Interview: 2018 Arkansas ATH Caezar Warren Playing Heart Out on both Sides of the Ball

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Being a two-way standout on the gridiron is nothing new for Caezar Warren but playing on a team with title aspirations that draws the eyes of college scouts is topical. With his play through the first six games of his senior season, Warren is not letting anyone down rising above expectations.

Warren honed his skills during his sophomore and junior campaigns with Little Rock Hall being a top player on a team that had a hard time posting wins against 6A competition. Rain or shine, Warriors fans could count on Warren to deliver excitement on both sides of the ball lining up at tailback and inside linebacker. After an offseason transfer to Joe T. Robinson, Warren is now a top talent with a purpose helping the Senators to a 6-0 start in 2017.

Rarely can one lay claim to not only being the best running back on his team but also the best linebacker. Statistically speaking, Warren is putting up MVP caliber numbers leading Robinson with 596 rush yards off 62 carries with nine touchdowns and has a team-high 78 tackles, 47 solo tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions.

What is awaiting Warren, we will all have to find out, including Warren himself. The 5-11, 210 pound, athlete is just starting to gain traction along the recruiting trail after missing out on the college camp circuit this summer. A closer look at Warren, he passes the eyeball test in height and weight adding speed and strength to his game. He reports a 295-pound bench press max, 245 on power clean accomplished during his sophomore year, and a mind-blowing 605-pound squat. The power in the legs running between the tackles or stopping a hopeful opposing ball carrier is aided by his 4.5 time in the 40-yard dash.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising Class of 2018 stars in the Natural State covering his season and budding recruiting process.

Interview

Caezar, the Senators have started off with a perfect record in 2017, how is the team getting it done on both sides of the ball contributing to the six-game winning streak?

“It has been a whole team effort. We have a great brotherhood on the team and the coaching staff is getting us ready for whoever we play next. We treat each team like they can beat us – we are not taking any teams for granted. We know we must be clear headed and that we have to be focused to keep winning games.”

You are a rare breed kind of player leading his team in both rush yards and total tackles. Which side of the ball do you like playing better, offense or defense?

“That is a hard question. I’m an athlete, you can put me anywhere and I will play. I just love playing football.”

How is your game improving during your senior year on defense?

“It is coming to me more. Last year I did not have any interceptions. Coach (Brain) Maupin whipped me into shape on my reads and my drops this summer. My blitz is getting better. I worked on that all summer too. They have a special blitz play for me, I have executed it well.”

What about on offense, how is it coming around?

“The coaches have been working with me on ball control. They are helping me read where to go on each play, and the cuts I need to make. My acceleration has improved. Coach Maupin and I worked all summer on that as well. The entire team worked on agility and speed.”

How do the coaches use your athleticism on offense?

“I’m a big guy, they use me to wear down a defense and the opposition’s linebackers. Our linemen do a great job of getting on their defensive linemen putting me one-on-one with a linebacker. Going against a linebacker, I can break the long runs.”

Is there an area of your game you feel gets overlooked the most?

“Not really. I try to be more of a team captain and a leader on the team. I try to pick my guys up when they need it.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Arkansas has come by school to see me. When I was at Hall, Louisiana-Monroe and OBU (Ouachita Baptist) were showing interest.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“I took an unofficial to Harding last year.”

Do you have any visits set up for this fall?

“Not so far. Coach Maupin handles all my recruiting. It is all up to him.”

The Senators got a nice 34-10 win over Nashville on Friday night, how did the game go for you?

“I had a bad first half. I was down on myself. Coach talked to me at halftime and I picked it up in the second half. I came back out scored three of my touchdowns in the second half and I got a pick.”

Looking ahead to Malvern on Friday, what kind of challenges does their team bring to the field for you guys?

“I think they have a good run game. We will have to find a way to stop it.”

Is there a game on the schedule you are looking forward to playing above the others?

“Ashdown. They are undefeated. We are looking forward to that game. If we can win that game, we are looking at a championship run.”

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

“My goal is a team goal, and that is to win state.”

Caezar, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Malvern.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; No. 23 Caezar Warren in action

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 23 Caezar Warren breaks loose for a long run