Interview: 3-Star 2021 ATH Corey Platt is Tearing It Up Again Against Arkansas 5A Competition

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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In high school football circles throughout the Natural State, the name Corey Platt Jr. is well-known. Platt has been a mainstay on the Warriors’ defense ending his junior run with 154 tackles and four interceptions with 10 total touchdowns as Little Rock Christian Academy rolled to a 13-1 season. The 6-1, 200-pound, athlete is back at it during his senior season and diversifying himself on multiple fronts.

Platt wrapped his junior year as a three-star linebacker that could fill the box, drop into coverage, and chase down plays sideline to sideline. The Warriors’ coaching staff has put their standout talent at strong safety this season getting the desired results. Platt has come up the alley for 52 solo tackles with an estimated 20 assisted added onto that, along with two tackles for a loss, a pick, two passes broken up, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. The talents on offense have expanded from a part-time receiving threat to the go-to guy and he is getting touches out of the backfield. Averaging 8.1 yards per carry, Platt has covered 259 yards on 32 totes with three scores and hauled in 26 passes for 427 yards with 10 more trips into the end zone.

With seven offers on the table and each game against Arkansas 5A squads further showcasing his immense all-around athletic talents, Platt stopped by the RNG Lab for another detailed chat.

Interview

Corey, looking at the stat sheet, you have it going on and on both sides of the ball this season. How are you feeling about your personal performance this year?

So far, I feel like I have been playing great. Going into the season, I didn’t know about being a No. 1 receiver, but I have been racking up yards and showing everyone that I can play any position.

Indeed. As a receiving threat, the Warriors’ coaching staff has you lined up on the inside and on the outside. Which routes are you running in the scheme this season?

I have been running deeper routes, I am a vertical threat. Corners and safeties cannot jump and play with me. My height and weight plays a factor, they use me vertically a lot.

Watching game reels on you, your hands and speed are looking great. From a year ago, where else are you showing the biggest improvements as a receiving threat?

Probably making plays after the catch. Last season my hands were there, but I was not taking it all the way. Now I can take a 2-yard route into an 80-yard play. I have improved my yards after the catch.

The coaches are also putting the rock in your hands out of the backfield, how are you looking at running back?

Looking good. I have started one game when our starting running back went down. In that game I went for 160 yards. My coaches are using me as a Christian McCaffery type. I can use my speed and I can pound it inside at the same time.

Playing safety on defense, what all are you doing and what coverages are you guys running?

Against fast teams I am playing deep and against heavy run teams I am in the box. My coaches are using me as a Jamal Adams type of player.

There have been some big-time hits you’ve laid on jokers this season. Aside from ending plays when you arrive on the scene, where are you showing the positive gains on defense so far?

In my coverage. A lot of people thought that I was a regular linebacker, but I am fast and showing improvement and diversity in covering.

If we were to sit down and watch your best game so far this season, which tape are you putting on the screen and why?

I’d put on the Central game. In that game, I had three touchdowns on four touches and I had three catches for 131. There were some good tackles in that one too. I was on fire that game.

Sounds like it. Let’s get into recruiting. How many offers are you holding?

Eight.

Which program was the last to offer?

Toledo.

Platt’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas State, Kansas, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Murray State, North Texas, Toledo, and Tulane

Which programs are showing interest?

Arkansas is showing some and so is Memphis.

What is your recruiting process going forward?

I am getting close to that point where I have to pull it. Maybe in the next couple of weeks you might see a commitment.

Are you going to put out a top schools list?

I might not, I might just tweet out a date.

Back to football. The Warriors are lined up to take on Jacksonville this Friday on the road. What kind of game are you guys expecting from the Titans (2-5)?

They, sadly, just cancelled today. We have Watson Chapel next, that will be a good one. They are a hard-hitting young team. That game will determine a lot with our playoffs and where we go. We are focused on Watson now. We are ready to hit the field with them.

When the 2020 season has wrapped, what all will you have accomplished on the field?

I want a championship, first and for most. I want everyone to get a ring. My personal goals, my coach told me I am in the running for Gatorade Player of the Year and for Landers Award; that is for one of the top players in Arkansas. Team wise, we got to have a championship.

Corey, always a pleasure talking football with you. Wishing you and the team a successful run into the postseason until we talk again.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Platt family; Corey Platt Jr.