Interview with Prolific Run-Stopping 2019 Arkansas LB Kade Perry
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Before the 2017 high school football season began, no one could have reasonably predicted the year Kade Perry would turn in for Hazen High School. The run stuffing linebacker became a master in the box shutting down opposing Arkansas 2A offenses earning All-Conference and All-State honors along the way. All eyes are now upon him entering his senior season to see what he will do next.
The writing was on the wall for something special from Perry ahead of his junior season, but not to this level. An injury limited Perry to five games during his sophomore year, but he still turned in a doozy with 50 total tackles playing defensive end. A move to linebacker for the 6-2, 215-pound, rising talent made all the difference in the world for the Hornets in 2017. Perry put an end to 160 plays and even had time to pick off a pass last season helping his squad to a 9-3 mark.
Off the field, Perry is still a top competitor getting the job done. Even being a three-sport athlete (track and baseball) has not slowed him down in the classroom where he carries a 3.8 GPA and scored a 22 on the ACT. On the recruiting trail, regional schools like Arkansas Tech, Harding, and Ouachita Baptist, among others, have him on the board. The list of schools is growing after the Razorbacks hosted him on a recent unofficial visit.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the overlooked talents in the Natural State’s 2019 class to learn more about his game and recruiting prospects.
Interview
Kade, the Hornets had a great three-game run in the playoffs last season. What was the playoff experience like for you?
“It was fun. It was exciting going into the third round of the playoffs, we barely made the playoffs in 2016. I played in ninth grade when we went to the playoffs, I was starting at left tackle then. At a smaller school like Hazen, you have to play both ways. The experience of playing in the playoffs was great. The fans really come out for football here. It was a great experience.”
How did the extra games against top 2A Arkansas competition help push your game forward?
“We saw a lot more passing in the playoffs. In our conference, everyone runs the ball. That is their bread and butter. Camden, Harmony Grove and Chapel, they are heavy passing teams. Our defense gets pressure on the QB. We blitz a lot to put a lot of pressure to the QB and on the running back. We read run first and then read pass. In the playoffs, we had to be ready for anything. The experience helped me see more passing in a game to learn more about the game and how to defend different plays.”
You had a ridiculous stat line of 160 tackles during your junior season, what was working so well for you allowing you to be so productive?
“Being at a different position, last year was my first year at linebacker, I could see everything better. I studied a lot of game film. I learned to follow the fullback to the running back and watch and read the linemen. Reading my keys, like follow the pulling guards, and reading the linemen’s hands to be ready to shoot a gap helped me be productive.”
What do you consider your overall strengths as a linebacker?
“I’m a run stopping linebacker. I read guards well and I know where the ball is going.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on my strength, getting bigger, I was 190 pounds last season. I’m going to a lot of camps to learn better pass coverage technique. I am working on reading pass, dropping back – a lot of coverage work. We will see more passing teams this year with some changes with the conference alignments.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?
“Yes, sir. My bench was 315, power clean was 265, front squat was 325, and my incline bench was 255.”
Nice. Where all might we see you on the field during your senior year?
“Mostly at middle linebacker. Defense is what I like to do. I’m not big enough to be a tackle in college football. Maybe I will have a handful of plays at defensive end.”
Are you on a 7v7 team?
“Our school does 7v7 during the summer. We play bigger schools in the state to get ready for the season.”
Have you been to any camps or combines this year?
“I went to the Arkansas Elite 100. I had a sprained ankle, so I did not do as well as I wanted. I was invited to Rivals Combine in Dallas but could not make it.”
On the recruiting trail, which schools are showing interest in you?
“Schools that have visited my school this spring, OBU (Ouachita Baptist), Harding, Arkansas Tech, and East Central University.”
Have you visited any schools this year?
“I visited Arkansas.”
How did the Arkansas visit go?
“It was good. I really like the coaching staff. I thought they were good people, the kind you would want to play for at college. The presented a togetherness and a family thing there. I liked it a lot.”
Do you have any college camps planned for this summer?
“Yes, sir. I plan on camping at Arkansas Tech’s Prospect Camp, Harding, OBU, Arkansas, and East Central University invited me to their camp. There is a big satellite camp coming up with a bunch of colleges – I want to attend that as well.”
Kade, come game day, what kind of player are you on the field?
“I’m laid back at first, but it depends on how it goes. I get hyped once we get going. Football brings out a different person in me. I’m usually pretty quiet, but on the field, I like to yell.”
What do you do for fun off the field?
“In Hazen, it is a little farm town. I work on a farm and go hunting and fishing. We go swimming a lot.”
What is one thing most people would be surprised to find out about you?
“I’m a pretty good cook. My dad is a good cook, I learned from him.”
Kade, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Perry family; Kade Perry with Chad Morris
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 52 Kade Perry in action