Interview with Overlooked 2020 Arkansas WR Tyler Moran
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Every year in every region across the country very talented high school football talents get overlooked. One in the central part of Arkansas being missed on is Class of 2020 receiver Tyler Moran. The 6-2, 180-pound, target had a breakout season during his senior campaign with local programs finally taking a notice.
Moran, a three-sport standout for Vilonia High School, was flying under the radar after his junior season turning in a 13-reception, 128-yard, one-touchdown season with 35 yards on the ground off four totes. But he turned it on in 2019 helping his Eagles squad to a 7-4 run through 5A competition after snagging 49 passes for 838 yards with 11 trips into the end zone and upped his work out of the backfield with 22 carries for 231 yards with three scores.
After earning All-State and All-Conference honors while carrying a 3.2 GPA and scoring a 22 on the ACT, in-state programs have started to take a shine to Moran’s play on the field with offers extended from Henderson State and Southern Arkansas. To learn more about his overall game and recruiting process, I sat down with Moran for an in-depth conversation.
Interview
Tyler, I want to start off with your 99-yard touchdown reception. Not many people get that play on the resume, and not many come on a bubble screen. You worked for that one. Walk me through the play if you will?
“Before I caught the ball, the receiver to the left of me reads the safety or linebacker, the linebacker was cheated out and the safety was deep. Our wideout was as far as he can be to the outside; I told him to get the linebacker letting me go one-on-one with the safety. I had one move to make him miss, then it was off to the races. It came down to a matter if I could outrun the other guys.”
And you did. Like on that 99-yard TD reception, your speed and elusiveness are a big part of your game. How fast are you?
“In track, I placed in the hurdles in state; I was second in 300 meters and in the 110 I got fourth. My best 40 was a 4.5.”
What was your best time in the 300 meters?
“39.”
We got the screens in, what were some of the other routes you were running last season?
“Speed outs, some deep posts, and a wheel. I did some deep sit-down routes too.”
Which areas of your game showed the most improvement?
“We have plays where we have to read what we are doing, my intelligence of the game improved. Slipping off the linebacker or sitting down and reading the linebacker playing the slot. My blocking improved by being able to set the edge and strong arm a guy to create a hole. Towards the end of the season I was running a lot of seams or verticals; my get off and ability to come back on the ball to make the play improved a lot.”
Besides the game with the 99-yard reception, which game did you turn in your best performance in 2019?
“That’s hard. Against Beebe, I had a 95-yard kick return and scored two more times on a screen and a go-route. My favorite was against Farmington; I had three touchdowns in the first half, one rushing and two receiving. In the second half I had another receiving TD against Farmington. Austin, our QB, was rolling out and threw a jump ball, I went over two guys to get it. I was blessed to have a QB like him, he knew where to put it.”
Is there an overlooked part of your game? Something that maybe does not show up in the stat column people tend to miss?
“My hands, that might be overlooked. I only had two drops this year.”
As we near National Signing Day, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“OBU (Ouachita Baptist), UAM (Arkansas-Monticello), Arkansas Tech and UCA (Central Arkansas) gave me a preferred walk-on offer.”
Which schools have extended offers?
“Henderson State and Southern Arkansas (SAU).”
*OBU offered Moran after this interview was conducted
Which schools have you visited so far?
“I have taken unofficial visits to SAU, OBU, and UCA.”
Do you have any planned trips ahead?
“Yes, sir. I am visiting Henderson, SAU, UAM, and OBU.”
Nice. Switching subjects. You also lace them up on the hardwood for Vilonia. How is the season going overall?
“Good. We are 14-3. We are coming off a tough loss at home against our rival. We shot poorly, but they have a good team. We will bounce back against Russellville. We believe in ourselves and believe we have a shot at it this year.”
How is the season going for you?
“It is going pretty good. I’ve had some double-doubles and came close to a triple-double. I’m the play-maker on the team. I can drive, score, and pass. Every time we play someone, I guard their best player.”
You mentioned track earlier. Which events do you compete in for Vilonia?
“I compete in the 4×1, 4×4, 300-meter hurdle, 110-meter hurdle, and triple jump.”
Tyler, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Moran family; Tyler Moran at UCA