Interview: Dynamic 2020 Hazen RB/OLB Tarrell Penn Aiming for Arkansas State Championship
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every senior season is an important one, and the upcoming campaign for Tarrell Penn is no different. The Hazen High School standout was a monster on both sides of the ball during his junior year coming up with 70 stops, two forced fumbles, and two picks as an outside linebacker/rover and rushed for 1,790 yards with 30 touchdowns enroute to All-State and All-Conference honors. The blood, sweat, and tears put into the season by Penn (5-10, 210) helped the Hornets to a 13-1 season with a run to the Arkansas 2A Championship Game against Junction City. What will he do in 2019?
With a big season ahead and big expectations to bring home a ring for the school, Penn took a break from fall camp for a quick update interview.
*Click link for May 17, 2019, RNG interview with Tarrell Penn
Interview
Tarrell, did you go to any college camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. I went to camps at OBU (Ouachita Baptist) and Harding.”
Which position did you line up at during the camps?
“At Haring, I lined up at linebacker and running back. At OBU, I lined up at running back.”
Of the two, which was your best camp performance?
“OBU was my best.”
What did you do well at that camp to make it your best?
“I did well in the one-on-ones. I was catching passes over people and making the crowd go crazy. It was fun.”
What is the best 40-yard dash you’ve posted this offseason?
“My best was a 4.65.”
What have you been working on this summer with the added knowledge you acquired at the camps?
“I have been working on my footwork, my coverage at linebacker, and my speed.”
Where are you seeing the growth in your skills?
“I am seeing the improvements in my speed and footwork.”
Entering your senior season, which schools are showing interest?
“OBU, Harding, and Boston College.”
Are there any visiting you may take this fall?
“Yes. I am planning on visiting OBU and Harding.”
What kind of team will Hazen have this year?
“We will be better than last year. We are more focused, stronger, and faster this year.”
What personal goals have you set for yourself?
“My goal is to win all the games and bring home a championship.”
Tarrell, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you luck this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Tarrell Penn at OBU and Harding