Interview: Senior Arkansas DE Jacarvis Anderson will be Even More Dangerous in 2017

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

On just about every other high school team across the country there is a guy on the roster with God given abilities capable of dominating a game on natural talent alone. Scarier than a Stephen King creation, when said player applies athleticism with dedication to the game in the weight room and on fine-tuning technique – a true monster has been created. Jacarvis Anderson is that monster rising in time for his senior year with Jonesboro High School.

The love for the game has always been there for Anderson. No matter how much athletic ability one has, a player does not stroll out onto the gridiron and take over a game without passion for the sport and a competitive mean streak. During his sophomore season, Anderson improved his game in the defensive trenches racking up 42 tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two blocked kicks, and one fumble recovery helping the Hurricane to an 8-4 mark.

As Anderson learned more nuance for the game and his physical nature expanded along with it, his production on the field took off. At the end of his junior campaign, Anderson was a force filling out the stat sheet with 75 tackles, 28 solo, 24 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two pass battened down from his defensive end position. The 2016 season ended in a thrilling albeit heartbreaking fashion with a 56-52 quarterfinals loss to Benton in the 6A playoffs.

Seizing the moment during the offseason, Anderson, in his own words, has worked harder than he ever has before to prepare for the upcoming season. The now 6-5, 260 pound, end has not only added weight and strength to his intimidating frame but has picked up new techniques from college coaches to help push his game to the next level during his senior season. Arkansas opposing 6A East Conference members – you’ve been forewarned.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Class of 2018 talent covering the big expectations placed on the Hurricane with a MaxPreps’ No. 5 preseason state ranking, his offseason workouts, and got an update on his recruiting process.

Interview

Jacarvis, how did your offseason workouts go?

“They went well. Our workouts, I had fun doing them more than I ever did. I have worked my butt off this year.”

What was the focus of your workouts?

“My focus was stamina. I wanted to sustain my ability to impact the game through all four quarters. I want to be even better in the fourth quarter than I was in the first quarter.”

Which parts of your game did you fine-tune all the way through fall camp?

“I worked on a lot of pass rush moves and getting off the ball quicker. I worked on getting those first three steps off the line as quick as I could every time.”

How has your game improved since last season?

“Mostly, as an overall better player. Last year I was not in as good of shape as I am this year. This year I am ready to go all four quarters without a break.”

What are the strengths of your game?

“One of my main strengths is reading the play before it happens. Pass rush is my specialty, I have a really good get off.”

Did you go to any college camps this summer?

“I went to one camp at Arkansas State.”

What did you do well at the Arkansas State camp that helped you stand out there?

“The camp went well for me. The fundamentals they taught us was awesome. I learned a lot. I learned different keys on reading the tackle, better hand placement, fundamentals of playing end, and how to better hold the edge against the run.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest as you head into your senior season?

“Mississippi State and Arkansas – I get letters from a lot of schools like the U-of-A (Arkansas), Mississippi State, Virginia, Alabama, and Memphis.”

Which schools have offered you so far?

“Arkansas State and Henderson State.”

Do you have any planned visits set for this fall?

“I plan on visiting University of Arkansas, ASU (Arkansas State), and Henderson State.”

Let’s look ahead to the 2017 season for you and the Hurricane. How has fall camp gone?

“It is going awesome. I am loving it.”

What has you excited about the upcoming season?

“I’m excited to start playing. I love football. I love hitting people. I am excited to go out there. Besides rugby, football is the only sport where you can go out there and hit people without getting in trouble.”

How will you be used within the defense this year?

“I’ll play end primarily. We do a lot on defense, a lot of different schemes. On some calls, I drop back or I rush in the third gap. We have more plays we can use that we have not installed yet. We went from a from 3-4 to 4-3 this year. I’m excited.”

Will you play on the offensive side of the ball at all this year?

“No, sir.”

Have you set any goals for the season?

“Stat wise, I want to have over 12 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss. I know I can achieve that by playing hard. Our team goal – win state.”

What will be some of the strengths of the team this year?

“We have a bunch of players that are football players. Our offense is good, we have a quick strike offense that can score from anywhere on the field. We are a team going into this season.”

Did you guys scrimmage an opposing team in fall camp?

“Yes, sir. We scrimmaged Forest City last Tuesday (Aug. 22).”

How did the scrimmage go?

“We won 33-0. I had four sacks that game.”

Nice. You guys open the season against Batesville, what kind of challenge does their offense bring against the Hurricane defense?

“They run an option. They have a fast quarterback. They like to get outside the tackle quick, that is the only thing I am worried about.”

Are there any other games on the schedule you are a little more excited to play above the others?

“I’m excited about Pine Bluff and Little Rock Central – they always have good players on their team.”

Jacarvis, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

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Photo credit: @PTP Photography; No. 44 Jacarvis Anderson sacks a quarterback

Photo credit: @PTP PTP Photography; No. 44 Jacarvis Anderson drags down a quarterback

Photo credit: @PTP PTP Photography; No. 44 Jacarvis Anderson forces a Conway fumble