One to Watch: Interview with Fort Smith 2017 OLB Tanner Cross

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

In the never ending personal quest to eliminate the need for the term “under the radar recruit”, there is yet another under the radar recruit making play after play for his squad being bypassed on a grade scale – Tanner Cross.

Fans of high school football within the Natural State are well aware of Cross. The Fort Smith Northside outside linebacker/weakside defensive end has been a consistent force for the Grizzlies. During his junior season, Cross ended the year with 77 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions earning second team All-Conference honors in Arkansas’ toughest division, 7A West. Through three games into his senior year, the 6-2, 220 pound, talent is on pace for his best season yet with 25 tackles, three tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and two pass breakups.

The stats may give insight to Cross’ play on the field but what they do not tell is how well he blitzes and rushes the passer off the edge or how well he keeps containment finishing up broken plays that started off the other way but unwisely turned back to his side of the field going nowhere. In the Grizzlies 3-4 base defense, Cross is more than just a run stopper and pass rusher, he also lines up in space covering the opposition’s slot, a tough task for most high school linebackers but one Cross does well.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Cross to get insight on his game, how his senior season has gone to date, and received an overview on his recruitment process.

Interview

Tanner, you are listed as a linebacker but kind of play that hybrid weakside defensive end role. How would you describe your role on the field with Northside?

“We play a 3-4 (defense). Our scheme asks our linebackers to come in support of the run but we are also asked to play coverage either man-to-man or zone. Our outside linebackers do a little bit of everything and we are everywhere on the field.”

If you will, walk me through a week of your preparation for a given team?

“We go through the other team’s offense in our team practice. I absorb everything then and then I watch film at home. I try to pick up on tendencies based on the opposition’s plays to see if there is anything different that I can notice. I look for anything that will give off the play and how I can counter that play during the game.”

What were some of the areas of your game you worked to improve upon this summer?

“I really wanted to improve my open field tackling. That is something that I can do but something that I can do better. I want to increase my play against speed receivers and backs in space without needing support.”

What are the biggest gains you’ve made in your game over the past two seasons?

“I think playing with speed and my man-to-man coverage skills. In our scheme we have to play man-to-man. That is something I did not do until high school. Now I am comfortable playing man-to-man with a wide receiver.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I have three offers from Air Force, Dartmouth, and Missouri State. I’ve talked to Louisville’s coaches. One of our cornerbacks, Tre Norwood, is committed there. I went with him on an unofficial visit there. They have an amazing atmosphere and place at Louisville. Arkansas State and UCA (Central Arkansas), I have talked to them as well.”

What is your overall GPA?

“I have a 4.12 GPA.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet and if so what did you score on either test?

“I got a 25 on the ACT.”

Do you play any other sports for Northside?

“I play baseball for the love of the game.”

Back to football, which game has been your best this season and why?

“I feel our game last week against Bryant (won 29-0), that was our first conference game, was my best so far. I was flying around the field and making plays the whole game. We got the victory. The defense did their job and did not allow a point. I was able to fly around the field and make plays. I had six solo tackles, three assisted, and two pass breakups, and two tackles for a loss.”

Which games left on the schedule are you a little more excited to play than the others?

“I’m looking forward to the Cabot game. They have a great athlete at quarterback (ATH Jarrod Barnes – Arkansas commit). It will be a fun matchup against him and their whole team because they are a solid team.”

Is it weird for you playing in the 7A Central instead of the 7A West this year with the realignment of teams?

“No, not really. There are just less familiar faces. When we were in 7A West, we were in a close proximity to the other schools. We knew each other off the field. I don’t know any of the players in 7A Central. In the West, most teams run the spread. In the Central, all the teams are under the center. It is a different game and more physical.”

Who is the best player you have gone up against so far at the varsity level?

“I’d have to say KJ Hill (North Little Rock – Ohio State) my sophomore year. He was tough to tackle and moved around the field easily. It seemed like you could never catch him.”

Tanner, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credits: arkansasonline.com; No. 5 Tanner Cross in action.