One to Watch Interview with 2022 Arkansas QB Austin Myers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When scouting any sport, projecting current talent going forward is key. All the variables have to be put into place and a decision made. After watching Class of 2022 Arkansas quarterback Austin Myers work his magic against his peer group, the Natural State appears to have another four-star caliber talent coming in the near future; but all relies on his progress going forward. Myers already has the frame (6-4, 170), the arm, a maturity beyond his years, and is an athlete playing multiple sports including a late season varsity call up in basketball. His growing skills will be put to the test time and time again this offseason and during fall camp with Vilonia High School seeing what he can do on the gridiron. If the starting job is won, the next round of challenges lurks ahead taking on 5A Arkansas competition.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I got an in-depth look at Myers 2018 season and offseason goals as he molds his game to achieve success at the next level along his journey.

Interview

Austin, you had a big 2018 season getting a lot of time and experience on the field. How did your understanding of the game grow during your freshman season?

“I feel like my understanding of the game got better by middle of the season. That is when we started playing tougher games. It was not a breeze through the season at that point. I started seeing different defenses and getting better all-around.”

What type of offense did you execute last season?

“We run a no-huddle spread.”

How does the offense fit your abilities?

“It fits well. I can get the offense going in the spread. I can read the play quickly, make the play – the read, and get the ball snapped 10 seconds after the ball is spotted. Our goal on offense is to try to score within a minute of getting the ball.”

Which areas of your game showed the biggest improvements?

“My short game for sure. My short game got a lot better. My long ball is great, but I tried to focus on my short game this past season.”

With your short game, are you talking about checking down and/or hitting the intermediate passes?

“Yes. Checking down was a big change in my game last season. Used to, I would always look long. This past season I realized there is more than that to the game and within the offense. You can get yards to keep drives going instead of looking for the long ball on every play.”

Going into the offseason, what did you feel are the strengths to your game as a passer?

“The long ball is always a strength, but my short game is becoming a strength. I am able to throw on the run, it comes natural to me.”

Which parts of your mechanics are you working on this spring?

“I am working on getting the ball out faster and shortening my throwing motion so I can be quicker with the ball to the receiver.”

Will you run the same style of offense in 2019?

“Yes, we will. We have the same offense at the varsity high school level.”

Do you watch any college or NFL quarterbacks to learn more about the game? If so, which players are you watching and what of their game are you studying?

“I like to watch Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs). I like how quickly he gets the ball out. My goal is to see if I can do it as quickly as he can.”

What are you working on with your teammates this offseason to develop that timing and chemistry?

“Right now, I am trying to get to know them better. I am learning how fast they run their routes. We have a great senior class at receiver this season. I want to make sure I get them the ball as quick as I can so they can make a play.”

Are you working with a QB coach this offseason?

“Yes, sir. I am working with our offensive coordinator who is also our quarterback coach, Coach Swinney.”

It is still early but are you looking at any football camps this spring or summer?

“I am planning to go to an Arkansas QB camp this summer. I went there last summer, I got a lot from it.”

Are you playing 7v7 this offseason?

“Yes, sir. I am playing with my school.”

Are you playing any other sports?

“Yes, sir. Basketball and track.”

How did your basketball season go?

“It went really well. I started the first half of season playing freshman ball, over the break I was moved up to the high school team. We started winning games about midway through the season and we went to state. Vilonia had not been to state over past four years. We had a nine-game winning streak at the end of the season. It was a fun experience. I love the players on the team.”

Do you know your stat line from the basketball season?

“I was averaging about 20 a game at the junior high level and maybe four or five points a game at the varsity level. My playing time increased towards the end of the season with the varsity.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math. Math comes easy to me.”

What do you like to do for fun away from playing sports?

“Most of the time I am playing sports, or playing with my little brother.”

Austin, it was great covering your talents on the field today. I wish you success with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Vilonia HS (football) and Aaron Brewer (basketball); Austin Myers in action