Interview: Big Season on the Schedule for 3-Star 2019 Arkansas LB Darin Davenport

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

On the football field, the astute can see a play develop ahead of time; player, coach and/or fan. Sometimes a play develops in a blink of an eye with heavy anticipation seeing two gridiron warriors collide in a battle of strength and will. Even some five months away from the start of the 2018 high school football season, a play is developing ahead of time with a heartfelt condolence to the running back about to meet Class of 2019 linebacker Darin Davenport in the hole.

Davenport put on a show during his sophomore season, enough of a show to earn a three-star ranking. The 2016 season ended with talented defender racking up 64 tackles with two sacks, a pick, and a fumble recovery. A lost 2017 campaign for Davenport left a void in the middle of Fort Smith Southside’s defense; a void that is hungry and ready for destruction of opposing 7A Arkansas offenses.

The anticipation of seeing Davenport at work on the field is not left to fans of Mavericks football or Arkansas high school football fans, college coaches are eager to see what he can do when the lights turn on in 2018. Top programs like Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Missouri, and Oklahoma State, to name a few, are waiting to see what the 6-2, 222-pound, linebacker can do during his senior year.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the facemask cracking defender to learn more about his game, offseason workouts, and recruiting process.

Interview

Darin, what do you consider the overall strengths of your game at linebacker?

“I’m a very good tackler. I’m good at reading linemen and knowing where the play is going and the type of play coming my way.”

Are you playing multiple positions during your senior year or primarily staying at middle linebacker for the Mavericks?

“I’ve talked to our offensive coordinator about playing some offense. I may play tight end or fullback some, but I will mainly play linebacker this season.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“I am working on cutting and strengthening my leg back up. My leg is stronger than before. I am faster with my overall game.”

Have you maxed out this spring?

“Yes. My bench max is 295, squat 405, and my power clean is 245.”

Nice. Have you posted a 40-yard dash this spring?

“Yes, sir. I ran a 4.66.”

Have you attended any camps or combines this spring?

“No. Not yet.”

Do you have any upcoming camps on the schedule?

“Yes, sir. I plan on camping at Oklahoma, Arkansas, Memphis, Tulsa, Arkansas State, Harding, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Missouri, and UCA (Central Arkansas).”

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

“Arkansas, Ivy League schools like Harvard, Princeton, and Cornell. Louisiana Tech, Georgia, Nebraska, Arkansas State, Air Force, Vanderbilt, and Missouri are all showing interest as well.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“Yes, sir. I have visited Arkansas, Oklahoma, UCA, Arkansas State, and Vanderbilt.”

How did the Arkansas go visit go?

“It was great. The facilities are very nice. The new staff will do some great things there.”

How about the UCA visit, how did that go?

“That was a really good visit too. I watched their spring game. Their field is great; it is purple and grey.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“Yes. I think we are going to Memphis in a couple of weeks, Tulsa, maybe an Oklahoma visit and maybe Kansas State or TCU.”

How is everything in the classroom?

“I have a 4.03 GPA.”

Nice, again. Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?

“Yes, sir. I scored a 25 on the ACT.”

When do the Mavericks the start spring ball?

“In two weeks.”

What goals have you set for yourself this offseason?

“My goals are to get stronger and faster, be a better leader, and make sure we are playing the best we can before the season begins.”

When the lights go on, what kind of player are you on the field? Are you a talker?

“Oh yeah. I am a loud talker. I like to be enthusiastic to my teammates.”

What do you love about playing football?

“I love the physical game of football. I love getting dirty and smashing them into the ground.”

Spoken like a true linebacker. Darin, I appreciate your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Davenport family; No. 22 Darin Davenport