Interview: 2021 RB/SB Taevion Cunningham Went Off Against 6A Arkansas Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All the Wheaties are gone, all that is left is to keep feeding Taevion Cunningham is the pigskin. Under a new coaching staff, Sylvan Hills High School bounced from a four-win to nine-win team in 2020 with their senior scatback/slotback taking 6A defenses to the woodshed. The Arkansas All-State caliber performance is now finally catching the eyes of next level scouts.
The full official stats are not out yet, but during the regular season Cunningham took the rock 88 times covering 1,270 yards on the ground with 10 touchdowns surpassing 1,500 all-purpose yards in total. With the playoff run, the 5-10, 175-pound, speedster popped over 1,600 yards on the ground with 13 scores off an estimated 104 totes. With nearly all college programs missing Cunningham’s breakout season, still, the productivity on the field has netted four scholarship offers.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Cunningham headed to the Lab for an in-depth one on one to talk football and recruiting.
Interview
Taevion, the Bears offense looks like a lot of fun to execute, especially for a running back. What style of offense were you guys executing during the 2020 season and where all were you lining up?
We were in a flex bone. I was in the slot and a couple of times I was at receiver, but that was more of a personnel thing. I was a wing-back, we call it a slot back.
How did the coaches at Sylvan Hills get the pigskin into your hands?
They gave it to me on sweeps, counters, option plays, and screens
How did the 2020 season go for you personally? Where did you show the biggest improvements?
It went well, but not the end result we wanted with the way our season ended. We were 4-7 last year, went out in the first round. That was not the season we wanted. We knew we could have won more. Coach Hill came in, and we won nine games won and a conference championship for the first since 1994. I achieved all my goals expect for winning state. I went over 1,000 yards, had 10 touchdowns, and we were conference champions. We had a successful season but the only thing that I missed on was a state championship.
After a 4-7 season winning conference the next season for the first time since 1994, that is great. Congratulations.
Thank you, sir.
The offense is a lot for defenders to prepare for with misdirection, counters, you name it. That requires great field vision by the backs to find the holes exploiting the defense. At the end of the playoff run, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as an offensive player?
I feel like my vision got better, my cutting ability, and I was finishing runs and breaking tackles. My speed has been there, my cuts have been good, but I improved on both of those even more.
Which game during the 2020 season was your best?
Well… it is hard. In most of our games if we were blowing a team out the starters were pulled out at halftime. Searcy, Jonesboro, and Catholic, there were a lot of games that were good. Our coach would take it easy on the other team if we were up big, so we did not have field days against teams padding the stats. But I still had a lot of good games.
Your change of direction and agility along with your breakaway speed are difference makers. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
In the 100 I ran a 11.18 one-and-a-half years ago and the 200 in 22.83 I believe. In the 400 I ran a 50.7. This summer I ran a 4.5 in the 40. I ran it when COVID was going on during the offseason. That was not my best time. At that time, all the gyms were closed. Our track was cancelled in spring. I was not able to post new track times because of the virus.
Understood. A jump over to recruiting. Which schools are showing recruiting interest after the season you just posted?
Austin Peay, Southern Nazarene, Missouri Southern (Joplin), Missouri Western, and Northeastern State are showing interest. Memphis’ running back coach has reached out and about three weeks ago Arkansas’ recruiter followed on Twitter. A couple of D-I coaches have followed me on Twitter but they have not talked to me yet.
Which programs have offered you?
Harding, Louisiana Community Christian, Arkansas Baptist, and Ottawa Kansas.
Have you taken any visits this year?
Yes, I have been on the campus of Harding. I saw their field house and indoor facility. When I was there, I was talking to all their coaches. They are showing the most interest of all the schools so far.
Are there any visits you may take coming up?
I am trying to visit Ottawa, but I can’t find a good time.
Going into the classroom, what is your cumulative GPA?
My overall GPA is a 3.4, and my core is a 3.2 GPA.
For the college coaches out there reading this who may not know that much about you, what do you feel separates you from other Class of 2021 all-purpose backs?
My will to work, my love for the game, and me accomplishing my set goals. When we are working out, I do more than everyone else. I get the extra reps in to keep pushing myself to get better. I am focused on achieving all my goals.
Taevion, I had a lot of fun covering ground on your abilities on the field today. Thanks for your time. Wishing you success with your recruiting process going forward.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Cunningham family; Taevion Cunningham