Stats and tape are hard to refute when it comes to sports’ excellence, and especially when talking about football. During the 2019 season, Dumas High School posted a 1-9 record without Kylin James being the focal point of the offensive attack. A year later, the Bobcats went 9-4 tracking their way through the 4A Arkansas playoffs behind an immense talent few know about.
What are the basic components of an elite running back? Size, speed, acceleration, and power – and James has it all. Stretching the tape and pushing the scale at 6-1, 216-pounds, James has plowed through his senior season carrying the rock 236 times for 2,425 yards with 27 scores posted on the board. Showing his dynamic skills in other areas besides being a power back with speed, James has secured six passes for 102 yards with a touchdown. On special teams he has returned five punts for 220 yards and one kick for 20. Spotlighting on defense, 12 tackles, eight solo, with three passes broken up and an interception has been added to the amazing resume in 2020.
In the midst of averaging 10.9 yards per carry, 190 yards per game, and two-plus touchdowns per outing, James is unranked and holds just three offers.
MaxPrep Interview
Kylin, you are without a doubt one of the more unique and talented backs in the 2021 class. You have that rare mix of power and speed. For those out there who may not have seen you play, how would you describe your abilities as a running back?
My speed and being big. And I am able to make the secondary miss.
Looks like Dumas was giving opposing defenses different looks. What offensive sets were you guys executing during the 2020 season?
Shout out to Coach (George) Shelton for our offense. He gave a lot of different looks, the Wish Bone, the Spread, and the I-formation this season. I like the I formation.
What are some of the type of plays called to get the ball to you?
Tosses, powers, counters, and screens.
How were defenses lining up against the Bobcats’ offense?
This year we saw them stack the box. We often saw eight in the box with different alignments; 4-4, 4-3, 3-3-5.
This may be a really hard question for you, because you’ve torn it up so far this season, but in which game did you turn in your best personal performance?
I’d say our game against Gosnell (won 36-30).
Why did you pick that one?
I had five touchdowns and 287 yards.
That qualifies! We have talked about your style of play as a running back, but what do you feel are the strengths to your game coming out of the backfield?
What I think are the best things about my game is my ability to make people miss, my vision and seeing holes open up, my balance, and most of all my speed.
Another way your speed and change of direction has been showcased has been on special teams as a punt returner. What has been clicking for you being such a dangerous return man taking five punts the other way for 220 yards averaging 44-yards per return?
I just want the ball in my hands. I just want to make a play.
Is there an aspect to your game that may get overlooked?
I feel like I have good hands and my blocking is good.
Besides playing football, do you play any other varsity sports for Dumas?
Yes, I play basketball and baseball
Let’s get into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
I’ve had a lot of contact from Arkansas, Memphis, Vanderbilt, UCA (Central Arkansas), Arkansas Tech, Henderson State, Florida State, and Northeastern State – they offered me last week.
Which schools have offered you?
I have three; Murray State, William & Mary, and Northeastern State.
With the teams that have not offered, are they telling what they are looking for from you before giving you an offer?
There is nothing I can do. Most of them are saying they are full already, all their backs are committed.
Regardless of how many other offers may come before National Signing Day, what does the ideal fit look like to you?
I want a place where I feel like I am at home. The coaches, players, everything feels like family.
