Interview: The Collegiate Possibilities for 2020 Arkansas ATH Blayne Toll are in Abundance
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If someone right now tells you they definitively know the football path forward for Class of 2020 prospect Blayne Toll they are eight lying to you, just making an educated guess passing as the truth, or they are truly psychic. The seemingly can do anything athlete played quarterback and defensive end for his Hazen squad during the 2017 season, but his raw talents suggests he could play tight end, defensive end, or inside linebacker at the collegiate level. If Toll had his way, he might be the next Mega-Tron.
The Hornets put together a 10-3 record in 2017 seeing their rising sophomore talent dazzle on defense with 42 total stops, 24 tackles for a loss, nine sacks, and three forced fumbles. Playing in a Spread/Pistol/Wildcat kind of offense, Toll accounted for 465 yards on the ground with six trips into the end zone and passed for another 715 yards with eight more reasons to celebrate.
As mentioned, the path forward for Toll is unknown, but certainly very bright. At 6-5, 239 pounds, he could develop into the next Rob Gronkowski making a collegiate roster as a hand in the ground tight end that would be near impossible to stop in the passing attack. With the right quarterback coaching help, Toll could even end up throwing touchdown passes at a Power Five Conference program. One can tell his play at defensive end is just starting to begin, yet he is already a game changer. Once all the parts come together, the mental, physical, and sheer willpower, watch out – there is a four-star defensive end in the making. Ditto for his potential as a tight end.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the new kid on the 2020 recruiting block learning more about his breakout sophomore season and how he is preparing to push his game forward during his junior campaign.
Interview
Blayen, how did the 2017 season go for you on the field?
“It was a pretty good season. In the beginning it went fast but I adjusted to it all.”
The Hornets made a three-game run into the playoffs, what was that experience like for you?
“It was humbling. I think we could have gone further. We are working hard now to get further into the playoffs next year.”
It looks like Hazen runs the Pistol offense, how does the Pistol fit your abilities as a quarterback?
“Actually, we have various formations from the Spread to everyone in the box. The offense we run, it gives me opportunity to run or pass the ball in a one-back set after reading the linebackers.”
How did your game improve throughout the season on defense?
“I became more aggressive. My coach gave me some tips that helped me. Our Coach, Coach Elliot, told me do not let anything outside of me. I’m always working to set the edge and then work in to the play.”
What about on offense, how did you step up your game in 2017?
“I became more confident in myself. In the beginning of the season I was not so confident in my abilities, but I am now.”
With experience, one’s confidence will grow. How else did your confidence get a boost as a quarterback?
“Clint Stoerner (Razorbacks) talked to me about reading defenses. He told me what to look for and how to tell different coverages apart.”
Did you see a lot of run plays with pulling linemen come at you during the 2017 season while you were playing end?
“Yes, sir. A lot of the time they would try a sweep my way or pull linemen, but I got’em. Most times they run away from me, which was frustrating. It all depended on the team and their offensive schemes. I would also have a lot of blocking backs coming down to chip me.”
It may be what you are used to or all that you know, but what is it like to play quarterback and then flip the field playing end?
“The town we come from, there are not many kids. We have to go both ways. You have to be well-conditioned to play on our team.”
I bet. Which position is your favorite, quarterback or defensive end?
“Honestly, I like receiver best. But of those two spots, I like playing quarterback more. I like scoring touchdowns.”
Which position are most colleges recruiting you to play?
“It varies from college to college. Arkansas is talking about me playing tight end or defensive end. Some smaller schools are wanting me to play receiver or quarterback. They are recruiting me as an athlete.”
Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?
“Arkansas, Ouachita Baptist, UAM (Arkansas-Monticello), and SEMO (Southeast Missouri State) have all came to my school. Arkansas State has talked to my coach about me.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“I went on a game day visit to Arkansas last season and I went on an unofficial visit back to Arkansas a couple of days ago.”
How did the visit to Arkansas go over the weekend?
“It was a good visit. The coaches have a really good environment up there. They were like family.”
What all did you do during your visit?
“They showed us around the campus, the facilities, and we tried on jerseys.”
Nice. Do you have any other planned visits set?
“Yes, sir. I am going to Houston coming up with my 7v7 team, Fast Arkansas.”
How is 7v7 action helping you?
“It allows me to play a position (receiver) many college coaches want me at but I don’t get to play in high school.”
Do you plan to attend any college camps this summer?
“Yes, sir. I plan on attending lot of regional schools. I’m not sure which ones yet.”
Are you going to any national camps or combines this spring?
“I am going to the Rivals camp in Dallas on March 24.”
What are you working on this offseason to prepare for those camps?
“I am working on my quickness, strength, and the mental perspective.”
Which position will you compete at during the camp?
“Tight end and receiver.”
Are you playing any other sports for Hazen?
“Baseball.”
Which positions?
“Pitcher and everything except in the infield.”
Is pitcher your best spot?
“Yes, sir.”
What do you throw on the mound?
“I’m at around 85 with my fastball. As far as the pitches I throw, I throw a curve, splitter, and I go submarine style from time to time.”
Are you getting any looks in baseball?
“I was invited to a Memphis baseball camp.”
What goals have you set for this spring and summer?
“I want to get my 40-yard dash time down to a 4.6. I’m at a 4.7 now.”
Any last words before I let you go?
“Yes, sir. My teammates and I are dedicating the season to Drake Jones. Drake was one of our classmates who just died.”
Blayne, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Toll family; Blayne Toll at Arkansas
Photo credit: SECrant.com; Blayne Toll with Clint Stoerner