Interview: 2022 Arkansas WR/RB Kannon Bartlett Talks Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When looking at Kannon Bartlett’s junior high school football season, mission accomplished. The 6-1, 175-pound, talent was the skill position go-to guy for Vilonia High School filling in wherever needed. The positions covered included receiver, running back, quarterback, and cornerback showcasing his speed at each stop. As the Eagles put together a 6-6 campaign going against Arkansas 5A squads, Bartlett covered 422 yards on the ground off 49 totes and secured 48 passes for 653 yards in stats posted through nine games, all with his starting quarterback, Austin Myers (Kansas commit), suffering a hand injury midway through the schedule.
The action on the gridiron for the rising Class of 2022 prospect is starting to bring recruiting interest his way with teams like Duke taking a look.
Covering his breakout season in detail, Bartlett stopped by the RNG Lab for a one on one conversation.
Interview
Kannon, the team just wrapped up the 2020 season with a playoff game against Lakeside. Looking back, how did your junior campaign go overall for you personally?
I think it went well personally. I did not play a lot last year, there was a senior ahead of me. Last year I was all defense but I was opened up on offense this year playing a lot more.
The Eagles’ coaching staff did a great job of utilizing your skills getting you the pigskin in a bunch of different ways. Where all were you lining up and how were they getting the rock into your hands?
I was at slot, H, and some at quarterback, but I did not pass much. I ran the Wildcat, and I got some time at running back. We did a lot of screens at receiver to me and at running back I did inside and outside zone plays and counter-plays. At quarterback, I was handing the ball off or if in at Wildcat I was doing an RPOs (run-pass option).
When you want to put the heat on defenses you have that extra gear you can kick into. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
In the 40, at the field one day with Austin Myers, he and I ran our 40s. I ran a hand-timed 4.6. In track, I ran the 100, 200, and 400 in ninth grade. My 100 in the ninth grade was an 11.7 and in the 200 I ran a 24.2.
Nice. After the experience gained this season, what do you feel are your overall strengths as an offensive player?
My speed. I am not selfish, I am a team player. Another strength, I can see the field well running the ball. My hands, I think I have good hands and run pretty good routes.
Let’s go back to you playing some quarterback after Austin was hurt. Break some of that down in a little more detail if you will.
I was going in at the Wildcat. When I was running the Wildcat, I would read the end or outside linebacker, whichever way he went, down or up, I’d make the decision to let it go or pull it. Against Greenbrier I passed some. In that game, I was reading the outside linebacker pulling it throwing a hitch or 10-yard out. I rolled out some hitting guys on the run.
Which position were you playing on defense?
I lined up at corner
What coverages were the Eagles running during the 2020 season?
We ran man and zone. I either played up close or bailed back five yards on the snap. We ran a zone or man coverage pretty much all season.
With the new experiences gained, what do you now feel are your strengths at corner?
Staying with the receiver, on the break I am right on his tail. When I would jam guys, I was holding them there.
I’m guessing a lot of people bring up that effort play where you ran a guy down some 80 to 90 yards preventing a touchdown. Walk us through that play if you will.
(Laughs) When he first caught it, he made two guys missing, and the last guy was one of our offensive linemen who i not the quickest. When he broke free, I was thinking this is going to be a long run, and I was already tired. I put my head down and took off. Some guy on their team pushed me a little off track making it worst, but I just ran. I didn’t know it was going to be the last play before halftime either.
Wow. So you truly saved a touchdown before halftime?
Yes, sir.
Is there a trait to your game that you did not get to fully showcase this season or perhaps one that might get overlooked?
My tackling. I did not get to play much defense this season. I don’t remember many missed tackles. That is a part of my game I don’t think many got to see.
Do you play any other varsity sports?
Yes, I play basketball.
Are you guys set up to have a good team this season?
Yeah, I think we will be decent this year. We have some good sophomores.
With your football offseason beginning, what will you focus on to prepare for next year?
I will focus on getting stronger, my route running, agility and speed.
Kannon, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you success this offseason with your workouts and basketball season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Bartlett family; Kannon Bartlett