Interview: Dynamic 2022 Parkview RB James Jointer has the State of Arkansas Talking

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The Natural State has a rich history of turning out elite running backs from the high school ranks. Of the many, some of the few that immediately come to mind over the last 20 years includes Madre Hill, Cedric Cobbs, Peyton Hillis, and Darren McFadden. The state has produced fantastic talent at quarterback, receiver, linebacker, and in the trenches – you name the position, but a drought has occurred in the backfield of late. One Class of 2022 talent, Parkview High School’s James Jointer, has the state a buzz again, just like old times.

Season stats for Jointer have not been released, but the 6-1, 192-pound, back was prolific. Bouncing back between the junior varsity and varsity level throughout the 2018 season, Jointer wowed fans in the stands playing above his ninth-grade status. Displaying elite speed, quickness, and power, he gave flashes of dominance of how his game can evolve with hard work. His potential has reached beyond the gridiron earning his first offer the Arkansas Razorbacks.

To learn more about the rising Little Rock area talent, I sat down for an in-depth conversation with Mr. Jointer.

Interview

James, freshmen are not supposed to do what you did on the field in 2018. Going into the season did you expect to roll through the competition the way that you did?

“Yes, sir. I put in the work during the offseason. I knew I was not going to be just a ninth-grade player. I knew I was going to play some varsity during the season.”

How did the back-and-forth with JV and varsity work out and when did you get the call up?

“I got the call up about midway through the season. It worked out pretty good for me. It helped me doing both. I got a break playing against the ninth graders. Playing against the varsity guys, I could see what I needed to work on to play at that level. I went back and worked on my game against the JV so I could do it against the varsity guys.”

Your speed and quickness is immediately noticeable, how fast are you?

“My best 40-yard dash was a 4.6 laser at Nike Combine in Dallas.”

Wow. That is great. How did your talents as a running back improve last season?

“My speed and my explosiveness improved because of the lifts and drills we do. Lifting improved my speed and explosiveness. My trucking went up after being in the weight room. After taking care of my body, it was easier to run over defenders.”

You also played some defense last year, where all did you lineup on that side of the ball?

“I played safety and outside linebacker.”

Will you play both ways in 2019?

“More than likely.”

What are you working on this spring?

“I am adding more moves to my game. I am working on rocking it to the left and to the right, running downhill, and putting my foot in the ground and going.”

Because of your age and grade classification, I know things are just starting for you with recruiting. But do you have some schools showing interest but have not offered you yet?

“My coach has not talked as much with me about recruiting interest lately. We are focused on improving as team right now getting ready for next season. I do know that Memphis, Baylor, and TCU and some others are showing interest.”

I know you have an offer from Arkansas. What was it like for you when you found out you had received your first offer?

“I broke down in tears. It was big for me. Being from a small city like Little Rock with Arkansas being my home state team, no one in my family ever had an offer from the Razorbacks. It was exciting for me, my family, and for the football program at Parkview.”

Have you visited any schools yet?

“Yes, sir. I went to a Prospect Day at Arkansas on March 2. I toured the facilities then.”

How did the Arkansas visit go?

“It was a good visit. The coaches were open. They were open to the questions I had, even the strength and conditioning coaches were open to my questions. They showed love to me and had a great family atmosphere.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“Yes, sir. I am going to Waco on Friday to visit Baylor. I might visit TCU this weekend as well but I am not sure yet.”

What has you excited about visiting Baylor?

“I am excited to go to the great state of Texas. My little brother and I watched Baylor growing up. They have (quarterback) Gerry Bohanon there, he is from Arkansas (Earle). That is big-time.”

Last question. This is for fun. Being a freshman, did you have a lot of opposing defenses talk trash to you last season?

“Oh yeah. Most definitely.”

The clean version, but what were they saying to you?

(Laughs) “Stuff like ‘welcome to the big leagues’. They were just trying to get me off my game. When I first moved up and they were talking, it pushed me to go harder.”

James, it was great learning more about you and your game today. Good luck with your workouts this offseason and with your visit to Baylor.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Jointer family; James Jointer at Arkansas