Arkansas 2017 RB/ATH Myles Fells Talks Navy Commitment and Football

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is not much left to say about Robinson High School (Little Rock) running back/slot receiver/linebacker Myles Fells that has not already been said other than just wait to see what he does in 2016.

Fells jumped on recruiting boards across the country flashing great athleticism and play making abilities coming up with 610 yards on the ground off 42 carries with 10 touchdowns sporting a 14.5 yard per carry average. In the passing attack, he pulled in nine passes for 143 yards with two scores all playing behind Class of 2016 Arkansas signee T.J. Hammonds.

On defense, Fells added to his resume coming up with 56 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, five sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pick-six helping the Senators to a 9-3 mark against Arkansas 4A competition. That kind of production did not go unnoticed in the college ranks. Interest has come in from teams like Arkansas, UCLA, Texas, TCU, Arkansas State, Auburn, and Oklahoma State. Offers have come in from teams like Air Force, Army, and Navy.

On Friday (July 15), Robinson essentially ended his recruiting when he verbally committed to Navy posting his announcement via Twitter:

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Myles after his commitment to get the inside scoop on how everything went down along with an off-season update and a quick Robinson 2016 team preview.

Interview

Myles, first, congratulations on your commitment to Navy.

“Thank you.”

Let’s get right to it, what influenced you to commit to Navy when you did?

“I went to visit the school on Thursday – I felt at home there. I spent all day there and it felt like home to me.”

What all did you do during your visit to the campus?

“We toured the campus. I got to see some of the projects they are working on, we talked about the system, and they pointed out reality from the differences of what people think about daily life with Navy. I was able to see what Navy is really all about during my visit.”

Did you commit Thursday night or Friday morning before you left and then announced it later?

“No. We left Thursday night for Savannah, Georgia. I kept thinking what a great opportunity Navy would be for me. I could not think of anywhere else I wanted to be for college.”

How did the commitment take place? It was kind of late local time when you posted your decision.

“Yeah. Actually Coach (Ken) Niumatalolo was asleep when I did it. His son is getting married so I did not get to talk to him the next day. I messaged one of the coaches on Twitter to let him know. I think it was around 11 or 12 o’clock when I committed. All of the coaches started calling me the next morning, they were very excited.”

What all did the coaches say to you once you had committed?

“They were excited. They said they got a good feel for me during my visit. They are ready to get things rolling.”

At that moment when you were about to commit to Navy how did you feel? Where you nervous or anxious?

“No, not at all. It was smooth. I did not feel nervous. I can see myself there for four or five years. It felt very natural.”

You mentioned a minute ago that you talked to the coaches about their system, how will they use you in their offensive scheme?

“They are going to use me as running back and split me out to play some slot. It is a good position to make some plays. I’m hoping to do that for Navy.”

Do you plan on taking other official visits during your senior year?

“I’ll probably take a couple of officials just to travel. I am set in at Navy.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you at Navy?

“Yes. Seth Martin (6-3, 270), he’s an offensive guard at Pulaski Academy in Little Rock. After being on campus and seeing how they recruit, I think he will fit in there. The Midshipmen fans would like him. He’s a great guy, a great player, and I think he would fit the mold up there.”

How are you going to pitch Martin or any other player on committing to Navy?

“It really speaks for itself. He (Martin) is going on the 29th. I told him they have some great things happening there. You can see that. They are not building, it is already happening. I told him to wait until you get on campus. It is a great opportunity.”

What other schools have been showing recruiting interest in you leading up to your commitment?

“Memphis, Louisiana Tech, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), Southeastern Missouri, and Arkansas State. They said I was a fall evaluation guy and they will keep an eye on me my senior year.”

Well now they are a fall evaluation team for you to keep your eye on them.

(Laughs)

What all have you been working on this off-season to prepare for your senior year?

“I’ve been working on my flexibility. That is a big thing in sports period. I’m trying to get faster – you can never be too fast. My bench press is at 315. I’m trying to get 225 as much as I can. I’m trying to max my reps without going up in weight. I’m trying to eat healthier and I’m getting my body ready for the season.”

Did you attend any camps this off-season?

“I went to two. I went to the All-Arkansas camp at War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock) and a camp at Yale.”

How did the Yale camp go?

“It went great. I was one of the top performers up there. I talked to the coaching staff when I was there. They said I was one of the top guys on their list at running back.”

How did the All-Arkansas go?

“It was great. There were a lot of kids there – a thousand kids there. They (Arkansas Razorbacks) pulled me and four or five other guys out. They pulled Josh Johnson (CAC – WR), Deshwan Gulledge (Bald Knob – RB/WR), Ray Jackson (Pulaski Academy – WR), and myself. We worked out in front of Arkansas’ coaching staff the whole time.”

How is the team looking going into fall camp?

“Oh my goodness, we are looking lethal. We have Nathan Page (WR/FS), he’s ranked No. 1 in the state in the 2018 class. He’s gotten better and faster, and his route running is even better which is amazing. Koilan Jackson (WR/ATH), he is a beast (Arkansas commit). Hunter Swoboda, he’s 6-3, around 215 pounds, at tight end and linebacker. He’s a real smart guy. Sanderson Hines, he’s four-year starter at center. We have Grant Patterson at guard. He’s at 300 pounds. He has an offer from OBU (Ouachita Baptist).

“We have guys that did not play last year trying it out and doing well. Elliot Harris (DE/DT), he’s a freshman who is doing great. And David Porter (2017), he’s a beast at defensive end. He’s perfecting his game and getting faster and stronger. We are loaded.”

Are there any games on the schedule that you are getting excited about playing already?

“Oh yeah. We are moving to a different conference. Our first game against Lakeside is one of them (Aug. 29). Ashdown (Oct. 28), they have some D-I guys over there that I’m looking forward to playing against. Nashville (Oct. 7), that will be a good game. Kirby Adcock (2017 OL/DL), I love that guy. He’s committed to Arkansas. I can’t wait to play him on the field. The whole schedule is loaded. I am excited.”

Finishing up on the classroom, did you take the ACT or SAT during your junior year and if so what score did you get on either test?

“I took the ACT and got a 25. I’m taking it again in October.”

Great job. Myles, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp and the 2016 season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Fells family; Myles Fells at Navy.

Photo credit: Fells family; Myles Fells at a camp.