Interview: 2018 Arkansas ATH Ketric Sledge Giving College Scouts a Great Reason to Watch Fordyce in Action
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrighRNG
Every small-town team thinks they have a guy like Ketric Sledge on their team when the reality is there are few players across the country that are as athletic and diverse. It seems like every team has that one guy that is a true standout capable of playing against any team and at any classification. Many may feel like they are a Ketric Sledge type but when the cleats are on the field and the helmet is buttoned down, there is only one Ketric (Key-tric) Sledge.
Sledge is that proverbial do-everything small-town talent overlooked by most college football staffs. Easy to overlook a down of roughly 4,000 people when the focus is usually in big market cities, but it is unwise to skip on checking out what Sledge brings to the field. As Sledge has matured physically with his game matching, the 6-1, 195 pound, athlete has helped Fordyce High School pile up wins over the past two seasons. In 2015, the Redbugs posted an 8-4 record with their standout outside linebacker racking up 46 tackles, six tackles for a loss, one sack, two quarterback hurries, one interception, four broken up passes, and one fumble recovery in 12 games played. He was also able to help on offense during his sophomore season carrying the rock 29 times for 193 yards with four scores and pulled in four passes for 75 yards with two more touchdowns lighting up the board.
If there was pressure to do more on the field during his junior year, Sledge did not falter under the weight of heavy expectations. He applied his trade at quarterback passing for 1,094 yards with 15 touchdowns against just five picks. He also ran for 246 yards with seven more trips to the end zone. In addition to time put in trying to score the ball, he also put time in trying to stop the ball. Being a true two-way force to scheme against, Sledge tallied 38 tackles with a sack and picked off two passes. The result was a 10-2 season for Fordyce.
After earning consecutive All-Conference honors at linebacker and All-Conference at quarterback in 2016, three offers have been placed in front of Sledge with interest building from area programs like Memphis, Central Arkansas, and Arkansas State. College coaches will be happy to know that Sledge also excels in the classroom carrying a 3.56 GPA and has already scored a 20 on his ACT.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the growing Class of 2018 talent to find out about his offseason workouts, recruiting interest, and where all we might see him on the field during the 2017 season.
Interview
Ketric, over the last two years you have seemingly been at every other skill position on the field. Where all will you line up during the 2017 season on offense and defense?
“This year I will be lining up at running back, receiver, and inside linebacker.”
Not playing quarterback this year?
“I might play some snaps at quarterback this year.”
How did you prepare yourself physically for the challenge of your senior year?
“I tried to put on more weight and work on my agility. I just worked hard to get better at my craft.”
Did you attend any college camps this summer to help grow your knowledge of the game?
“Yes, sir. I attend camps at Arkansas State, Arkansas, UCA (Central Arkansas), Henderson State, and Memphis.”
Of all the camps, which camp did you turn in your best performance?
“Memphis.”
What did you do well at Memphis’ camp?
“I performed well during the one-on-ones and with my 40 time (4.5). I didn’t allow any completions and I broke up a bunch of passes.”
Which position did you play at the camp?
“Safety.”
Entering your senior year, which schools are showing interest but have not offered you yet?
“Memphis, Arkansas State, and UCA.”
Which schools have offered you?
“Henderson State, OBU (Ouachita Baptist), and Drake.”
Nice. How are the Redbugs looking so far in fall camp?
“Right now, we are looking good but we are a young team.”
Have you guys scrimmaged against another team during fall camp?
“Yes, sir. We scrimmaged Bearden. We won 30-15.”
Based on fall camp and the scrimmage against Bearden, what will be some of the strengths of this year’s team?
“I think our run game will a strength and our run defense on the other side of the ball.”
How will the coaches utilize your abilities on offense this year?
“Running the ball up the middle and around the ends. The coaches are getting me into one-on-one situations with DBs to utilize my athleticism.”
The Redbugs kick off the season on Friday against Rison, what challenges do the Wildcats bring to the field against you guys?
“They bring a lot of talent and more experienced guys than what we have right now. We have three starters on both sides of the ball coming back. It will be a good challenge for our young guys. I still think we will come out with a victory.”
What goals have you set for the season?
“I plan to rush for 2,000-yards and have 1,000-receiveing on offense. On defense, my goal is 80-plus tackles and making All-State.”
Ketric, thanks for your time today and good luck with your senior year.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Jason Kilburn; Ketric Sledge at a football camp
Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 1 Ketric Sledge drops back to pass