Interview: Arkansas 2019 DL Kevin Pointer Updates Memphis Unofficial Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The push by college football teams to identify top talent earlier is ever present. The push goes beyond the next class to ink their letter of intent on National Signing Day to underclassmen showing outstanding potential going forward. One underclassman still two seasons away from having to make his life changing decision on where he plays college football is Kevin Pointer. But time is not stopping Pointer or Memphis from building a relationship early in the process that could lead to a great bond down the road.

Pointer helped Jonesboro High School to a 9-3 record during the 2016 campaign lining up at defensive tackle and end. The stat line for the 6-1, 280 pound, rising star included 36 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, a half sack, two fumble recoveries, and on fumble recovery returned for a touchdown. Pointer displayed all the potential wanted in a lineman using speed and strength to be disruptive in the passing attack for opposing Arkansas teams and against the run clogging the middle or setting up a solid edge.

A few teams like Arkansas State and SMU are showing early interest in Pointer. Another program, Memphis, hosted Pointer for an unofficial visit on Tuesday. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the Jonesboro native to find out how his first visit to Bluff City turned out.

Interview

Kevin, who went with you on your visit to Memphis?

“My mother and little brother.”

When did you get to campus?

“We got there at about 3:15 and stayed until around 5:45.”

What all did you do during your visit?

“As soon as I got there I met with all of the coaches. They asked me to watch practice. I watched closely to their drills. After their practice, I looked at the facilities, tried on jersey, and took pictures with the coaches.”

How did the visit go overall?

“It went well.”

Did you meet with your position coach?

“Yes. I talked to Coach (Paul) Randolph (defensive line coach).”

What did Coach Randolph talk about with you?

“He told me he liked me. He said that I am high on their recruiting list for 2019. He wants me to come visit some more.”

Did Coach Randolph tell you what they are looking for from you going forward?

“No. They watched my film and they really liked how I played. They let me know they will look further into me.”

Was there anything you learned about Memphis during your visit that you did not know ahead of time?

“I learned that they do a fast tempo in practice. A really fast tempo. They are energized in everything thing they do there.”

After watching the practice and talking to Coach Randolph, do you see yourself fitting in with the team’s defensive scheme?

“Yes. I see myself fitting in there.”

What did your mom and little brother think about the visit?

“They thought it was nice too. They asked me what I thought about the visit and they agreed with me.”

Do you plan to visit Memphis again anytime soon?

“I will probably go to another spring practice. They want me at their Mega Camp in June.”

Do you have any other visits coming up?

“I will probably go to Arkansas State soon.”

Any new interest for you?

“Pretty much the same – Memphis, SMU, and Arkansas State. An Iowa State coach followed me on Twitter.”

Kevin, thanks for your time today and congratulations on a successful visit to Memphis.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Pointer family; Kevin Pointer with Memphis HC Mike Norvell.

Photo credit: Pointer family; Kevin Pointer with Memphis DL coach Paul Randolph.