Interview: Overlooked 3-Star 2019 Texas LB Boomer Irvin Readies to Best 136-Tackle Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are so many amazingly talented players in the Lone Star State, it is easy for a high-caliber recruit to get overlooked. Even with that in mind, it is tough to grasp Kemp High School standout linebacker Boomer Irvin being overlooked, especially after the show he put on in 2017.
A pass can be given for some college coaches unaware of Irvin, he essentially came out of nowhere during his junior season. Score one for protein shakes and the weight room; Irvin grew to 6-foot 2-inches from his sophomore to junior season adding muscle along the way growing from 176 pounds to 205. The heart and want-to was there contributing to a first team All-District and All-Henderson County 2017 campaign with size and speed added. Tucked in among the big hits, big plays, and fundamentally sound defense, Irvin amassed 136 tackles, 71 solo, 10 tackles for a loss, three interceptions – one pick-six, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and two blocked punts.
College coaches are starting to find out about the now 6-2, 215 pound, backer. The Yellowjackets rising star has offers from Air Force and Army with teams like Houston, Princeton, Tulsa, and Rice taking a look.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I wanted to know more about this three-star Texas talent with the skills and stat line who is still flying under the radar.
Interview
Boomer, before I ask you about all the big hits and growth on the field from last season, I want to know about the pick-six. You got a clean line to the end zone out running everyone. I could tell from watching the play you were excited, you must have changed the position of the ball eight times running down the field.
(Laughs) “I did. The play started off, I saw the pass and dropped back. I saw the slant, and jumped it. The ball hit me in the hands and I took off. When I was running, I had the ball on my outside hand, so I switched to the sideline hand in case I was tackled. When I got on the outside, I felt faster running with the ball in my other hand, so I switched it again. Then I put it back in my other hand in case I got tackled.”
You bring the wood on your tackles, what is your mindset when you are meeting the running back in the hole?
“First and foremost, I don’t want to miss the tackle. I like to hit low, you have a better chance to take them down at the waist. The big hits come on the chest, but for sure tackles I hit down around the waist.”
You do a very good job of reading your keys to snuff out plays, how much of that is working against the scout team during the week and how much of that is film study?
“I watch film more than most people. I watch a lot of film. When watching film, I decide if I will watch the running back or the guards during the game. I will switch it up during the game. The guard will never lead me wrong. Our scout team helps a lot of work to help us, but you don’t always get the full read of playing a team live. You can pick up the tendencies watching film.”
What do you consider your overall strengths on the field as a linebacker?
“My strengths are my football IQ, I have good instincts, and I can read where the ball is going. I’m a strong tackler as well.”
Was there one area of your game that improved over all other aspects last season?
“I don’t know if there was one area over any others. The difference between the last two years was my weight. I was 176 pounds in 2016 and shot up to 205 last season. The weight gain was a big difference. At the beginning of the season, I was getting used to my size. My weight gain helps shedding blocks; I am better at that now. I think I got a lot better at all aspects of my game.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“Speed, speed, and speed. I am good at tackling and coverage. Working to get to the next level of my game with my speed. That will make everything better. That helps me fill gaps, shed blocks, and with my coverage.”
Is there a personal goal you have set for yourself to accomplish before fall camp?
“By the start of the season, I want to weigh up to 220 and run my 40 in the 4.65 range.”
Have you attended any national camps or combines yet?
“No. None yet.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Houston, Tulsa, Rice, and Princeton are showing interest.”
Which schools have offered you?
“I have two offers; Air Force and Army.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“I’ve been to Houston on an unofficial visit.”
How did the Houston visit go?
“It was great. I loved it. Alex Brown (player personnel) brought me in. He was phenomenal.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I am planning to go to the Ragin’ Cajuns Junior Day (Louisiana) and I have been invited to Incarnate Word’s Junior Day.”
Do you have any college camps on your summer schedule?
“I am planning to camp at Houston, Tulsa, and Rice.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“My cumulative GPA is a 3.2.”
Nice. Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?
“No. I am taking both tests next month.”
Do you play any other varsity sports for Kemp?
“Basketball, track, and golf.”
Which events in track are you doing?
“I am working out competitively. I’ve been to a few meets but it is more about building my speed for football.”
What is your golf handicap?
“I am between 80-85.”
Nice. A couple of easy questions before we wrap up the interview. What is the funniest thing an opposing player has said to you on the field?
“Oh God. I can give a list, but nothing clean.”
When the ball is kicked off, are you a talker on the field?
“I am a talker – to my team and I am not scared to talk to the other team. I keep communicating with everyone throughout the game.”
Is there one play of yours from last year that may embody the type of player you are on the field?
“On my highlights, there is a play against Commerce, an open-field tackle right up the middle. That was a good tackle and me filling the gap.”
The Yellowjackets made a run to the semifinal round last season, what does the team have to do to get back there again in 2018 but grab the title this time?
“We gotta stay in the weight room. We can’t let that run to the semifinals go to our heads thinking we will make it again. We have to stay on the grind and keep focused.”
Boomer, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with all the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Athens Daily Review; No. 10 Boomer Irvin in action
Photo credit: Kemp High School; No. 10 Boomer Irvin