Interview: 2018 Arkansas OT Jax Gasaway Gaining Big SEC Interest Ahead of Senior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

All the physical tools are there for Class of 2018 offensive tackle Jax Gasaway leaving college coaches to ponder about his tremendous potential. The athleticism, size, and want to are all there leading to seven scholarship offers and a growing list of Southeastern Conference football programs wanting to take a closer look at one of the top talents in the state of Arkansas.

Being bigger than the opposition does not always parlay into a dominating force but Gasaway has used his physical tools to make it work. What sets Gasaway apart from his peer group aside from his six-foot seven-inch frame is his strength and quick feet. Few tackles his size thrive in a Wing-T offense yet somehow Gasaway helped pave open holes throughout his junior season for Star City High School. The Bulldogs are making a switch back to a spread offense in 2017 giving Gasaway an opportunity to get back to his strong suit, pass blocking.

The other thing the three-star talent has going for him is adding muscle to his big frame. During the 2016 schedule, Gasaway played somewhere in the 265-pound range but has added on 10 pounds this spring. His bench press is up to 345, power clean is at 275, squat at 450, and deadlift is a tremendous 500 pounds. Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, Central Arkansas, Louisiana-Monroe, Texas State, Marshall, and Air Force are all sold on what he can bring to the gridiron at the collegiate level. What will make things more interesting is the growing enthusiasm among SEC programs. Arkansas, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Tennessee are all evaluating Gasaway as a potential offeree.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with Gasaway ahead of an appearance at an LSU elite camp covering his playing skills, workouts, and recruiting process.

Interview

How long have you been playing varsity football for Star City?

“Since my 10th grade year. That is when the coaches let us come up to play varsity. Most people do get onto the field to play during their sophomore year, I started. I started with three other Division-I linemen my sophomore year.”

Which areas of your game do feel improved the most last season?

“We changed our offense to a Wing-T. All the pulling and trapping, I was not used to that but I got better at that should I have to do it at the next level.”

Who was the toughest defensive lineman you went up against last season?

“Marcus Miller (6-4, 282), a defensive tackle from Warren (4A Arkansas state champs in 2016).”

How did that matchup make you better and how did you adjust your technique during the game to win that showdown?

“Usually in high school I can overpower people, I had to keep my butt down to keep him out of the way. Staying low and staying after my block was how I changed up my technique against Miller.”

What have you been working on this off-season?

“Mainly putting some weight on and getting stronger, and trying to stay low off the ball. Being 6-7, it is harder for me to stay low.”

How did spring practices go for Star City?

“They were good. We have some more talent this year. We are going back to the spread this year, back to my strength which is pass blocking. I think we will be good. I am excited about it.”

Did any college coaches come by to watch you in action this spring?

“Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, Texas State, Arkansas, and Louisiana-Monroe came by for a practice. Air Force and UCA (Central Arkansas) came by school but did not stay for practice.”

Which camps have you attended so far this year?

“I went to an Arkansas camp last weekend, Louisiana Tech on June 3, and a Memphis’ Mega camp with 50 D-I schools there. I also attended a Top 40 combine in Arkansas.”

How did the Arkansas camp go?

“It went well. I went against some good players, Isaiah Nichols (Springdale HS). They ended up giving me a gray-shirt offer. After the fall semester I would get a scholarship as part of the 2019 class.”

How did the Memphis Mega camp go?

“It went well. There were a bunch of coaches there that showed interest in me; Mississippi State, Missouri, Wake Forest, Auburn, Tennessee, and Middle Tennessee.”

Do you have any camps planned for the rest of the summer?

“LSU (Friday, June 23, 2017), but none afterwards.”

What has you excited about the LSU camp?

“I’m going to it in the morning. I’m not sure who all will be there. It is an elite camp with invite only guys. There should be some good defensive ends to go up against. I’ve been talking to LSU a lot. We’ll see if it leads to an offer.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered a scholarship yet?

“LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Auburn, Tennessee, Tulane, Middle Tennessee, and Wake Forest are showing the most interest.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have seven offers and I have two D-II offers from Ouachita Baptist and Southern Arkansas.”

Do you have an idea on when you might verbally commit or are you going with the flow?

“I’m going with the flow. I hope to commit before my senior season starts. If I find the right place before then, great, if not I will wait. I want to get it off my chest so I can go out there and play.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.8.”

Have you received a score on the ACT or SAT yet?

“I got a 21 on the ACT.”

What motivates you out on the field game after game?

“I’m just mean out on the field. I like to hit people and hurt them. I like seeing people not having fun out there. No fun for them is fun for me.”

Has anyone asked you to stop yet?

“I’ve had some guys swinging on me at camps. It is what it is.”

Jax, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the LSU camp and the rest of your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Gasaway family; Jax Gasaway at an Arkansas camp (June 2017).