One to Watch Interview with Determined 2020 Arkansas DL Korlin McKinney

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Conway High School has been one of the best teams in the state of Arkansas over the past two seasons compiling an 11-4 record with an end of season No. 6 ranking a year ago (MaxPreps) and are ranked No. 4 in-state this season posting a 10-2 mark as the schedule continues to roll into the playoffs. One of the key players on the Wampus Cats’ defense over that span has been Class of 2020 defensive lineman Korlin McKinney.

If heart and determination were a measurable placed over a prototypical size for college coaches along the recruiting trail, McKinney would be on every Power Five Conference recruiting board. Regardless of his 5-10, 265-pound, frame, McKinney gets it done in the trenches lining up at nose guard and tackle. After turning in a 52-tackle season as a sophomore, he has stepped up his game with a 65-tackle, 32 solo, six tackle for a loss, two sack, and nine QB hurry season in 2018.

The good news for McKinney – all that hard work and big production put into his game and towards the Wampus Cats’ success has not gone unnoticed. He is receiving regional interest from Central Arkansas, Harding, Southern Arkansas, and Ouachita Baptist among others.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with the Conway area native to learn more about his game and early recruiting process.

Interview

Korlin, the Wampus Cats have put together a fantastic season going 9-2. Overall, what are the strengths of the team this year?

“I think it is the defense. Our defense is the biggest part. We have come through in the things that we do; we get a lot of stuff done. Our offense, is really good too. Jovoni Johnson is really good. We depend on him a lot. Our offensive line is a big strength of ours too. Our offense comes through and helps out the defense. It is a team effort out there.”

You guys have already faced two of the top teams in the state squaring off against North Little Rock and Bryant. How will those games help you guys as you go deeper into the playoffs?

“Playing them helped us fix things we did not do right the first time. From playing them, that made us better players. We hope to see them again.”

Which game this season was the toughest for you personally?

“I’d say the North Little Rock game.”

How did that game make you a better player?

“It made me want to improve and get faster. After that game, I knew I needed to improve my get off and get quicker to the ball.”

How have your talents improved throughout the season?

“My get off has improved, especially since the North Little Rock game. My pass rush has improved as well as using different moves like the club and rip – that is one of my favorite. I have improved shedding blocks and using my feet.”

What are your favorite moves as a defensive lineman?

“I like bull rushing and club and rip.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“OBU (Ouachita Baptist), SAU (Southern Arkansas), Southwest Baptist, UCA (Central Arkansas), and Harding.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes. I have visited OBU.”

How did the OBU visit go?

“It was really fun. It was a good visit.”

Do you have any planned you may take upcoming?

“Yes. I am planning on visiting Harding and UCA.”

Going back to football. You guys will face a tough Bentonville West team on Friday. What are you expecting from their offense?

“I am expecting a lot of running and a lot of quick passes.”

For you personally, what kind of game are you looking at and what kind of in-game showdown might you have against the Wolverines?

“I see it as a regular game. It will be a tough game, but we will come out with the win. We have to play hard and get to the ball to win the game.”

Do you plan on playing any winter or spring sports?

“I competed in track and field last year in the shotput and discus.”

Nice. How did that go for you?

“I won first place in conference and second in state in shotput.”

Congratulations. What was your best distance in the shot?

“My best distance in conference was 48.7 and I threw 50.2 in state.”

Nice. Do you plan on competing in track again in 2018?

“Yes, sir”

Korlin, has been great talking to you today, I appreciate your time. Good luck on Friday against Bentonville West.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: twitter.com; Korlin McKinney in action