Interview: Magic is in the Air When 4-Star 2021 Louisiana RB Ke’Travion Hargrove has the Ball
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Louisiana 5A high school football teams taking on Ruston were tested to the max during the 2019 season. Defenses attempting to stop Ke’Travion Hargrove had their strength, speed, conditioning, and football IQ evaluated with Hargrove winning out applying off-the-charts athleticism and sheer determination making magic happen on the gridiron. The 6-0, 195-pound, talent was a play-making wizard with the ball in his hands earning four-star recruiting status after chomping up 1,537 yards and 20 touchdowns on the ground. His all-purpose abilities were further showcased in the aerial attack hauling in 17 attempts for 460 yards with six more scores posted on the board setting forth a national recruiting battle.
Hargrove’s mix of elite speed, size, and productivity has brought 14 offers to the table with other Power Five programs ready to track his senior season. To cover his play on the field and recruiting options off it, the Class of 2021 Ruston standout stepped inside the RNG Lab for a detailed Q&A interview.
Interview
Ke’Travion, I’m sure you hear this all the time, but it is a lot of fun watching you with the ball in your hands. Have you always had that dynamic play-making ability or is that something you have crafted over the last couple of years as your body has gotten stronger and faster?
That is something that has happened to me in high school when I went back to playing running back. In junior high, I was not a fast running back; I was the run them over type of running back. I developed everything my junior year, after working on footwork and getting faster.
The Bearcats’ offensive coordinator was getting the ball into your hands in a myriad of ways. What were some of the type of plays called last season for No. 9?
A 36 inside zone play, that is one of my favorite plays. I got lots of yards on that one. We ran some tosses and a leak, where I get a pass out of the backfield.
Your moves in space, your burst, and breakaway speed takes your game to an elite level. How fast are you?
My last 40 was a 4.5, that was my sophomore year. In track, my fastest 100 is a 10.6.
Impressive. What do you feel are some of the other strengths to your overall game?
I feel my speed, my play making ability, and reading the line – that is really what it is. It is me reacting to the linemen and my speed.
Since the season ended, what have you been doing to add more power and strength to your game?
This offseason I have been working on my receiving more. My offensive coordinator told me that I will play receiver more this year. And I have been working on my blocking and getting stronger. Blocking is a weak point in my game, but I am working to make it better.
What have you been doing to increase your speed and agility?
I have been working in the sand and doing a little bit of everything. Early in the morning I start doing a double-backing working out with one of my coaches, he’s helping develop my game. I am also working out on my own or playing some 7v7.
When the 2020 season kicks off, where all will we see you on the field?
At running back, receiver, and on special teams as a kick returner. I might return some punts this year. There are jokes about me going to defense; that might become real. We will have to wait and see.
Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
LSU and Oregon, and Mississippi is showing a little interest.
How many offers have been extended?
Fourteen.
Hargrove’s Offer Sheet: Baylor, Boston College, Florida State, Houston, Louisiana, Louisiana Tech, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Penn State, South Carolina, Southern University, SMU, Texas State, and Tulane
Before the campuses were closed off, did you take any unofficial visits?
Yes, I took a visit to Louisiana Tech for a Prospect Day. Louisiana Tech, that is in my backyard. I was going to LSU, but the virus hit and we couldn’t go anywhere.
How did the Louisiana Tech trip go? What all did you see and do?
I saw their facilities and learned about how it would be for me at their school. They took my weight and height, and I met with an academic advisor. It was a good experience.
Once things open back up, do you have any planned visits or visits you’d like to take?
I would like to visit most of the schools who have offered including LSU.
All fans are interested to know when a top recruit will drop a Top Schools List, are you planning to release one?
I plan on doing that sometime during the season, mid-season or playoff time, if we have a season.
Do you have a commitment date in mind?
I want to do it in February right before I sign.
When you sit down and put all the pieces of the recruiting puzzle together, what does your ideal fit look like?
My ideal fit is to play early, go to a school with good academics, and be on an all-around good team. I am looking for a school that will help boost me to the next level. Mainly education, that is my main priority.
Ke’Travion, it was great covering ground with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Bearcats success this summer preparing for the upcoming season.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Hargrove family; Ke’Travion Hargrove at Louisiana Tech