Interview: Texas 3-Star 2021 DE Renard Gwynn Preparing for Season with Bowie
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2019 high school football season kicked off in Arkansas, all were excited to see how newcomer Renard Gwynn would perform. Coming from Memphis’ Freedom Prep after his sophomore season, the defensive end had three-star recruiting status and offers under his belt drawing the spotlight his direction. Three games into his junior season with West Memphis, a wrist injury ended a confident season. When the lights turn on for the 2020 schedule, the 6-2.5, 260-pound, end will get a new challenge taking on Texas 6A competition with Bowie High School.
In a return to the RNG Lab, Gwynn catches us up on his transfer to Bowie High School and his recruiting developments.
*Click link for Nov. 11, 2019, RNG interview with Renard Gwynn
Interview
Renard, when the 2019 season ended, even with the injury, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a defender?
“I feel like with more weight I was stronger and held my gap better. Now I can play a defensive tackle as well. We will see how this season goes, I will probably be at defensive end or outside linebacker. I want to be in a position to use my hand, or use a club and get that working.”
You started to touch on this a second ago, in January you moved to Arlington suiting up for your senior season with Bowie High School. How will they utilize your talents on defense this season?
“Basically, they know I am a power pass rusher and they know I can stop the run. They run a 3-4, I probably be at end or in the middle, I can play either position on the line and they can rotate me around with the other defensive linemen.”
Over the spring months, what have you been working on with your game?
“Right now I am not able to lift much with my left hand, so I have been doing agility drills and running around staying in shape and agile for the season.”
What has been your workout routine this spring?
“Lately we have had team workouts. We go outside at school in different groups because of the virus and our rules. We keep our distance and we bring our own water; I bring a protein shake. We do a lot of running and different exercises like sit-ups until we can get into the weight room. Our workouts have been from 8:00 to 9:30 before the Texas heat kicks in.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest as we near your senior season?
“Arkansas State, they have been hitting me up a lot, I was talking to Georgia State, UCF, Baylor, and Citadel.”
How many offers have been given to you?
“Seven.”
Gwynn’s Offers: Arkansas (Chad Morris offer), Liberty, Memphis, Rutgers, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Tulane
Once visits are allowed by the NCAA, do you have any that are planned?
“I will definitely visit Arkansas State and Memphis, Memphis is in my hometown. I want to see more about Liberty too. I’d like to catch up with the defensive line coach at Georgia State. The Citadel wants me to visit; the coach recruiting me from Citadel is from Memphis and coached at Dallas.”
Renard, thanks for your time today and good luck with your workouts this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: West Memphis HS/Gwynn family; Renard Gwynn
GREAT JOB RENARD!!Stay motivated and positive like you have always been..You are so disciplined and a very hard worker..Keep your faith in GOD and the sky is the limit for you young man..