Interview with Missed 2020 North Little Rock WR Bralin Battles

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

More goes into the college football recruiting process than meeting the physical requirements for a given position or being productive on the field, and Class of 2020 receiver Bralin Battles brings it all. But not only is Battles the ideal height and weight for a receiver (6-3, 183) and valuable on the field with an estimated 2019 stat line of 38 receptions for 500-plus yards and four touchdowns, he brings a winning pedigree with him after being on back-to-back Arkansas 7A state championship teams (2017-18) and with a state runner-up finish in 2019. All that experience and talent is still on the open market for some lucky college football program.

In an RNG stylized Q&A interview, I sat down with Battles learning more about his role within North Little Rock’s run-first offense while getting an update on his ongoing recruiting process.

Interview

Bralin, the Charging Wildcats made another amazing run to the Arkansas 7A state championship game in 2019. What was that experience like for you during the playoff run?

“As a receiver, they had to count on me. I was our biggest threat on the outside. Our other option was the running game. The playoffs were a fun experience for me. It showed me how much potential I had. It helped turn me into the player I knew I could be.”

What is North Little Rock’s base offense last season?

“We were a run-first offense running an I-formation, 12 personnel.”

Within the scheme you were lined up on the outside, what were some of the routes you were running last season?

“I was running go-routes, out-routes, hitches, five-yard hitches, posts, four-step slants, and two-step slants. I was running everything expect corner routes. I was our main deep threat.”

How did you take your game to another level last season?

“It improved after my receiver coach talked to me about being a factor for our team if I got out of my head. My receiver coach said it is all mental for me. I am a physical receiver and I am all about technique. My hands improved last season and I never take anything easy with my play. I always play serious and I play the game smart. I know I am better than the player in front of me.”

Which game was your best performance last season?

“Bentonville West. I caught seven passes for 112 yards with one touchdown a 20-yard TD.”

Is there an aspect to your game that may get overlooked?

“Blocking is one of them. I can block. We are a running team; you have to block.”

Which schools have offered you during this process?

“Sioux College (OH), Culver Stockton (MO), and Mississippi Delta.”

Are there any schools showing interest still?

“Yes. Arkansas Tech, Huntington College (JUCO), McPherson College, Avila (KS), Virginia State University, Mississippi Valley, and a lot of others I cannot think of right now.”

Have you visited any programs?

“I have visited Southern Arkansas and Northern Oklahoma State, the Jayhawks.”

Are you competing in any other sports for North Little Rock?

“Track.”

Which events?

“The high jump and 300 hurdles.”

Bralin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the track season and your recruiting process.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Twitter.com; Bralin Battles touchdown catch verse Bryant