They won as well. I went on the field there as well. I was able to walk around the campus and check out the weight room. I was able to talk to some of the players. I went with my family there as well.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes, sir. I am going to all of the five offering schools for official visits.”

Nice. Are you playing any other varsity sports this winter or spring?

“I am competing in track.”

Which events?

“I am throwing the shot-put and running during practice to work on my speed.”

Excellent. Timon, it was great getting the interview in with you today. Good luck with your upcoming official visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Akins family; Timon Akins