Interview: 2022 Arkansas Talent Adrian Carranco Looks Like a Veteran in First Year at Receiver
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The debut performance of Class of 2022 receiver Adrian Carranco is worthy of praise and collegiate attention. During the 2020 season, Carranco worked the field for Beebe High School at receiver looking like a five-year veteran securing 46 passes for 554 yards with six scores posted. Although his play against Arkansas 5A squads dazzled, it was the junior’s first-time running routes against varsity competition after switching over from quarterback. With the leg up on the new position, knowing what a quarterback needs, understanding defenses, and situational play, that connected with his 6-2, 165-pound, frame, speed, and athleticism, made him an instant impact player.
After Newcomer of the Year worthy accolades, colleges within the region are rightfully hearing about Carranco. To learn more about his breakout performance and developing recruiting interests, Carranco was invited to the RNG Lab for a one-on-one.
Interview
Adrian, your quarterback had great confidence in you throwing a lot of 50-50 balls your way knowing you’d make a play on it. How did you develop that trust with your QB so you could be the guy getting the target when needed in each game?
It was really teammate chemistry and growing up with the players around you. Him knowing I will catch it, that trust grows. He believes in me and what I can do in games from practice. That, and doing 100 reps in practice to get one right in the game. All of that work to get it right for a big play in the game.
Beyond a go or fly, what were some of the routes you were running within the Badgers’ offense?
Some other routes were medium routes like digs, 10-yard ins, and flat slants. We had a younger offensive line this season. It was essential for the quarterback to do medium routes under the pressure he was receiving.
How did your overall game take that jump to the next level during your junior season?
It was learning as a sophomore at the quarterback spot, the routes and the timing. I wasn’t a receiver before the season. Coming in, I knew the timing, what I had to do, and the spacing needed. I knew my job, it was just about needing to get the execution down.
Your concentration and hands are a big part of what makes you successful on the field; what are some of the other traits that allowed you to take apart 5A Arkansas defenses?
My height, I feel that played a big part. It is hard for smaller defensive backs to get up on me. I have the athletic ability to go up and make a high point play. My quickness, speed, and how I was getting off the line was creating separation.
What have you been doing this offseason to improve upon that speed?
I am a three-sport athlete, college coaches love that. In basketball, I am working on durability and training a different part of my body. Instead of just lifting, I am becoming more flexible and getting more endurance. There is not an off day for. I either have a game or a workout, or I have a track meet. Every day I am getting something in, lifting, or working on my speed.
How are you fine-tuning your skills as a receiver for an even bigger 2021 campaign?
Working on my breaks and releases off the line of scrimmage to get more unique. Using the same release, it gets easy to jump the release and jam up the timing. If I can add more releases, that will add to my game will give me a jump on corners.
You mentioned having a track meet. Which events are you competing in this season?
The 400, 4×4 relay, triple and long jump.
Nice. With football, are there any camps coming up you may go compete at?
Yes, sir. I plan on attending an FBU. They had one in Naples but it was rescheduled for this summer. There is another big Arkansas Monster Camp this summer, I will be there. Anywhere else I can be invited to a camp, I will go. I love showcasing my speed and abilities.
Let’s touch on recruiting. After the big year turned in, which programs are now showing interest?
Arkansas State, Kansas, and Missouri State. The Arkansas State coaches and I have grown close. I have talked to their new coaching staff as well. I really like what they have going there.
Are there any visits you may take this summer when the dead period lifts?
If I have the opportunity, I’d love to visit Arkansas State. UCA (Central Arkansas) is about a 30 to 40-minute drive from my house. I’d love to visit after going to camps there when I was younger. I’d love to go to those two, I really like the environment at those two schools.
Adrian, thank you for your time today. Wishing you success this spring with track, football workouts, and all of the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Carranco family; Adrian Carranco