Interview: 1,700-Yard 2020 Arkansas RB/OLB Tarrell Penn Gives Spring Workout Update

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2018 season was a pin drop on the recruiting map for Class of 2020 athlete Tarrell Penn. The 5-10, 210-pound, running back and outside linebacker/safety was truly all over the field helping push Hazen High School to a 13-1 record with a run to the Arkansas 2A state championship game. Flashing his downhill running and speed on offense, Penn came up with an estimated 1,790 yards on the ground with 30 trips into the end zone. On defense, he paced the Hornets with 70 tackles, forced two fumbles and picked off two. With All-Conference and All-State honors, Penn is off this summer to show is craft to college coaches ready to pull some of the interested into true believers.

In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the top overlooked talents in the Natural State going under the helmet with Tarrell Penn.

Interview

Tarrell, Hazen put on a show in 2018 making a run to the 2A state championship game. What was that playoff run like for you personally?

“I can’t explain it in words. That was my first time going that deep into the playoffs. We played like a team, and we had something to play for.”

As a two-way player, how did you prepare each week given all your responsibilities?

“I watched a lot of game film, even on myself to see what I can do better. In practice, I would work on what I needed to improve upon to help my team win.”

There is no denying your speed and field vision allow you to pick apart defenses as a running back. What are some of the other strengths to your game coming out of the backfield?

“My blocking and I can break tackles with my strength. I can juke but I keep it simple so I do not get caught in the backfield. If I am in the secondary, no one can stop me. I am a hard runner. I take everything serious on the field. I love football.”

Which game was your best at tailback?

“I had two I liked but if I had to choose one, I would say the Earle game (won 34-12). I knew we were going to state after that win.”

What did you do well in that game to make it your best?

“I had 200 yards rushing, four touchdowns, an interception, a forced fumble, two sacks, and nine tackles. I did a little bit of everything that game.”

I would say you did. Everything but kick field goals.

“Actually, I was 4 for 4 on point after attempts last season. We kicked PATs early in the season and then started going for two-point conversions.”

Impressive. How did you game grow last season as a defender last season playing safety and outside linebacker?

“I had to learn everything quick. Every practice, during the individuals, I was working on my technique. We did not have someone that can hit like I can at defensive back and outside linebacker. I worked on my coverage a lot to improve that part of my game.”

What have you been working on this spring on defense?

“I have been working at middle linebacker. I have been focused on my coverages and technique.”

What about on offense?

“I have been working on my speed. I have been working on getting out of the pocket faster. Juking is not my game, I am a power runner. I like breaking tackles. I am like a bull on the field.”

Did you play 7v7 ball this spring with a travel team?

“Yes, sir. I played with Arkansas Elite.”

How did playing 7v7 help push your abilities forward?

“It helped me read the offense more as a defender. It helped with my coverage. I played DB for Arkansas Elite.”

Have you gone to any camps this offseason?

“Yes. I went to the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp in Dallas.”

How did that go for you?

“I didn’t do as well as I wanted, I was sick. I did alright, but I was not at my best.”

Do you have any camps you may attend in the coming weeks?

“Yes. I have already camped at OBU (Ouachita Baptist) and I am going to a camp at Harden on Saturday.”

How did the OBU camp go?

“It went well. I liked it.”

Which position did you compete at during that camp?

“Running back.”

Going into recruiting, which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“I am receiving interest from OBU, Harden, and some from Boston College.”

Have you visited any schools yet?

“Yes. I have taken a visit to TCU.”

How did the TCU visit go?

“It went well. I liked their locker rooms – the lights. Their helmets were great. The coaches showed some love. They have a good coaching staff – and they are funny.”

Do you play any other sports for Hazen?

“I play basketball. I got a jumper. I can play some basketball.”

What do you like to do away from football or other athletic events for fun?

“If I am not doing something with sports, I am playing a video game, doing my homework, or watching TV.”

Which games do you play?

“Madden, 2K – I play all the games.”

We are down to four in the playoffs, who do you think will win the NBA Championship this year?

“I don’t like the Warriors. I am going with Toronto.”

Tarrell, it was great getting the interview in with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Twitter.com; Tarrell Penn in action (2018)

Photo credit: Penn family; Tarrell Penn at TCU