One to Watch: Fayetteville 2017 WR Barrett Banister Talks Arkansas Playoff Football

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The state of Arkansas has been going through an explosion of talent at the high school level where 20 if not far more will matriculate to college playing football at the next level. The rise in talent is continuing into the underclassmen ranks bringing up the level of play for juniors and sophomores across the state. One of the players emerging as one to watch is Fayetteville Class of 2017 wide receiver Barrett Banister.

Banister has a lucky pairing lining up on the outside of the Bulldogs high scoring – up tempo offense with one of the best quarterbacks not only in the state but in the 2017 class across the nation dishing out the pigskin against helpless Arkansas defenses, Taylor Powell. Powell has connected with Banister 44 times this season for 542 yards with five touchdowns scored. Powell on the season has 3,195 yards passing with 46 touchdowns. The connection between the two up-and-comers started during the 2014 season when the Bulldogs were the runner-up state champions with Banister cracking a tough lineup catching 16 passes for 205 yards.

College football coaches have started to clue in on Bannister. The 6’0.5”, 180 pound, wide out is getting looks from Arkansas, Tulsa, SMU, Missouri, and already has a preferred walk-on offer from Auburn with a chance to earn a scholarship based on the offseason and his senior season.

Fayetteville High School is once again one of the top teams in the state making the semifinal rounds of the state playoffs putting together a nice 11-2 season. The Bulldogs two losses have come against area rivals, Har-Ber (47-43) and Bentonville (37-26).

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview I sat down with Barrett ahead of the Bulldogs big game against the Tigers to get his thoughts on the season, the rivalry, and received a recruiting update.

Interview

Barrett, Fayetteville is once again deep in the Arkansas playoffs with a shot at taking home a ring. What are the strengths of this year’s team?

“I’d say the strengths have been our depth on offense and defense. Another strength is our tempo on offense. With our depth we can keep that fast pace going bringing guys in and out so no one is tired on the field slowing down the offense. On defense, our D-line does a great job of controlling the other team’s front. That’s been the key to our success.”

In your last playoff game you got a little bit of a scare against Bryant winning 30-24, how did that game go for you guys?

“We started out slow on defense. It was a shootout at the beginning but we kept our offense going. Our defense made some key stops and we were able to get the win. It was a typical playoff game, our defense came up big with an interception and the score went in our favor.”

How did the game go for you?

“It went well. I had two catches for 40 yards, one was a big first down catch on third down. The catch kept a drive going. I’m just glad we got the win.”

Now you guys get the two-time state defending champs, your heated rivals, in the next game. What do you guys have to do to get a win against Bentonville?

“I think its consistency and knowing we are the better team. We just have to do what we’ve been doing all year. We can’t make the moment bigger than what it is and get caught up in the hype. Our keys to win the game are letting our defense line control the game up front and getting the ball out on offense as fast as we can.”

Your stat line has jumped up from your sophomore year to your junior year. What has been your biggest growth as a player on the field this season?

“I feel like a lot of my growth has been my increased speed. Knowing how to play the game and finding the open hole in the defense has been a big growth. I’m getting up field and running north and south into the end zone this year.”

Did you go to any one-day college camps last summer?

“I went to Tulsa, SMU, Arkansas, Auburn, and I think that’s it – oh, and Arkansas State.”

Which camp did you have your best personal performance?

“My best performance was probably at Auburn. I was 9 for 10 in one-on-ones. The coaches asked me to stay with the seniors. I kept making plays and made a diving catch that got a lot of attention. I talked to Coach (Rhett) Lashlee after the camp. They offered me a preferred walk-on spot. Depending on how my junior and senior years go they said I could pick up offer.”

Which schools are starting to show interest in you now?

“I have talked to Arkansas and Tulsa, SMU a little bit, Missouri and Auburn sends me letters. Arkansas State showed me some interest at their camp. They told me to keep working on my speed and asked me to come back next year and they would consider further options from there.”

Have you taken an unofficial visits this fall?

“Last year I went down to Auburn for the Arkansas game. This year I’m going to Auburn to see them play against Alabama in the Iron Bowl.”

Lucky guy. I know it is very early with games left to be played, but have you started thinking about what you want to work on in the offseason to prepare for your senior year?

“I’m going to go to a speed trainer to work on getting my 40 time up. I’m going to work on my footwork, work on running crisper routes, improve on my one-on-ones, and lift weights and improve my strength.”

Do you plan on going to college football camps again during the upcoming offseason?

“Yes, I’m planning on attending an Auburn and Arkansas camp and I may go to Boise State and Kansas State.”

Do you play any other sports for Fayetteville High School??

“Yes, baseball.”

Which positions?

“First and outfield.”

What kind of hitter are you?

“I’m a line drive hitter with some power but mainly line drives. I’m a switch hitter but I throw the baseball left-handed. It’s weird because I throw a football right handed.”

What has been your best moment in high school football so far?

“My best memory so far came this year against Rodgers Heritage. I took a screen pass for 53-yards. I got Under Armour National Play of the Week on that play. That was memorable for me. That was a cool deal.”

That’s great. What is your favorite part about playing football?

“I’d say my favorite part is the team work and competing, your team against the other. What I like about football is finding out who can perform as a team the best instead of just one guy carrying a team.”

How is everything in the classroom?

“Everything in the classroom is going great. I have either a 3.83 or 3.82 GPA.”

Have you taken your ACT or SAT yet?

“I take the ACT on Dec. 12.”

Thanks for your time today Barrett and good luck Friday night.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: nortwestarkansasdemocratgazette.com; No. 3 Barrett Banister.

Photo credit: Richey Miller – Fayetteville team photographer; Barrett goes up high for a touchdown catch.