Interview: 3-Star 2020 Arkansas WR Chris Hightower Covers Football and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2018 season on the gridiron for Little Rock Christian Academy was a dream season. In a Hollywood stylized storyline, the Warriors rolled through the schedule averaging 54 points per game squashing opposing 5A Arkansas competition, sans one team – Pulaski Academy. The Bruins ruled the 5A field since 2014 winning title after title. During the 2018 regular season, they topped the Warriors 56-14 giving the outward appearance of another championship trophy being hoisted come December. Had it not been for the play of top Little Rock Christian talents stepping up, guys like Class of 2020 receiver Chris Hightower, the Bruins consecutive title streak may have continued.

Hightower turned in a beastly performance during his junior campaign, albeit with a change in approach midway through the schedule. The 6-2, 190-pound, target secured 46 passes for 983 yards with 12 scores going up on the board earning All-Conference and second team All-State honors from the Democrat-Gazette. Perhaps the biggest achievement was helping his squad do the improbable, beat PA 52-38 for the 5A title breaking the streak of their heated rivals.

His ability to change the outcome of games has been noticed by collegiate scouts with offers extended from Kansas, SMU, Liberty, Tulane, and Memphis, and outside interest growing. To learn more about the three-star recruit, I sat down for a detailed one-on-one covering Hightower’s play on and off the field.

Interview

Chris, even though it has been a couple of months, congratulations on the championship game win.

“Thank you.”

The win must have been extra sweet avenging a 56-14 loss to the Bruins earlier in the year.

“Yes, sir. It felt great. It felt amazing to beat the Bruins in the championship game, they are our rivals.”

What was the difference in the two games for the Warriors?

“In the first game our QB was out. In the first half of the first game we were in it, we were only down by seven at halftime. We were shaky in the second half. In the second game, we bounced back. We held them to seven points in the second half.”

Going through a tough regular season schedule and then the playoffs, how did your game improve squaring off against top competition?

“In the middle of the season my coach talked to me telling me to step it up for the team to be what we could be. I had to change and step it up. My route running improved a lot throughout the year and my catching ability. As the season progressed that improved the most. If the ball was in the air, I was able to come down with it.”

Which game last season was a challenge for you?

“The most challenging was probably the championship game. I was playing on a hamstring injury, but I played through it.”

Which game was your best?

“My best game was probably the game against Parkview.”

Why was that game your best?

“I scored every time I had the ball. My route running was crisp and I was a go-to guy in that game for my QB.”

Do you remember your stat line?
“I was at 200 yards, close to it, with two touchdowns.”

What do you feel are the overall strengths to your game?

“I feel like I am a leader on the field. With my abilities, I can stretch the field, that is what the college coaches say to me. I have great breakaway speed.”

What are some of your favorite routes to run?

“I like to run go-routes, come and go, curls, and bubble screens. I like post routes too.”

Which areas of your skillset are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on trying to get my strength up, add muscle mass, and I am working on getting faster.”

Where all might we see you on the field in 2019?

“I might play some more at Wildcat, some at running back, receiver and on defense at safety and corner.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Louisiana-Monroe, Mississippi State, Virginia, Arkansas, Auburn, and Washington State.”

Nice. Have you had a chance to unofficially visit any schools yet?

“I just came back from a Junior Day visit with Memphis last weekend and I went on a Junior Day visit to Arkansas two weekends ago.”

How did the Memphis visit go?

“It went really well. The coaches were chill. I felt like from what they showed us, they have a tight relationship with the players.”

What about the Arkansas visit, how did that go?

“That was really nice too. Coach (Barry) Lunney (tight ends) showed me around. I got to see the facility again, I have been there a couple of times, and they showed me the lounge area and locker room. They showed me what I would experience if I went there.”

Do you have any planned visits you may take upcoming?

“I might go to SMU, Auburn, and ULM.”

Outside of football, are you competing in any other varsity sports?

“Yes, sir. I play basketball and compete in track.”

Which events in track?

“The 200, triple and long jump, and the 4×1.”

Last question. This offseason will have been successful if you accomplish what?

“I want to get my 40 to under a 4.5, I ran a 4.53 last offseason. I want to get my route running to the next level.”

Chris, it was great learning more about your game today. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you.”

Donate Now

Photo credit: Hightower family; Chris Hightower at Arkansas