Grant Karnes gets opportunity to play for Razorbacks

FAYETTEVILLE — Greenwood Class of 2025 wide receiver Grant Karnes was offered an opportunity to play football at Arkansas on Thursday following an outstanding performance at camp.

Karnes, 6-0, 200, was actually just continuing his outstanding performance from last season, 7-on-7 and then the camp. As a junior and a key part of Greenwood’s 13-0 season, Karnes caught 72 passes for 990 yards and 13 touchdowns. He returned 11 kickoffs for 396 yards and a punt for three more yards. In all, Karnes scored 16 touchdowns for 96 points. He even added 18 tackles, 12 solo, from his safety spot on defense.

Karnes talked about what the preferred walk-on offer from Arkansas’ Ronnie Fouch meant to him.

“I was obviously absolutely excited,” Karnes said.

Karnes was committed to Wichita State for baseball, but then decided to decommit and pursue a career in football. SEMO offered him a football scholarship. Karnes was excited about the offer from Arkansas, but will see what else is available to him before making a decision.

“I’m going to wait it out and see if I get scholarships,” Karnes said. “I know I will have a big year.”

Karnes felt though something good was going to happen as he seemingly impressed Fouch during Thursday’s camp.

“Throughout the whole camp I could tell I felt good,” Karnes said. “I played 7-on-7 the day before, but I could tell I just felt really good. Coach Fouch was watching me the whole time. I was definitely on that day.”

Karnes plays on a very good Greenwood team under Coach Chris Young. The team has so much talent it’s easy to overlook what Karnes does, but he is a key member of the team and has a long list of strengths.

“Obviously I work really hard,” Karnes said. “I can really high point balls. I can out strengthen people. Even if you are taller than me I’m still going to get the ball. I can still-arm people. I can use my weight to kind of throw back around and get open. I’ve started playing safety too so I’m athletic and I can get around.”

As with any player, no matter the level, there’s an area of two where an athlete always feels he can better at that. Karnes talked about that area for him.

“The main spot I need to get better at is when I get jammed,” Karnes said. “If they are off the ball four yards I’m going to win 99 out of 100 times. If I get jammed at times, my footwork isn’t horrible, but it’s not great. That’s my main thing…my footwork.”

Arkansas has had a ton of success with athletes from Greenwood. Only one, quarterback Tyler Wilson, was highly rated by the recruiting services coming out of there. But linebacker Grant Morgan and wide receivers Drew Morgan and Lucas Miller all enjoyed success with the Hogs. Defensive back Tatum Owenby was another. Karnes talked about why he feels the Greenwood recruits work out so well for the Razorbacks.

“I think it’s just the program we come from,” Karnes said. “We work hard. We’ve got great coaches. Coach Young has been great to me. Before him Coach (Rick) Jones was there. Those two right there the mentality we’re just prepared to play and go to the next level. Then compete with everyone.”

Fouch is set to begin his first season at Arkansas after coming over from Missouri State where he worked with Bobby Petrino. Fouch has made a strong impression on recruits including Karnes.

“I love him,” Karnes said. “When I was running routes and changing my speed I got a lot better because I brace my shoulders. He helped me get a lot better on my breaks today. That makes me excited. He helped me get better today. I like the guy too. He can definitely make me play better.”

Karnes and his teammates went 9-0 on Wednesday to win the 7-on-7 tournament at Russellville. Karnes is going to go on some visits with Kane and Cash Archer to SMU and Kansas State as well this month.