Weekly Series Interview: 3-Star 2019 Arkansas LB Kendall Young Previews Week 1 and Talks Top 3 Schools

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

 

Kendall Young Profile

Height and Weight: 6-5, 215

Position: Linebacker

Classification: 2019

Recruiting Ranking: 3-Star

 

High School: Bentonville West – Bentonville, Arkansas – 7A West

2017 Wolverines Record: 9-3

2017 Stats (10 games): 85 tackles, 55 solo, 17 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, one interception, five passes defended, and one forced fumble

 

Announced Top 3 Schools: Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Missouri (July 30)

Offers (13): Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana Tech, Tulsa, Southeast Missouri, Army, Texas State, Tulane, Rice, Louisiana-Lafayette, Princeton, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas State

Interest: Arizona State, Oregon State, Baylor

Unofficial Visits Taken: Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana Tech, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt (camp), and Memphis

Planned Official Visits: Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Missouri (no order)

 

In the first of a weekly series with the three-star linebacker that will run throughout the season, I got a few minutes with Young getting an update on the Wolverines’ progress in fall camp, a preview of their opener against Owasso (OK), and a quick update on Young’s Top 3 schools and official visit plans.

*Click link for June 13, 2018, RNG interview with Kendall Young

Interview

Kendall, how did fall camp go for you personally?

“It went great. We pushed each other hard all camp. There was a lot of competition between our defense and offense. We have a senior laden team, we get after it and push each other.”

Where did you end up camping this summer?

“I went to Kentucky, Louisville, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Duke.”

Of all the camps, which was your best camp performance?

“I did well at all of them. Kentucky might have been my best. At the Vanderbilt and Arkansas camps, that is when I received offers from them.”

That would qualify as a good camp. Did you pick up any new tricks of the trade?

“Every camp I went to I tried to pick up one new move, one new pass rushing move. Louisville was more about the run scheme than pass rushing.”

Where are you seeing the biggest differences in your game this fall?

“I was weighing about 190 last season, now I am weighing about 215. My strength has improved. I am getting off blocks better and I am faster as well.”

How have the Wolverines looked in camp?

“We went to a team camp, we dominated that camp. The other teams could not compete with us. We look good on offense and defense.”

What will be some of the strengths of the team this year?

“Our front seven in the box on defense, we are really strong there. We are all seniors up front on defense. We are going to get a lot of pressure on the quarterback this year. We will stop the run as well. With Jadon Jackson, Tucker Swoboda, and I am playing offense this year, we are all pretty good receivers. We have Reese Smallwood at running back and our All-State QB back. We have a lot of very good skill players on our team.”

You guys get a tough opening draw against Owasso, what kind of game are you expecting from them?

“I don’t think they can run the ball on us, they are going to have to pass the ball to move the ball against us. I think we can challenge their o-line and put them in a difficult spot. Their running back is good, I see them passing the ball a lot, especially to their running back out of the backfield.”

The rest of the schedule is loaded with tough games, which games are you looking forward to playing?

“BHS (Bentonville) – they are our crosstown rival. I’ve been thinking about our loss to them all offseason. We were 9-0 going into that game last season. We had some injuries, we lost our second-best receiver – our best DB before that game. We are looking forward to playing them again and getting the dub (win).”

What goals have you set for the 2018 season?

“My goal is for us to go undefeated and win a state championship. For personal goals, I want 100 tackles and over 10 sacks.”

Which schools are showing interest in you heading into the season but have not offered yet?

“Arizona State, Oregon State, and Baylor are showing interest.”

How many offers do you have now?

“I have 13 offers.”

Did you take any summer visits to schools?

“Every camp I went to, I took a little visit. I have not taken an official visit yet.”

Do you have any planned visits for this fall?

“My “Top 3” schools will get my official visits.”

Which schools are in your Top 3?

“Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Missouri. I am planning to go for my official visits for a game.”

With your list narrowed down to three schools, have you started thinking about a commitment date?

“Yes, sir. I plan on committing in February.”

Kendall, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with Owasso this week and I look forward to the weekly updates with you.

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Young family; Kendall Young at Missouri (May 2018)