Interview: 3-Star 2020 Arkansas All-State OLB Kendarrius Moore Updates Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Over the last two seasons, West Memphis High School has been one of the top Class 6A teams in the state of Arkansas. It takes a team to win games, but it also takes standout talent to keep racking up double-digit win seasons. On defense, the Blue Devils have their standout do-everything talent lining up at outside linebacker in Kendarrius Moore.
Moore has put his 6-1, 211-pound, frame to work earning his reputation as a top-notch defender by proving it on the field. As a sophomore, he turned in a 55-tackle, five-tackle for a loss, one-sack, two-QB hurry, and one-interception campaign. That was followed up with an All-State performance in 2018 putting an end to 69 plays, 50 solo, with 13.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, two QB hurries, four picks, five passes broken up, and one forced fumble.
College programs are catching onto what Moore can do for their defense as a run stuffer in the box, a presence off the edge, and an extra defensive back in the box capable of covering tight ends, running backs, and the slot. Four offers have been extended from Arkansas State, Navy, Liberty and Louisiana-Monroe thus far and interest is growing.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Moore recapping his junior season on the field, offseason workouts, and got a look inside his recruiting process.
Interview
Kendarrius, the Blue Devils had a nice run into the semifinal round of the playoffs in 2018. How did you step up your game in those extra games against top Arkansas competition?
“I focused more. Off the field, I was eating and sleeping right. In the games, I stepped up in a leadership role. I was louder communicating with my teammates on plays and keeping everyone calm.”
You are a beast for the Blue Devils at outside linebacker getting in on the action everywhere on the field. What are your responsibilities on the field within the defensive scheme?
“My main thing is to force everything inside. On passing downs, I cover slot receivers a lot.”
Throughout the season, where did you see the biggest area of improvement in your game?
“My cover skills got better.”
What are the things you do well as a linebacker that allow you to be so productive?
“I can read plays quickly. I know what the offense is trying to do. I worked a lot on open-field tackling in the offseason and that showed last year. Now a days you have to play in space. My coverage is another strength.”
You got a carry last season breaking a 16-yard run. Will we see more of you at running back during your senior year?
“I think so, but I don’t know. I have talked the coaches about it. We’ll see.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on my footwork, my cover skills, open-field tackling, and covering running backs out of the backfield.”
Have you had a chance to max out in the weight room this offseason?
“Yes, sir. My max on power clean is 305, bench is 310, squat is 485, and my incline is 245.”
Wow. That is impressive. With recruiting, how many offers do you have now?
“I have four offers: Arkansas State, Navy, Liberty and Louisiana-Monroe.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Memphis, Vanderbilt, Tennessee, and Tulane are showing interest.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes, sir. I have visited Tennessee, Louisiana-Monroe, and Arkansas State.”
How did the Tennessee visit go?
“It was good. I liked it. We toured the facilities and the campus.”
What about the ULM visit, how did that go?
“It was a nice visit. Same thing as the Tennessee visit, we toured the facilities and the campus.”
And Arkansas State, how did that go?
“It was nice. We toured the campus and the facilities there as well.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes, sir. I am going to Memphis on Saturday, Vanderbilt on the 30th, and Navy this summer.”
What has you excited about visiting Memphis?
“I am excited to visit Memphis because the school is close to home – they are a local school. It will be nice to see their facilities and see how I like it.”
Last couple of questions. When you are not lifting or doing a football related activity, what are you doing for fun?
“I am chilling, playing a game, or watching TV. I stay in the house a lot and relax.”
What is your favorite game to play?
“I have been playing a lot of 2K lately.”
In school, what is your favorite subject?
“Math.”
Kendarrius, it was great learning more about you and your game on the field today. I appreciate your time and wish you success with your Memphis visit.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Moore family; Kendarrius Moore at Arkansas State and Tennessee