Interview: 2,800-Yard 4-Star 2021 Virginia RB Trenton Adkins Updates Open Recruiting Process
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After back-to-back seasons of topping the 2,000-yard mark, there is no doubt Trenton Adkins’ abilities translate to the highest levels of college football. As a sophomore, Adkins took 217 handoffs for 2,001 yards with 27 scores while also securing nine passes for 271 yards with five more trips into the end zone. His All-World performance in 2019 was nothing short of amazing. The 6-1, 195-pound, playmaker scorched Virginia defenses for 2,850 yards with 48 touchdowns while also taking two kicks back for scores.
The Ridgeview (Clintwood) area talent has earned four-star recruiting status and 15 offers leading into his senior campaign. For an update on how he is using the extended offseason wisely, Adkins stopped by the Lab for another detailed RNG interview.
Interview
Trenton, after amassing over 2,800 yards last season with 48 touchdowns, how long until after the season before you shook off all the bumps and bruises from such an amazing performance?
I was pretty sore after the last game for a little while, about two weeks honestly.
What post-season honors did you earn for the hard work put in on the field?
I got first team All-State running back, first team All-Region kick returner, first team All-Region and All-District running back, and first team All-District kick returner.
You had one of the coolest moves I have ever seen a running back use, and it wasn’t much of anything really – but it was so smart. I’m not sure who you were playing, but you ran right at a safety like you were going to run over him, the safety braced and slowed down and you just kept running for the touchdown. Do you remember that play?
Yeah, I think that was against Marion. That was in our first playoff game.
Has anyone else said anything to you about that play?
The coach from Ohio State, Coach (Tony) Alfred, and Coach (Chad) Scott from West Virginia pointed that out.
That was a smooth play, and almost criminal.
(Laughs) Thank you.
Which game last season was your best all-around performance, and why did you pick that one?
Probably the third game of the season against Central (Norton). That game is a big rivalry game with a lot of smack talk weeks prior. There always is a lot of talking going on before that one. We won 41-21. I had 367 yards and six touchdowns.
Wow. That is a tremendous game. That is a season for a lot of dudes.
(Laughs) Thank you.
What have you been doing to add more power to your skills this offseason?
I have been doing a lot of squats, power cleans, deadlifts, RDLs, explosive stuff, and speed drills. We have a new coach with new workouts.
Have you been able to max out this offseason?
Back in March I maxed, that’s when our school was let out for the virus. When I maxed out then, I got 305 on bench, 260 on power clean, and 505 on squat.
How have you improved your speed and burst?
We do a lot of short distance sprints, 110s, I work with bands, and I am doing a lot of jumping exercises. I think we will start using a parachute soon and start running hills.
Did you post a 40 this offseason?
Yes, about a month ago I got a 4.48 and then a 4.52.
Impressive. Once the 2020 season gets going in Virginia, where will we be seeing you on the field?
At running back, kick returner, some at Wildcat, some at receiver, and some at safety and outside linebacker.
What is the practice schedule for Ridgeview going forward?
I don’t know the future schedule, but now we practice every day but in different groups. Skills go one day and the linemen go on another day. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday are the skills guys, but a lot of the linemen go all days with a lot of guys going both ways.
When is the 2020 season set to begin?
In February.
As a senior, how are you handling this recruiting process?
I’d like to take a few visits to see where I stand and to see where everyone stands. I have not figured everything out yet. The virus has messed a lot of things up. We will figure it out at some point.
Do you plan on putting out a top schools list?
I did (Sept. 18), but then most of the schools in my Top 5 filled up. After that, I reopened my recruitment.
*Top Schools List: Tennessee, West Virginia, Penn State, Virginia Tech, and Toledo
Are you going to put out another list?
I probably won’t do another list.
Can’t say that I blame you. Hearing what you just said, I understand you still have a lot to go over with your commitment. Regardless of how the process for you plays out, do you have a commitment date in mind?
Honestly, I have no clue.
How many offers have been given to you?
Fifteen.
Adkins’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Florida, Maryland, Memphis, North Carolina, Old Dominion, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas-San Antonio, Toledo, Tulane, UTSA, Virginia, and West Virginia
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Florida State, and Baylor are showing some interest.
When visits may happen again in 2021, are there any schools you’d like to check out?
Yeah, I plan on visiting Toledo but I am not sure which other schools I will visit yet. I know I am visiting Toledo for sure.
Trenton, I appreciate your time today. Keep up the hard work this offseason?
Thank you, will do.
Photo credit: Adkins family; Trenton Adkins