One to Watch Georgia: Interview with Tattnall Square Academy 2017 RB Ahmad Barron after Mississippi State visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

As college offenses have become more dynamic, the need for all types of players with dynamic playmaking abilities have come to the forefront. The evolution of the game has gone from a run happy game with running backs expected to take a beating on 30 carries to up-tempo spread offenses with coaches looking to get as many snaps as possible in a given game while scoring the ball in any way possible.

The change in the game has brought back the role of the scat-back who can also double as a slot receiver. The timing of the change could not work out any better for Tattnall Square Academy running back/slot receiver Ahmad Barron. Barron is the quintessential scat-back listed at 5’6”, 161 pounds, playing quick in space and is not afraid to lower the boom on the opposition’s defenders, no matter how much size and weight he may be giving up.

The Trojans had a difficult year going 4-6 running a version of the Wing-T offense. Within the offense head coach Clint Morgan tried to find different ways to get Barron the ball. Behind a young offense line, Barron had 200 yards on the ground off 48 carries with three scores while adding 273 yards off 22 receptions with three more touchdowns.

The Macon area squad is set up for great things in 2017 making Barron one to watch in the state of Georgia as part of the 2017 recruiting class.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Ahmad to go over his junior season getting his thoughts on the season and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Ahmad, you played all over the field on offense getting some time in at running back and receiver. Which position do you like best?

“I love both. I’m an all-purpose back but I can run and catch. I can run a route and make a guy miss.”

Was the 2015 season your first year playing receiver?

“Yes. The coaches moved me to wide receiver this year trying to get the ball to me more.”

Taking on two positions in a season can be tough, doing it well can be even tougher. What are some of the things you learned and got better at playing receiver this year?

“I learned a lot. My hands got better and as the season went on I got more explosive out of my routes. I worked on being smoother off the ball, watching my cuts, and taking that one-step and then being explosive. Because of my size, I’m not sure what I will play in college so I’m learning all that I can at receiver.”

What are your offseason workout plans?

“My plans are to get faster and stronger. I’m going to work hard, keep my grades up, become a better leader, and help my team get going on winning a state championship my senior year.”

How do the Trojans look for the 2016 season?

“We have a lot of talent returning on the outside. We have a lot of young guys that we will have to push to get better and bring them up. They got their feet wet this year and I expect them to be ready to go for a great season next year.”

What schools are recruiting you right now?

“Last week I visited Mississippi State, I’ve been in touch with their recruiting coordinators (Lee Davis). I have also been talking to James Madison’s running backs coach (Zak Kuhr).

How did your Visit to MSU go?

“It was awesome. They invited for the Ole Miss game. I met some of the coaches. The atmosphere was great there. It was a great first visit for me. I’m looking forward to checking out more schools through the recruiting process.”

What type of feedback have you received from these colleges?

“With James Madison, they want me to visit the campus. They said they wanted a guy that can bang it up and make people miss. I talked to their recruiting coordinator (John Bowers). He said around January or February, after National Signing Day for sure, that we will talk then. They will be focused on the 2017 class then.”

Did you go to any camps during the 2015 offseason?

“Yes, I went to Dawg Night at Georgia and to a Mercer camp in Macon. I went to some combines too.”

Do you plan on going to one-day college camps during the upcoming offseason?

“Yes I do. Hopefully I will get some invites but I’m looking to go to as many as I can. Everyone wants to go to a big D-I school, my focus is a great education first. I’m looking for a place where I can be more successful. I’m open to any camps that can offer me that in college.”

Because you play multiple positions, at the camps where will you line up, at running back or receiver?

“It depends, wherever I think I can be best at that school. If they like me as a slot I’ll go slot, or if they like me as a running back I’ll line up at running back. Whatever they want I’ll do.”

Do you play any other sports for your school?

“I play basketball. I was playing baseball but not this year. I’m running track this year too.

Which events are you participating in with track?

“The 4×1 and I’m trying to compete in the 100. I want to go up against the fast guys to make me faster. I’m also looking at the 4×4 for endurance, maybe the long jump to help me be more explosive.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

I’d have to say my mom (Jalisha). She’s with me whatever I do. She supports me no matter what I do. She’s helped me with highlight reels and everything.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

I just love the game, ever since I was young I’ve loved the game. I love scoring touchdowns. I love getting in the end zone. I love to hit and to compete. I have a lot of love for the game.”

How is everything in the classroom?

“I have a 3.2. Education comes first. I take the ACT in January.”

Ahmad, thanks for your time today and good luck with the offseason camps. Keep us in the loop.

“Thank you and I will.”

Photo credit: chronicle.augusta.com; Ahmad Barron in action.

Photo credit: Barron family; Ahmad at Mississippi State with running backs coach Greg Knox.