Is the next great Arkansas high school running back at LR Christian

An exclusive interview with Damarea Crockett

 

What happens when God given raw athletic ability becomes molded with on the field football experience? You get Little Rock Christian running back Damarea Crockett.

Crockett is the ideal sized running back at 5-foot, 11-inches, weighing 205 pounds. But wait, it gets better. The Class of 2016 recruit already bench presses 280 pounds, squats 360, and runs a blazing 4.42 40-yard dash.

In an exclusive interview with Damarea Crockett sat down to talk about high school football in Arkansas, recruiting, and setting high expectations for himself for his senior campaign.

 

Damarea, Little Rock Christian is coming off a tough season ending playoff loss to Hot Springs (47-35), looking back on the season how do you feel the team did overall?

“I feel like I had a good year. There are things I need to work on to get better and help my team. I have to do a better job of being vocal with my teammates.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“We run a spread offense. I love the offense because I can make things happen when they give me the ball. When a first down is needed I go get it. I’ve got good hands so they can throw me the ball or hand it off to me. Whatever is needed. I even line up in the slot sometimes.”

You had a terrific season rushing for 1,250 yards on 140 carries with 16 touchdowns and picked up another 250 receiving yards with an additional three scores. What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“Coach (Jeff) Weaver set a goal of 25 touchdowns, 1,800 rushing yards, 500 receiving yards, and 2,500 all purpose yards.”

When the time comes to pick a college what will be some of the factors that weigh in on your decision?

“The academic program is important. The type of offense they run, and players that have come in before me will be a factor. I want to know how long before I’ll be getting on the field to play. Another factor is if the coach shows they really want me at their school.”

What schools are recruiting you right now?

“Memphis has offered me. Arkansas, Louisiana Tech, Auburn, Oklahoma State, South Carolina, Vandy, and Ole Miss have all shown interest.”

What feedback have you received from the college recruiters about your game?

“They like that I am a complete player but think I need to work on being more elusive. I like to lower shoulder and run over defenders too much.”

Do you have any favorite college teams?

“No favorites, I just like watching the game football. I like anyone who likes me.”

What camps did you go to last summer?

“I went to Auburn, Memphis, and Arkansas. I plan on going to Ole Miss, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Arkansas, and Memphis this summer.”

What do you plan on doing in the offseason to prepare for the camps and your senior season?

“I’m getting ready for the SPARQ (Speed, Power, Agility, Reaction, Quickness) combine. I tested out in the 97 percentile last year. Last year I didn’t train with my trainer before hand, now I’m preparing three months in advance.”

What was your rating last year?

“92.19.”

What are you shooting for this year?

“I want to be in the 120-130 range.”

Let it be known that Reggie Bush had a SPARQ rating of 93.38 and Tim Tebow posted a 96.92. Damarea posted a 92.19 without really trying, and was just a sophomore.

Is there a college or NFL player you model your game after?

“I like watching Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) play. He’s a big running back that lowers his shoulder, with breakaway speed.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The bond with my teammates. It is unlike any other sport.”

It is scary to think how much potential Damarea has and just how great of a running back he will become as he learns the game and his body matures. Make no mistake he is already a gifted high school player but once everything clicks… watch out opposing Division-I defenses because this Class of 2016 recruit is the real deal.