Interview: 2017 RB Chris Hargraves is One of the Best Kept Secrets in Arkansas

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

It is easy to forgive national recruiters and recruiting websites for not knowing about Chris Hargraves entering the 2016 season. Few top colleges head to small towns in southern Arkansas looking for a 5-10, 195 pound, linebacker to fill their squad. But things have changed and now an excuse cannot be made for colleges seeking a playmaking running back for their 2017 recruiting class skipping out on visiting Camden.

When the 2015 season had ended, Camden Fairview’s junior linebacker Chris Hargraves had 101 tackles, 67 of those were solo stops, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pass breakups. Anyone doing an evaluation on Hargraves then knew he was a football player but may have wondered where he would fit on a roster at the next level. The Camden Fairview coaches made what would turn out to be a very wise decision moving Hargraves to running back with the results speaking for itself.

Hargraves has used his 4.48 speed to blister 5A Arkansas competition for 940 yards off 136 carries finding the end zone nine times through six games. Quickly evolving into an all-purpose kind of back, the senior has three receptions for 104 more yards with another score.

For now, the majority of college interest and offers coming Hargraves way is from area schools like Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Harding University, Arkansas-Monticello, and Central Arkansas. Teams outside the showing interest includes Georgia State and Eastern Illinois. Time will tell how quickly that list may grow.

Whoever gets Hargraves signature on National Signing Day is getting an instinctive runner who can run outside or in between the tackles. He has great speed and keeps his feet moving through first and second contact. His field vision is beyond his time logged in at running back able to search out an opening and hit the hole hard. If he finds that crease, he is gone for another big gain.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Hargraves covering his outstanding play out of the backfield this season and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Chris, how is the 2016 season going for you?

“It has been a good season. This is my first year playing running back. I feel like I am doing a good job.”

Last year you played outside linebacker, what brought the switch?

“I don’t know, it just happened. The coaches told me during spring ball that they wanted to play me at running back.”

Are you liking playing running back?

“Yes, sir.”

What did you work on in the off-season to prepare for the challenge of playing running back for the first time?

“I worked on my footwork and field vision.”

What are the strengths of your game as a running back?

“I am a downhill-physical running back. I like to fight for extra yards.”

Your game speed on tape looks pretty amazing. Did you run a 40-yard dash this summer?

“Yes, sir. I ran a 4.48 at a UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) camp.”

Which game has been your best so far this season?

“The second game of the season against Hamburg (won 34-29). I rushed for 311 that game.”

What is your philosophy with the ball in your hands coming out of the backfield?

“I take my time and run behind my blocks. I see the hole and hit it hard.”

Four games left, are you getting pumped for any of the upcoming matchups?

“Yes, sir. I’m ready to play all of them. I’d say the last game of the year against Watson Chapel (Nov. 4) will be the biggest for me. I always play well against Watson Chapel.”

Which programs are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“Right now I have offers from OBU, Harding, Arkansas-Monticello, and Henderson State. I’m talking to Eastern Illinois, UCA, and Georgia State.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“I took an unofficial visit to OBU in September. I took an unofficial visit to Monticello two weeks ago and I am scheduled to take an unofficial to UCA on Oct. 22.”

How did the OBU visit go?

“It was good. That was my first visit I ever took. They showed me love.”

How did the Monticello visit go?

“It was good. I talked to all the coaches and some of the players. They told me I was a good running back.”

When you take your UCA visits what are some of the things you are wanting to learn or excited to see when in Conway?

“I’m looking forward to talking to the coaches and seeing the facilities.”

Back to the Cardinals, how would you like to finish out the final four games of the season?

“I’d like to finish the season with over 1,000 yards and make it to the playoffs.”

You guys are 1-5, if you win your final four games will the Cardinals make the playoffs?

“Yes, sir. If we win our last four we are in the playoffs.”

Chris, thanks for your time today and good luck closing out the season strong.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Jerry Miner, smugmug.com; No. 9 Chris Hargraves in action.