Interview: 2023 Louisiana RB Arnold Barnes Covers Breakthrough Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is always a party going on in New Orleans, but during the 2020 season at Booker T. Washington it was the Lions’ ground game supplying the entertainment. During the Lions’ 6-5 campaign, the Sportsman’s Paradise found out about Class of 2023 running back Arnold Barnes.
The 5-11, 192-pound, tailback steamrolled for 1,031 yards off 81 carries making nine trips into the end zone. As the spring evaluation period heats up, college programs are learning about Barnes. Interest is coming down to the Big Easy for Barnes spanning the SEC to the Pac-12.
In an RNG Q&A stylized interview, Barnes covers ground on his sophomore campaign with a look at his spring workouts.
Interview
Arnold, you were leaving 3A Louisiana defenses in the dust. Was there a point during the season where everything started to click for you leading to all the breakaway runs?
At some point in my head, my mindset was to just rule 3A and my goal was to be top running back in 3A.
Looks like the Lions were running a Pistol formation with you in the backfield. How were the coaches getting the ball into your hands?
The ball was issued in my hands by zone runs and counters.
Which areas of your game grew the most last season?
My vision and explosiveness.
In which game did you have your best personal performance?
My personal best game was the Newman game.
What did you do well in that showdown to make it your best game?
I had over 160 rushing yards and I was the top player in that game.
How are you increasing your speed and agility this offseason?
I’m increasing my speed by doing track.
Which events are you competing in this spring?
I don’t run track, I just participate for speed and power.
What is your best 40-yard dash or best-timed run?
4.71.
Are there any national camps or college camps you may attend coming up?
Yes, I have a couple of huge camps coming up and some I already attended.
Which programs are showing recruiting interest but have not offered you yet?
University of Washington, Virginia, Vanderbilt, LSU, Memphis, South Carolina, Texas, Notre Dame, and USC.
When visits pick back up in June, are there any schools you’d like to go see?
The University of Washington, because that’s my dream school.
Arnold, thanks for your time today. Wishing you success this offseason with your workouts and camp circuit.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Ed Shots/Barnes family; Arnold Barnes