Interview: Big Breakout Season Produced for 2023 Arkansas DB/OLB Travion Dickens
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For a first season on varsity, and kind of playing out of position, Travion Dickens produced one heck of a season in 2020. The 5-10, 170-pound, defender was lining up at outside linebacker for Prescott High School proving he is a true football player ending 83 plays, 29 solo, with four tackles for a loss, 1.5 sacks, one pick, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles through the Curley Wolves 10-game season. Giving a sneak preview of things to come on offense, he also carried the rock twice for 27 yards.
After Dickens’ breakout season against Arkansas competition, the rising star is ready to showcase the goods at camps this spring and winter.
In an RNG first-look interview, Dickens goes into detail on his sophomore run with a look at how he is preparing to take his skills to the next level this spring.
Interview
Travion, you got a sampling of Arkansas varsity football as a freshman. Getting that experience, how did that help you with your offseason workouts and your play on the field as a sophomore in 2020?
It really helped a lot, especially adjusting to the game speed of varsity. It transferred well.
The Curley Wolves were showing different defensive formations throughout the season. What were the alignments and fronts you guys were executing in 2020?
We run a lot of different personnel. We are in a 3-4 most of the time.
Because of your speed and nose for the ball, the defensive coordinator was able to do a lot of different things with you as a linebacker and outside linebacker/rover. Which positions were you playing and what were your responsibilities within the schemes?
Throughout the season I was mostly an outside linebacker kind of defensive end. I was plugging the hole and coming off the edge as a blitzer.
Throughout the season, how did you see your individual abilities grow?
My nerves got better. In my first game, I was really nervous and I messed up on plays I should not have messed up. Towards the end of the season, I was a well-rounded-great player. I became more aggressive. As a sophomore, I was still adjusting to the game. But I got more aggressive and everything became more natural during the season.
In which game did you turn in your best performance?
That’s tough. Oddly enough, in our last game of the season against McGehee. I had my best game then.
What did you do well in that one to make it your best?
I had a forced fumble and 10 tackles. During the game I was doing everything right and reading my keys.
What have you been working on this offseason on defense?
I have been working on being more aggressive and hitting the weight room aggressively. Coach Williams runs a great weight room.
What are some of the lifts you are doing in weight room?
We do a lot of pulls, hang cleans, bench, and a lot of conditioning, so we can play four quarters no matter what.
You got some snaps in on offense carrying the rock; will we see you do more of that or expand that role on offense in 2021?
Yes, sir. For sure. I should be starting on the offensive side of the ball, on defense, and special teams.
At which positions?
A mix of a slot and running back. It depends on the game plan.
What are you doing to work on that part of your game?
I have been working with some of the guys on my team. They have been helping me out on the cones getting the footwork drills done.
For your speed, what are some of the workouts you’ve been doing?
I have a set home workout, I workout at school, and we are a track school. This season we are going for a fourth consecutive championships in track.
Which events in track will you be running?
I am not sure. I may be doing the 4×1, 200, 110 hurdles and triple jump. Anything sprints, I can do.
Last question for you. Are there any camps coming up you may go compete at to show off the skills?
I am still looking for some camps. I am getting some invites, but they are out of state.
Travion, I appreciate your time today covering ground on your sophomore season. Wishing you and the track team success going for four in a row.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Dickens family; Travion Dickens