Interview: Arkansas ATH Kreed Stubbs Covers Senior Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
An amazing high school football career wrapped on Nov. 20 at Atkins High School in the 3A playoffs when Kreed Stubbs walked off the field wearing No. 23 for the last time. The all-around athlete poured his heart and soul into the Red Devils program aiding his team to a 7-4 run in 2020. Now some lucky college program will get those skills on their roster next year.
Stubbs had his breakout season in 2019 confounding defenses by hauling in 62 passes for 1,413 yards with 24 touchdowns scored. He doubled on defense at free safety racking up 36 stops with two picks, three passes broken up, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. Adding to the all-purpose yards on special teams, Stubbs took back nine for 133 yards.
With teams doubling their efforts against Stubbs this season, the 5-11, 160-pound, target was still able to secure 40 passes for 762 yards carrying a 19-yard per reception average into the end zone eight times. Seeking additional ways to get the ball into Stubbs’ hands, he also carried the rock five times for 80 yards and was the target on 16 successful two-point conversions. As teams tried to kick away from him, Stubbs was still able to take six punts back for 107 yards and 11 kicks for 187 more.
As all Class of 2021 players end their collective seasons, the attention now turns to recruiting and that next level fit. In another RNG interview, Stubbs covers his senior campaign with an update on his recruiting options.
Interview
Kreed, you turned in another fantastic all-around season in 2020 making an impact in all three phases. Taking an overview of the season, how do you feel it went for you personally?
It was a great season for me, but not as good as my junior season. But I still think it was a pretty great season.
Let’s breakdown all the positions played this season. Where all did you line up?
I played receiver and safety mainly. Sometimes I’d come across on a jet motion for a carry. On special teams I played kick returner deep man, punter, and I was our punt return man.
What was your role in the Red Devils secondary?
I played more of a free safety. We were running Cover 2, 3, and 4, and some man.
How did you feel that part of your game came along during your senior run?
I think it made my stats stand out even more. I improved.
The spot where it may be easier for others to fully see your impact on the game is on offense. What offensive set were you guys running in 2020?
A Spread.
In which ways were the Atkins coaches feeding you the rock?
Usually on quick passes.
At season’s end, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on that side of the ball?
Mainly getting open and my quarterback finding me in open space so I can do what I do.
One area of your game that might get overlooked is all the two-point conversion attempts you turned into scores. How many of those did you successfully complete this year?
I think it was 16.
On the conversions, what were some of the plays or ways the coordinator was getting the ball into your hands to put points on the board?
I was beating my defender off the line and my quarterback was finding me. I was running out routes, slants, and curls.
Is there an aspect to your game that may get overlooked?
The two-point conversions and my route running. Even on our running plays, I can always beat my defender off the line. I am still beating them, even on a post with them 10-yards off.
Going into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest?
Arkansas State.
Which programs have offered?
Henderson State, Arkansas Tech, and Hendrix (D-III).
Have you been able to take any recent visits?
Yes, I went to Hendrix.
How did that visit go? What did you see and do?
It was great. They gave us a tour of their facility and school. I talked to all the coaches, and talked to them about their offense and defense.
Kreed, as always, I appreciate your time today.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Stubbs family; Kreed Stubbs