Interview: 2021 Arkansas RB Kylin James Might Be Best Kept National Secret in 2021 Class

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Stats and tape are hard to refute when it comes to sports’ excellence, and especially when talking about football. During the 2019 season, Dumas High School posted a 1-9 record without Kylin James being the focal point of the offensive attack. A year later, the Bobcats are 9-3 tracking through the 4A Arkansas playoffs behind an immense talent few no about.

What are the basic components of an elite running back? Size, speed, acceleration, and power – and James has it all. Stretching the tape and pushing the scale at 6-1, 216-pounds, James has plowed through his senior season carrying the rock 210 times for 2,281 yards with 26 scores posted on the board. Showing his dynamic skills in other areas besides being a power back with speed, James has secured six passes for 102 yards with a touchdown. On special teams he has returned five punts for 220 yards and one kick for 20. Spotlighting on defense, 12 tackles, eight solo, with three passes broken up and an interception has been added to the amazing resume in 2020.

In the midst of averaging 10.9 yards per carry, 190 yards per game, and two-plus touchdowns per outing, James is unranked and holds just three offers.

With the Bobcats’ season on the line this Friday taking on Shiloh Christian, James visited the RNG Lab to update the season.

Interview

Kylin, you are without a doubt one of the more unique and talented backs in the 2021 class. You have that rare mix of power and speed. For those out there who may not have seen you play, how would you describe your abilities as a running back?

My speed and being big. And I am able to make the secondary miss.

Looks like Dumas was giving opposing defenses different looks. What offensive sets were you guys executing during the 2020 season?

Shout out to Coach (George) Shelton for our offense. He is doing a lot of different looks, the Wish Bone, the Spread, and the I-formation this season. I like the I formation.

What are some of the type of plays called to get the ball to you?

Tosses, powers, counters, and screens.

How were defenses lining up against the Bobcats’ offense?

This year we are seeing them stack the box. We are seeing eight in the box with different alignments; 4-4, 4-3, 3-3-5. We are seeing it all really.

This may be a really hard question for you, because you’ve torn it up so far this season, but in which game did you turn in your best personal performance?

I’d say our last game against Gosnell (won 36-30).

Why did you pick that one?

I had five touchdowns and 287 yards.

That qualifies! We have talked about your style of play as a running back, but what do you feel are the strengths to your game coming out of the backfield?

What I think are the best things about my game is my ability to make people miss, my vision and seeing holes open up, my balance, and most of all my speed.

Another way your speed and change of direction has been showcased has been on special teams as a punt returner. What has been clicking for you being such a dangerous return man taking five punts the other way for 220 yards averaging 44-yards per return?

I just want the ball in my hands. I just want to make a play.

Is there an aspect to your game that may get overlooked?

I feel like I have good hands and my blocking is good.

As you mentioned, the team just took down Gosnell 36-30 to advance in the playoffs. How did the team look overall in the win?

We looked good. Our defense looked good. We had a couple of bad offensive drives, but it was a good overall win.

Next up is a very tough Shiloh Christian (9-1) team. It is early in your preparation for the Saints, but based on what you know of them now, what kind of game are you expecting from their defense?

I have watched film on their defense. They peruse to the ball. It will be a hard-fought game. But I know our coach has a game plan for them.

Besides playing football, do you play any other varsity sports for Dumas?

Yes, I play basketball and baseball

Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

I’ve had a lot of contact from Arkansas, Memphis, Vanderbilt, UCA (Central Arkansas), Arkansas Tech, Henderson State, Florida State, and Northeastern State – they offered me last week.

Which schools have offered you?

I have three; Murray State, William & Mary, and Northeastern State.

With the teams that have not offered, are they telling what they are looking for from you before giving you an offer?

There is nothing I can do. Most of them are saying they are full already, all their backs are committed.

Regardless of how many other offers may come before National Signing Day, what does the ideal fit look like to you?

I want a place where I feel like I am at home. The coaches, players, everything feels like family.

Kylin, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you great success against Shiloh Christian.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: James family; Kylin James