Interview: All-American 2022 Arkansas RB Joe Himon has Recruiting Visits on Summer Schedule
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All-State, All-Conference, MaxPreps Arkansas Player of the Year, and MaxPreps second team All-American honors followed Joe Himon after another standout season with the Pulaski Academy. The Class of 2022 three-star recruit left 5A squads in the rearview mirror in 2020 helping the Bruins to a second consecutive state championship. As Himon prepares for an explosive senior campaign, his focus along the recruiting trail is narrowing bringing more excitement to the collegiate ranks.
Himon left all in awe at the end of his sophomore season after taking the rock 128 times for 1,300 yards making 16 trips into the end zone. His efforts towards that state championship were added in the passing attack with 47 passes hauled in for 738 yards with five more touchdowns on the way to 2,038 all-purpose yards.
After another offseason of hard work, the Bruins got even more production out of Himon watching him surpass the 1,900-yard mark on the ground with 23 touchdowns posted on the board. His reputation as a deadly all-purpose back grew covering 1,068 yards off 80 receptions with nine more touchdowns.
College football programs seeking a dynamic talent in the backfield who can also impact the game as a return specialist are dropping offers. So far 15 have been extended, and some of those teams will be rewarded with visits this summer.
Taking another visit to the RNG Lab, Himon updates us on his workouts and potential recruiting visits.
*Click link for Dec. 2020 RNG interview with Joe Himon
Interview
Joe, when we last spoke at the conclusion of the 2020 season, then we covered all that you were doing as a running and receiving threat. To push those skills forward, what have you been working on this spring?
All the same stuff. I am trying to improve my speed, build strength, and learn more about football and how the offense works. I am working with my quarterback improving my footwork and catching; all the things I need to be a good running back.
You mentioned wanting to learn more about the game of football and offenses, how are you going about doing that?
I am watching film and talking to my coaches about defenses, reading coverages, learning linebacker blitzes – all the little things I can pick up on to gain more knowledge.
Your speed and explosiveness are elite traits to your game, how have you pushed your athleticism forward with your workouts?
I run some hills but I am not doing anything too crazy with my workouts. I try to maximize my time when I am working out to keep up my speed and explosion.
After the football season you picked up on the hardwood. How did the basketball season go for you?
It went good. We lost our first game in regional. We had a pretty good team.
Are you playing 7v7 this spring?
Yes, sir.
Where have you played your tournaments?
I have only been to Dallas so far.
How did that tournament go for you?
It was good seeing new guys and new competition. It was a really good experience. I played well. People know that I can play both sides of the ball now. They know that I am versatile.
Which positions on defense have you been playing?
Linebacker and corner.
Might you play defense for PA during the 2021 season?
Hopefully. I have talked to my coach about it. I told him whatever the team needs, I will do. He said if we need you or need you for special situations we will put you over there.
Playing against other top national talents, how are you seeing your skills compare?
I feel like it lines up really well. It is nothing different, I can play with anyone.
What goals have you set for yourself to accomplish before the 2021 season begins?
I do want to get to 185 and I do want to bench 315 by the season. I also want to get my time to a 4.4 or 4.39.
Have you been to any camps yet?
No camps yet. I was invited to Under Armour and Rivals, but I had some school stuff. I want to go to some this summer, college camps or showcases here and there.
Let’s close talking about recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
FSU and Northwestern are showing a lot of interest. Colorado, Virginia Tech, and Kansas State are showing interest as well.
How many offers do you have?
I have 15 offers.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Vanderbilt, Tulane, Louisiana Tech and Missouri all offered in the same month.
Himon’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas State, Central Arkansas, Kansas, Louisville, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Miami, Middle Tennessee State, Missouri, New Mexico, SMU, South Dakota State, Tulane, Vanderbilt, and Western Kentucky
When visits get going again this summer, are there any programs you’d like to go see?
Yes, I want to take some official visits.
Which schools are you going to go see?
Right now, Missouri and I am talking to Vanderbilt, Tulane, Miami, and Louisville. There are some schools talking to me that I might take official visits to.
Joe, it is always great catching up with you. Wishing you success with the rest of your 7v7 season and with your upcoming recruiting visits.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Himon family; Joe Himon