Texas Football: Interview with 15-Offer Arlington 2021 Safety Richard Toney Jr.
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Richard Toney Jr. is a very skilled player to watch on Arlington High’s defense. The senior safety has racked over 30 tackles, six pass break-ups and forced three fumbles through the first four games of his 2020 campaign while helping lead the Colts to a 2-2 record.
The 6’0”, 180-pound, playmaker has tremendous ability to cover receivers and make tackles all over the field. Toney also has good athleticism, strength, speed and a high football IQ.
This Class of 2021 recruit currently holds 15 college offers including Nevada and Bowling Green and is also drawing interest from TCU and Memphis. Not only is Toney a star on the gridiron but also in the classroom where he has a 3.4 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Richard to talk about his senior season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Richard, how would you grade your individual performance on the field so far in 2020?
On my individual performance, I would give myself a 93 out of 100.
What are your strengths on the football field?
My strengths on the football field I would say are being able to cover man to man, getting in the box to make the tackle, my pursuit to the ball, and physicality.
What is your most memorable moment in your high school career?
My most memorable moment I had was in the first game of my junior year was when the offense had the ball on our 2-yard line and it was 4th down. They ran a stretch to my side and I just leveled him.
What is one area of your game that you have seen the most improvement in since the start of the regular season?
The area I see the most improvement from would most definitely be playing the ball in the air.
What do you work on the most during the offseason?
During the off-season I’m focusing more on my speed, my hips… moving in transition and getting out of my breaks. Also, I tried to put on muscle.
What kind of defensive scheme does Arlington run?
At Arlington we run a base 3-4 defense with two corners and two high safeties. I like when we play Cover 4 because I can be more aggressive on the digs, curls, and post routes.
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
My fastest time is 4.55.
Is there a current NFL player that you try to model your game after?
Jamal Adams and Tyrann Mathieu.
Do you have any college offers?
I currently hold 15 offers including Bowling Green, Nevada, Southern, Middle Tennessee, Troy, Sam Houston State, Idaho, Central Arkansas and Austin Peay.
What other schools are showing you interest at this time?
Illinois, Louisiana Tech, TCU, Wyoming, Louisiana-Lafayette, Boise State, Memphis and Hawaii.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I used to play basketball and run track.
What game left on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
I’m mostly looking forward to playing South Grand Prairie. They have three Division I receivers and two of them played on my 7-on-7 team, so I’m ready to go out there and compete.
What are your goals for the rest of your senior season?
My goals for the rest of my senior season is to get five picks before the playoffs, and I want to force about four more fumbles. The tackles are going to come… that’s easy for me.
What is your GPA?
3.4.
Do you have a favorite quote?
My favorite quote is “hard work beats talent, when talent fails to work hard.”
Richard, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season until we talk again.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Hudl.com; Arlington safety Richard Toney Jr.