Interview: Strong-Armed 3-Star 2020 Arkansas QB Hunter Loyd Covers Offseason and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Football tends to have a repetitive nature where trends reoccur. If one spots a trend developing, then an educated guess on the future can be made with great confidence allowing the future action to unfold. During the 2018 season, Rogers High School’s football roster was chalked full of underclassmen taking their lumps in a 2-9-1 season, but those lumps come out as gridiron experiences that are sure to pay off in 2019. With Hunter Loyd returning in the pocket for the Mountaineers, this is one team that is set to make some noise when the lights turn on Friday night this fall.
If you have seen Loyd throw, you know you are watching something special. The 6-4, 200-pound, quarterback has a gun for an arm capable of making any throw on the field on the line with heat. He threw for 1,875 yards with 16 touchdowns and at least five rushing scores improving upon a sophomore campaign with 1,759 passing yards and 11 scores with seven rushing trips into the end zone.
Interest is starting to pick up in a big way for Loyd as college programs scour the nation for the hidden talent that could be a program changer. With visits taken to in-state power Arkansas, Oklahoma State, and Kansas and three more big ones set, I sat down with the under the radar three-star Class of 2020 recruit to learn more about his game and recruiting process.
Interview
Hunter, how did the 2018 season go for you on the field?
“We struggled last season, we were young. I am not one to make excuses. We played with everyone in the first half or through the first three quarters but couldn’t quite close the game. I think we will be good this year. I am definitely looking forward to this season.”
There a couple of things about your game that pop out to me, one of them is your arm. On your game film you have a 20-yard out from outside the middle of the field you completed on a rope. There are no accurate ways to measure arm strength, but you have it. Would you agree with the assumption that there is not a throw on the field you cannot make?
“Yes, sir. That is my favorite throw. Most quarterbacks cannot do it. I agree with you.”
What type of offense do you the Mountaineers execute?
“We are more of a spread team. We have a new offensive coordinator this year. We are going to more RPO (run-pass option) offense, I think we will throw even more this year. We like to run downhill when we can. If we can’t, we like to throw it. I like to run it and I like to sit in the pocket and throw it too. This will be a fun year.”
What are some of the throws you like to make within the offense?
“I like the dig, 10-and in, the comeback on the outside – you cannot stop that with the right person running the route. We call it a Georgia read, a 10-yard stop, I like that route.”
You also have some wheels on you, not only with your mobility in the pocket but as a dual-threat. How has your game come along as a ball carrier?
“I didn’t get to run it as much as I did my sophomore season. I became the second back this season so I had to work on my speed in the offseason. I like to run the ball. The coaches made it where I can read the play to make the throw or take off running.”
As a throwing quarterback, which areas of your game really took a big step forward during your junior year?
“In Week 3 against Parkview, they came into the game as the No. 2 ranked team in state. We beat them (28-27). They had three defensive backs and four total defensive players sign to college programs. Their defense was very good. That is where I started to get better.”
Which areas really started to pop for you?
“Reading defenses for sure. My dad (Mike Loyd) played pro ball for eight years as a QB (St. Louis Cardinals), he is also my head coach. We go over coverages all the time. Our defensive coordinator was at North Texas for about 12 years. I got on the board with him going over coverages and I watch a lot of YouTube videos to learn as much as I can.”
Arkansas competition in the 7A ranks, especially in the West Division, is never easy. How has playing against a lot of the top teams in the state year after helped develop your game?
“I think it has made me a lot better. It made me get in the weight room more. We had the hardest schedule in the state last year. Playing against the schedule we had certainly made me mature faster.”
Which game last season was your best?
“In Week 10 (Rogers Heritage), I threw for 375 yards and I ran for 220. I had five total touchdowns in that game, two throwing and three rushing.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am trying to get stronger, I am in the weight room twice a day. The goal is to get bigger, stronger, and faster. I am working to improve my speed and agility. Reading defenses is always something I am working on.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“I am receiving interest from Kansas, North Texas, Vanderbilt, Purdue, Arkansas is showing a little interest, Tulane, Dartmouth, Oklahoma State, Air Force, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), Tulsa, and Memphis.”
*Arkansas State offered after this interview
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes, sir. I have been to Oklahoma State, Kansas, and Arkansas. I am heading to North Texas on the 23rd, Vandy on the 30th, and to Memphis at some point this offseason.”
Nice. How did the Oklahoma State visit go?
“It was fun. They have super nice facilities. It was nice there and the coaches were super nice as well.”
What about Kansas, how did that go?
“That was my most recent visit. It was a super fun visit. I had a lot of fun there. I saw the campus and I got to talk to Coach (Les) Miles (head coach). He is a great man and down to earth. Some football coaches can be cocky or arrogant and some are more down to earth, he is one of the down to earth coaches for sure.”
And Arkansas, how did that visit go?
“It was nice. I liked it. I have been there two or three times now. Their facilities get nicer each time I visit.”
Hunter, I appreciate your time today covering ground on and off the field. I wish you luck on your upcoming visits and offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Loyd family; Hunter Loyd at Kansas with Les Miles and at Arkansas