Interview: 2019 Arkansas ATH Terry Lambert Drawing Recruiting Spotlight to Hampton

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

During the 2016 season, there was seemingly no answer opposing Arkansas teams had for Terry Lambert and his 4.4 40-yard dash speed. The do-everything athlete utilized his speed and field vision to slice through opposing 2A squads carrying the rock, lining up on the outside, and as a special teams wizard. High school football fans in southern Arkansas are eagerly awaiting the 2017 season to see what Lambert will do next.

Those waiting to see the electricity Lambert brings to the field during his junior season will not be disappointed. The 5-10, 183 pound, athlete was named a Bert Cooper All-American, Diamond All-American, and NUC National All-Star after his freshman season and did not shrink under the pressure of expectations during his sophomore campaign. Exact stats on Lambert’s 2016 season were not recorded but the productivity on the field helped the Bulldogs to a 13-1 record pushing to a state title game showdown against Mount Ida; a heartbreaking 27-26 loss for the Bulldogs.

The notoriety after his freshman season helped boost his recruiting stock with teams like Michigan, Michigan State, Alabama, Florida State, Memphis, Wisconsin, Central Florida, Rutgers, North Carolina, and Arkansas all showing various levels of interest. The coverage also helped earn him an invite to the U.S. Army Combine in San Antonio in January where he got to show he can more than hold his own against some of the top players in the country in all classifications.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Lambert getting an overview on his spring workouts, summer plans, and recruiting process so far.

Interview

Terry, you are a true athlete out on the field playing multiple positions. Where all did you line up during the 2016 season?

“I lined up at running back, wide receiver, outside linebacker, strong safety, and as a kick and punt returner. One game I even lined up at right tackle.”

How did that come about you playing right tackle?

“My coach wanted me to play some tackle. I stepped up and played it for a game or two.”

How did playing right tackle work out for you?

“I did awesome. I did great. I did have some highlights of me at right tackle but they got deleted.”

How did your game improve during your sophomore season as a running back and receiver?

“I really improved on my catching and a lot on my route running as well. I improved on my hand eye coordination.”

What are you working on this off-season?

“This off-season I am working on reading defenses and how to run the option. I am also working on my passing learning how to read my routes.”

How is spring ball coming along?

“We were Day 3 on Thursday. We are starting off kind of rough, but we had some good practices over the first few days. We are just getting into everything and just starting to get rolling. Overall I believe we will build up and improve this spring as always.”

You mentioned passing, what will role be on the team next year? Will it stay the same or will your role increase next season including other positions?

“For my junior year, my coach wants me to play quarterback and fullback as well.”

Are excited about playing quarterback and fullback?

“Oh – heck yeah. Yes, sir.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?

“Yes, sir. I benched 255, I squatted 425, I power cleaned 275, and I deadlifted 455.”

Nice. Are you playing 7v7 ball this spring?

“Oh, yes.”

Which team are you playing for this off-season?

“I am playing for my high school team.”

Have you guys started playing in any tournaments yet?

“No, we have not started that yet. We start in June and we go into July.”

Have you been to any camps this spring?

“So far I have only been to the Arkansas Combine and the U.S. Army Combine (San Antonio). I will start my camp season at the Arkansas Elite Prospect camp June 3 and then the Memphis Mega Camp on June 15. I also plan on going to Alabama and Ohio State’s camps and hopefully Wisconsin. I will start going on some unofficial visits as well this summer.”

How did the U.S. Army Combine in San Antonio go?

“It went awesome. It was a pleasure and honor to be around some of the top athletes in the nation. It was great to get the coaching I received and being around people with the same mindset as me.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this spring?

“Yes, sir. I went to a Junior Day at Memphis and UCA (Central Arkansas).”

How did the UCA visit go?

“It went great. I learned a lot about the team and the school. I enjoyed the atmosphere. We got to watch their spring game. I like their system and how they run their offense. It was pretty nice visit.”

How about Memphis? How did that go?

“It was awesome. Flat out awesome. Memphis has one of the top offenses in the nation. They have a really good in Coach (Mike) Norvell (head coach) and Coach (David) Johnson (receivers coach). It felt like home there. I really enjoyed it and I felt accepted there. They have a nice campus and a nice football facility. They call themselves a family and act like it, and they work to serve others. That was pretty neat.”

Do you know which schools are supposed to come by Hampton to see you this spring?

“Alabama and Memphis are supposed to come by to see me. Hopefully some other schools will too. You never know.”

Which schools are showing interest in you other than Alabama, UCA, and Memphis?

“Arkansas, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Mississippi State, Washington, Oregon, UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), North Carolina, Rutgers, Central Florida, Florida A&M, Tennessee – they are showing a little interest, and Arkansas State.”

Do you have any offers?

“Yes, sir. I have some NAIA offers from Southern Oregon, Mid-American Nazarene, Lindsey Wilson, and Avila.”

Are you playing any other sports for Hampton?

“Track.”

Which events?

“The long jump and high jump.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.0.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“English and biology.”

Last question. What are your personal goals that you want to accomplish over the spring and summer before your junior season?

“First, my first goal is to get to a 4.39 in the 40. I want to run a 3.9 in the pro-agility shuttle. I want to get to 275 on my bench and clean 300, and I want to get my squat up to the 500s. I plan on winning every 7v7 event and getting better at my positions. One of my other goals is to get my first Division I scholarship offer.”

Terry, good luck with the rest of your spring practices and all the upcoming camps this summer.

“Thank you.”

Click link for Terry Lambert’s Hudl highlight reel.

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Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 6 Terry Lambert toss sweep left (2016).

Photo credit: Lambert family; Terry Lambert at All-Star event.

Photo credit: Lambert family; Terry Lambert at Memphis (2017).