One to Watch Interview with Speedy 2023 Bryant RB/SR Chris Gannaway
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Other than great coaching, there are very good reasons why Bryant High School has swept the state of Arkansas on the gridiron the last three seasons, and that is a wealth of talent. During their threepeat, the 7A squad has posted back-to-back 13-0 seasons with aspirations of going for a fourth. The team is losing great senior talent and leadership but with the likes of running back/slot receiver Chris Gannaway stepping up, looks like the Hornets will be tough yet again during the 2021 season.
With a senior laden roster it is tough for underclassmen to break into the rotation, especially when time with the pigskin in the rushing attack is shared among four players making the rounds one last time. But Gannaway was able to slide into the party picking up 37 totes covering 163 yards in a hurry. Showing signs of bigger things to come, he also secured three passes for 19 yards. The 5-11, 165-pound, back is a no-nonsense runner in the Hornets’ offense. With a burst that gets him to full-speed in a heartbeat, Gannaway runs like a power back ready to lower the shoulder at the next level for more yards.
Even though his time to truly shine is coming this fall, college programs are already taking notice. Those checking him out will be added to the crowd with planned college camps on the agenda this summer.
In an RNG first-look interview, the rising Hornets talent stopped by the RNG Clubhouse for a detailed talk.
Interview
Chris, there is no playing around when the pigskin is in your hands. When you take the field for a game, what fires you up to play at that high level?
Everything – my teammates, the crowd, and my coaches. Our coaches break down everything, that gets in my head and that sparks me up. Last year, Tanner Anderson, one of our running back, I encouraged him and everyone else to do their best. This year I am coming out swinging hard. I am ready to get another ring.
What offensive set were the Hornets running last season?
We ran shotgun, trips, doubles, empty set, and spread. Our running backs will go in the slot sometimes in our offense.
In which ways was the offensive coordinator getting you the ball?
Mostly on outside zone plays because of my speed. They’d do a bullet route out of the backfield, because I am shifty and I can get past people easily.
How did your overall skills on offense grow throughout the season?
By learning and watching the people in front of me. It grew a lot. When you are coming up, they older guys will tell you things to help. During the games, you get that mental rep from the sidelines.
Three seniors that picked up the lion’s share of the yards on the ground for the Hornets in 2020 will have to be replaced within the offense. Are you expecting your role at running back to increase during your junior season?
Yes, I am.
Other than playing running back, are you taking on any other roles during your junior season?
No defense, but I will be playing special teams in back on kick return and I will be on punt return. On offense I will be at running back some at slot.
What have you been working on with your skills this offseason?
Footwork, agility drills, running downhill, and hitting the hole hard. They get it to me on the outside, I will have to learn how to hit the holes going up the middle if I will be the starting running back. I can’t always go to the outside.
How have you worked to increase your speed, burst, and agility?
There is a lot – band workouts, running hills, and working on my start. I run track too. In the slot, I am working on my first steps with no false steps. I am working on the sleds and doing ladder and cone drills, but mostly ladder drills.
Have you put down a 40-yard dash time this offseason?
Yes, I ran a 4.57.
What other sports are you playing other than football?
Track and basketball.
Which events in track are you competing in this spring?
I am not competing this year but I am practicing. Next year I will compete in the 100, 200, 4×1, and long jump.
Are there any local or national camps you may attend this spring or summer?
There is one coming up in June or July and one in May happening in Benton.
What about college camps? Are there any college camps you may attend?
I might go to Burton College for a camp and there is one in Ohio that sent me an invitation.
Chris, thanks for your time today. Keep up the hard work this offseason with your workouts.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Gannaway family; Chris Gannaway