One to Watch: Arkansas 2019 ATH/WR Terry Lambert is Picking Up National Recruiting Interest

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

A new era is beginning at Hampton High School. When the season kicks off the Bulldogs will be fielding a varsity football team to compete in Arkansas classification 2A starting something new for the fans in and around Hampton to get excited about going forward. Most new varsity teams struggle placing talent and experience on their roster but the Bulldogs have a secret weapon in Class of 2019 athlete/wide receiver Terry Lambert.

Lambert tore it up against his peer group in 2015 playing wide receiver and running back on offense, defensive tackle, nose guard, and linebacker on defense, and kicker and kick returner on special teams. The freshman scored 10 total touchdowns showcasing his shiftiness and breakaway speed repeatedly as a kick returner. For his efforts, the 5’9”, 172 pound, playmaker was awarded as a Bert Cooper All-American, a Diamond All-American, and a NUC National All-Star listed on their Ultimate 100 list as a five-star prospect.

College coaches have already started showing interest in Lambert with teams like Arkansas, North Carolina, Memphis, Alabama, Central Florida, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Michigan, Michigan State, and Florida State keeping an early eye on him.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Lambert before the 2016 fall camp begins to get an overview on his freshman season, his offseason workouts, and his recruitment to date.

Interview

Terry, you were all over the field last year playing at least seven different positions. Of all the positions, which one is your favorite?

“I love playing wide receiver, kicker, and kick returner. Colleges have the most interest in me as a wide receiver.”

What are the college coaches telling you they like about your game at this point in your career?

“They like the way I run. We did a lot of bubble screens and quick passes last year. They like my speed and quickness. They like me at kick returner too.”

Will your role change at all in 2016 going from the freshman squad to the varsity level?

“I’m moving to quarterback.”

Are you excited about the move?

“Yes sir. North Carolina’s quarterback coach, Coach (Keith) Heckendorf, said he wants to see me play as a quarterback. He thinks I will do well as a quarterback.”

What type of offense will the Bulldogs run in 2016?

“We are an option team. We will run all kinds of stuff but a lot out of the Double-Wing Option set.”

With your speed, I’m guessing you’ll have a lot of rushing yards this year.

“Yes sir. My goal is to get over 2,000 yards rushing with 20 touchdowns.”

Are you going to continue to play on both sides of the ball in 2016?

“No sir. It’ll be all offense. I’m not a defensive player.”

What are you working on in the offseason to prepare for your sophomore year?

“I really work a lot on my accuracy throwing the ball. I work a lot on my passing and rolling out. I’m improving on my quickness and speed.”

Do you feel like you have a good grasp of the offense going into fall camp?

“Yes sir.”

You mentioned your speed improving. Your top line speed looks really good on your reel. What is the fastest 40-yard dash time you’ve turned in so far?

“All of my times have been with my personal trainer (Dan Williams). The best is a 4.4.”

Wow. That’s great. Have you been to any college camps this offseason?

“Yes sir. I went to the Arkansas Varsity Camp and to the Razorback Elite Prospect Camp.”

Did you run a 40 at the Arkansas camp?

“I did but I do not know my time.”

How did the camp go for you overall?

“It went awesome. I made a bunch of friends there. The camp was flat out awesome. As soon as I stepped into the door of the complex, my whole body attached to the atmosphere. Coach (Bret) Bielema (head coach) has a good thing going there.”

Are you going to any other camps this summer?

“I was going to go to a Memphis camp but I could not go. I am going to the Ultimate 100 camp July 23-24 at Texas A&M. I’m also going to UCA’s (Central Arkansas) camp on Saturday.”

That sounds like a lot of fun. Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“North Carolina, South Florida, Central Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Rutgers – I’m receiving mail from Florida State, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Michigan State. Arkansas Pine Bluff, Central Arkansas, and Florida A&M are also showing interest in me.”

Which colleges have you talked to so far?

“North Carolina, Central Florida, Memphis, and Arkansas.”

Have you taken any visits yet?

“Yes sir. I visited Memphis.”

How did the Memphis trip go?

“It was awesome. I love the atmosphere and facilities. I like how the coaching staff treats me. I love their offense.”

Do you have any offers yet?

“I do. I have offers from Southern Oregon, Mid-American, Nazarene, and Lindsey Wilson (Kentucky).”

That’s a great start to your high school career. Congratulations.

“Thank you.”

How is everything going in the classroom for you?

“I had a 3.9 GPA last year.”

Fantastic. What is your favorite subject in school?

“English.”

Do you play any other sports?

“I played basketball this year.”

How did the season go?

“It went awesome. We went undefeated until the semifinals of the playoffs.”

Terry, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camp and fall camp.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: ncsasports.org; No. 6 Terry Lambert lined up on the outside.

Photo credit: youtube.com; No. 6 Terry Lambert finds a hole in the defense.