Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arkansas ATH Corey Platt Proved He is a Dynamic Player
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2018 season showed it and the 2019 campaign proved it, Class of 2021 athlete Corey Platt Jr. is a dynamic play-maker, and on both sides of the ball. On offense, he can lineup at running back, at QB in the Wildcat, and on the inside or outside hauling in passes. On defense, he’s played outside backer, middle backer (2019), and in the nickel covering slots. The full stat line for his junior year has not been released, but he did compile 154 tackles, fourth best in Arkansas, pulled in four interceptions, and scored 10 total touchdowns. His work led to All-State honors in 2019 and back-to-back 13-1 seasons for Little Rock Christian against 5A competition with a state title trophy from the 2018 run sitting on the mantle.
Offers from Kansas and Louisiana Tech have come in for the 6-1, 195-pound, three-star athlete with interest rising. To talk about it all, we got another in-depth conversation on the books.
*Click the link for the August 2019 RNG interview with Corey Platt Jr.
Interview
Corey, you and the Warriors had another great season making a clean run to the 5A state title game. What was that run like for you throughout the season?
“It was fun. We had a great experience. It was great getting closer with the team and building that strong bond, that is what gets us through the season.”
You may have earned a cool nickname like “Captain Chaos” for your play at linebacker this season. You did a great job of striping the ball, getting a pick-six, and coming up with sacks. What was working for you in 2019 allowing you to be so successful on defense?
“Speed. My speed at middle linebacker. I feel I am one of the fastest linebackers in the state.”
Another thing that really stood out to me was your play recognition. I’m guessing a lot of that comes from your preparation during the week. How did you prepare for a given game during the season?
“I have to give that to my coaches. They keep us in the meeting room. If we are not on the field, we are in meetings. We call out the other teams plays in practice and know what is coming in the games.”
If your skills on defense were not enough, you were play-maker on offense at receiver. Beyond flashing the speed, what was going your way on that side of the ball?
“My hands. I feel like I have one of the best hands in state. Versatility is another part of my game. I can play running back and receiver; that is hard for defenses to stop in my opinion.”
How did your game improve on offense during your junior year?
“I work out in the offseason getting extra catches in and I watched highlights of other receivers. Then, I would take it out there on the field and do it. Our coaches, worked hard getting us to think how the defense thinks. If there is green grass, that is where you need to be.”
Which side of the ball do you like playing more at this point in your high school career?
“I like both a lot. On offense, I like scoring. On defense, I like hitting people. That is a hard decision picking between the two.”
Given all that you do, another hard question for you. Which game was your best this past season?
“My best game was probably against Maumelle. I had two touchdowns, but they were called back, I had two deflections, a pick, and I led team in tackles.”
Works for me. You have offers from Kansas and Louisiana Tech, which other schools are showing recruiting interest?
“I am talking to Illinois, Kansas just offered, and SEC teams like Missouri and Mississippi State have showed interest.”
Nice. Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“I want to go all over this offseason. More of my visits will be at camps this offseason.”
Next season, will you be playing the same positions or will you switch it up?
“I might be switching it up a bit. I think I will be at outside receiver instead of inside and I might play safety and running back.”
Are you excited about safety?
“Yes, sir. I like interceptions.”
The way you hit and with your speed, I can see that being successful. Last question. Offseason workouts, what is your focus?
“Defensively, I want to improve my man-to-man coverage. I feel that my zone coverage is great, I need to work harder on man coverage. Offensively, I want to run harder. I got in the habit of hurting guys as a runner this season. I need to run harder and start trucking guys more during my senior year.”
Corey, always a pleasure. Good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Little Rock Christian/Platt family; No. 4 Corey Platt Jr.