Speedy 3-Star 2021 Alabama ATH/CB Peyton Higgins Covers 3,000-Yard All-Purpose Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Any superlative one wants to throw at the game of Peyton Higgins, it has been earned and sticks. The Mars Hill Bible school talent was instrumental in the Panthers 14-1 runner-up state championship season in 2019 as a legit three-way standout and college programs are dropping offers over his efforts.
During the 2019 season, Higgins averaged 10 yards per carry rolling for 1,590 on the ground with 21 scores posted off 159 totes and secured 15 passes for 266 more yards with two more touchdowns. His blazing speed was showcased on special teams with 377 kick return yards off 13 attempts with one touchdown and he took back 19 punts for 538 yards with three more trips into the end zone.
If all of that was not impressive enough, the 5-10, 180-pound, athlete was a force in the Panthers’ secondary racking up 65 stops with 15 passes broken up and one pick.
Higgins has twice been recognized as a first team All-State performer (2018-19) and accomplished the feat twice in baseball as well (2016, 2018). The true student-athlete has earned three-star recruiting status on the field with five offers dropped while supporting a 3.6 cumulative GPA with a 21 scored on his ACT.
Stepping into the RNG Lab for the first time, Higgins goes in-depth in all that he does on the field with a recruiting overview.
Interview
Peyton, your speed is ridiculous and the strength with your runs, we never see you looked gassed. How did you condition yourself for the heavy load you carried during the 2019 season?
“I pushed myself in practice during the summer and offseason. After that, it came down to my mentality, not wanting to lose or let me teammates down.”
If your work on special teams and as an all-purpose back was not enough, you were more than getting it done on defense as well. You were a ballhawk last season, what was working for you on that side of the ball allowing you to disrupt the opposition’s passing game?
“I watched a lot of film, studied route combos, trusted my teammates, and used my natural ability.”
Sticking with defense, there were quite a few receivers that were knocked into next week by you last season, have you checked to see if they have caught up with us yet?
(Laughs) “No. I don’t know where they are now but I hope they are doing alright.”
In all seriousness, you bring the pain to the party from the Panthers secondary. What gets you going on defense for a game to lay the wood?
“It comes down to my mentality, and I love the physical nature of football, the contact, and the energy in the stadium off a big hit.”
Switching back to offense, with your speed, all you need is a crease. How were the coaches feeding you the rock so you could exploit Alabama defenses?
“We had multiple plays to get the ball in my hands, we also had other playmakers which helped open things up for me, and we added plays; I was thankful for that. Most of the stuff we do is under center I’m in a three-point stance running power plays and tosses to the outside to get me on the edge with one-on-one matchups. We also run a buck sweep, a trap play back to the inside, I love that. And I love catching the ball out of the backfield.”
There are many strengths to your game beyond your speed. You break arm tackles and you are a one-cut and gone back, what do you feel are some of the other traits to your game that make you so explosive?
“I can catch the ball out of the backfield, I block well, and I enjoy one on one with defenders; I win those most of the time. My field vision is a strength, and I have to give credit to my linemen; I can see the hole from a distance, make a cut, and take it to the house.”
On special teams, you were truly special. How many kicks and punts did you take back for a score last season?
“One kick return and three punt returns, and I had a bunch called back. It was tough to keep up with this season.”
Wow. So not only did you show out with four on the books but you had more that were called back. How many more?
“Four or five more. It happens.”
Impressive. The speed you showcase in the open-field is next level/elite kind of athleticism, how fast are you?
“I’ve ran a 4.50 hand-held, low 4.5s usually. I’m still working on that daily to get that down.”
*Higgins ran a 4.4 40-yard dash over the weekend, see posted video below
You do so much already, what roles are you taking on in 2020?
“This season I will be in the backfield most of the time, in the slot some and out wide at receiver. On defense, I will be in the secondary on and returning kicks and punts, and maybe some Wildcat QB too.”
What have you been doing this offseason to prepare for your senior season?
“This offseason I have been working out in the mornings, going to the field and running working on my speed, and then I get my conditioning in later in the day. Sometimes we throw and get 7v7 games in.”
If the college camps happen, are there any you may attend this summer?
“Definitely, Western Kentucky and I want to go back to Samford’s Mega Camp, there were a ton of coaches there last year; it was a really good camp. Middle Tennessee’s and I may go to a big SEC camp for the experience and competition.”
Which programs are showing interest going into the summer months?
“There is lots of interest from Navy, Air Force, Western Kentucky, South Alabama, Tulane, and Nebraska.”
Nice. How many offers have been dropped?
“Five.”
Higgins’ Offer Sheet: Austin Peay, Harding University, Northern Alabama, Tennessee-Martin, and Tennessee Tech
Going back to the start of the 2019 season, did you take any unofficial visits?
“One to UNA (Northern Alabama), I watched their spring game last year and hung out with the coaches. I had a good day up there.”
Are there any planned for this summer or fall?
“I will be going to the schools I have offers from. Austin Peay’s coach wants me there on July 1, I want to there. The other schools I plan on visiting are UT-Marin, Tennessee Tech, Harding, and UNA again. Any other schools that reach out to me, I’d love to visit.”
What goals have you set for yourself for the 2020 season?
“One of my main goals is to be in the running for the 2A State Running Back of the Year. Another goal is to be in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game. But the main overall goal is to win a state championship.”
Peyton, I appreciate your time today and wish you continued success this summer preparing for your senior season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Higgins family; Peyton Higgins