Interview with Speed Burning 2020 Arkansas RB/ATH Xaylon Falls
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The blur streaking across the Harmony Grove High School gridiron during the 2018 season was all-purpose back and return specialist Xaylon Falls. Falls went over 1,000 yards receiving and rushing during his junior campaign posting 34 total touchdowns and 12 two-point conversions. When the ball came his way on kickoffs and punts, the speedster scorched opposing Arkansas competition taking one punt back 72 yards and four kicks for 350 yards. The 5-9, 160-pound, athlete used his 4.3 hand-timed speed to earn All-State honors, that talent is now attracting recruiting attention.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the overlooked talents in the Natural State learning more about Falls’ overall talents and budding recruiting process.
Interview
Xaylon, you had a great season on offense but I don’t ever remember seeing the stats you put up on special teams. You took back four kicks for 350 yards and one punt for 72 more yards. What was working so well for you as a return specialist last year?
“My field vision has gotten better and my guys were good at blocking for me.”
Another thing I do not see often, you had at least 12 two-point conversions last year? What was working for you next to the goal line in 2018?
“We would get in a crazy formation. The entire offensive line would go to left side (swinging gate) but the center and I stayed in the middle of the field. When he snapped the ball to me, I would use my speed to score.”
On offense, how did your overall game improve last year?
“I worked harder in the weight room over the offseason and during the season. I paid even more attention to film, I took the game far more serious last year. My line, they really stepped up. We were young, but they stepped up. I had multiple holes to choose from every time I ran the ball.”
What are some of the things you feel you do well as a running back?
“My speed, agility, field vision, and I am not afraid to put my head down if I need to get more yards. I give 100 percent on every down.”
I’ve been waiting to ask about your speed, how fast are you?
“At school, I ran a 4.3. At an All-American camp, I ran a 4.5 laser timed 40.”
Wow. Where all might we see you on the field in 2019?
“I will be stepping up on defense next season at safety or corner. We’ve talked about me playing some quarterback. We run a Wildcat formation now, a little bit more of the same stuff.”
What are you focused on this offseason with your game?
“I am focused on getting faster and stronger. I want to get stronger so colleges will know I can be a DB or a running back who can get tough yards. However they see me, I want them to know I can do the job.”
Are you playing 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes, sir. I am playing with Arkansas Elite.”
How is 7v7 ball going for you?
“It is going pretty good. I start at running back. We scrimmage a Memphis team on Sunday in Benton.”
I saw that you went to the U.S. Army All-American Combine, and you referenced it a minute ago, how did that camp go for you?
“It went pretty well. I turned a lot of heads. I have more colleges looking at me now, I am getting more interest. I have been invited to the Nike Opening Regional as well.”
What other national camps might you attend upcoming?
“The Dallas Nike Regional and I was also invited to Adidas Three-Stripe Camp.”
You mentioned some recruiting coming in for you, which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Louisiana Tech, Liberty – I received a Junior Day invite from them, and ULM (Louisiana-Monroe). The ULM coach came to my school to talk to me. He gave me a visit invite.”
Nice. Speaking of, have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?
“Yes, sir. I went a couple of weekends ago to Louisiana Tech.”
How did the Louisiana Tech visit go?
“It went very well. I really like how they are set up with football and academics. I like the environment and the coaches there. It all looked good to me.”
You have a couple of invites out there, do you have any planned visits you may take coming up?
“I may take a visit to Liberty during spring break if possible.”
Are you competing in any other varsity sports for Harmony Grove?
“Yes, sir. I just got out of basketball, I compete in track, and I played baseball last year.”
Busy man. Which track events are your events?
“The 100, 200, 4×1, long, triple, and high jump.”
Wow. Which event is your best?
“I got second place for long jump and our 4×1 team got third place last season.”
Back to football. What is the goal you have set for yourself this offseason?
“This offseason, I want to step up as a leader. Being a senior, I want to be a better vocal leader and push all of us to work harder, including myself. I want to get bigger, faster, and stronger for the season.”
When you are pushing yourself to achieve your offseason goals, what goals have you already set for your senior year?
“My touchdown total in 2018 was 34, but I did not score in two games. I want 45 touchdowns in 2019. With rushing yards, I don’t worry as much about that. What I have is what I have. I want us to go past the quarterfinals in the playoffs and go to state. Those are my goals.”
I like it. Xaylon, it was great learning more about you and your game today. I appreciate your time and wish you luck with 7v7 ball and the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Falls family; Xaylon Falls at Louisiana Tech