Interview: Arkansas 2019 All-Purpose ATH Derrick Wise II Adding QB to Resume

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The goal for any offense on the gridiron is to put as many points on the board as possible to secure a win. Since Rutgers and Princeton squared off for college football’s first game on Nov. 6, 1869, offensive coordinators have been scheming how to best take advantage of the talent on-hand to move the chains and score the ball. For Northside High School, the goal in 2017 is to get budding all-purpose talent Derrick Wise II the ball as much as possible to secure another winning season.

The Grizzlies posted a 7-3 season in 2016 against Arkansas 7A competition ending the year as MaxPreps No. 10 ranked team in the state. One of the repeating highlights of the season was Class of 2019 all-purpose back Derrick Wise. Wise rushed for over 500 yards with four touchdowns on the ground off 81 carries while pulling in eight pass for 87 yards. When the ball flipped possession, the 5-10, 182 pound, talent racked up 43 tackles playing safety.

The “New Comer of the Year” award for his play on offense, along with a good showing at the Nike Opening Regional in Dallas, has helped bring recruiting attention to the Fort Smith standout. Some of the regional teams expressing interest in Wise includes the Razorbacks, Memphis, and Missouri. Outside interest from Power Five Conferences is building with Ohio State, USC, Notre Dame, and Florida State, among others, all putting Wise on their radar.

Ahead of what should be a breakout season for Wise that includes a position change on both sides of the ball, I sat down for an in-depth one-on-one conversation covering his sophomore year, off-season practices, and growing recruiting interests.

Interview

The Bentonville game (31-10) was a tough out for you guys in the playoffs, but can serve as a learning and motivational tool. How has that game helped your experience grow on the field and push you during the off-season?

“It was really cold during that game. It was sad when we lost, we do not want to have that feeling again. We’ve been working hard this off-season to make sure it does not happen again.”

What were some of the nuances of the game you picked up throughout your sophomore season at running back?

“I learned to see the holes quicker. I learned a lot, ball security too.”

How do you, or would you, describe your running style to others?

“I’m a shifty back. I can see the holes well and use my speed to break big runs.”

The Grizzlies open the season against Greenwood again in 2017, what has you excited about that game?

“I’m ready to compete and win. We lost to them last year (33-25) but could have beaten them.”

Will your role within the offense change or expand at all during your junior year?

“Yes, I am playing quarterback and corner this season.”

Starting at both positions?

“Yes, sir.”

Are you excited about the new roles?

“Yeah, I am. It gives me a chance to see the whole field (at quarterback), see the formations pre-snap, and read them easier.”

How is the arm coming along ahead of the season?

(Laughs) “I’m working on my throwing. It is pretty good so far.”

Are you excited about switching from safety to corner?

“I like playing corner. You can play up on your man more. I like playing man-to-man.”

How did your game get better on defense in 2016?

“I got stronger and better at reading the quarterback. I got better at jamming the receiver.”

What have you been working on to fine-tune ahead of the season?

“I’ve been working with a trainer on my footwork, endurance, and getting stronger.”

Did any college coaches come by Northside to see you this spring?

“Missouri came by to meet with me in person.”

Which camps have you attend this off-season?

“Arkansas and Memphis, and the Nike Opening in Dallas.”

How did the Arkansas camp go?

“It was a good camp for me. Coach (Reggie) Mitchell (running backs) was helping me out a lot. We did a lot of drills and one-on-ones with the linebackers.”

You attended that camp as a running back?

“Yes, sir.”

What all did you do well at that camp?

“I did well on everything. I caught my passes and did well during drills.”

How did the Memphis camp go?

“That went well too. We were doing a lot of the same stuff. Coaches from Missouri and Arkansas came up to me at the camp.”

What did the coaches from Missouri and Arkansas say to you at that camp?

“Arkansas invited me to their camp. They wanted me to be in front of Coach B. (Bret Bielema – head coach). Missouri asked me to go to their camp. Both coaches said they would keep an eye on me. Their coaches followed me on Twitter too.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you posted at a camp this summer?

“I posted a 4.59 at the Fab 40 Camp. That is a camp for the Top 40 players in Arkansas.”

Which college programs are showing interest in you?

“Arkansas and Missouri, Florida State, Ohio State, Arizona State, Memphis, Notre Dame, USC, and Western Kentucky all invited me to camps this summer.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?

“Yes, sir. One to Arkansas.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.5.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Science.”

Did you participate in any other sports for the Grizzlies this year?

“Yes, sir. Track.”

Which events?

“The 100, 200, 400, and 4×1. My best event is probably the 200. My best time in the 200 is 24.49.”

What are your goals for the 2017 season?

“I’d like for us to win state, and get over 2,000 rushing yards.”

Derrick, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Arkansas Online; No. 3 Derrick Wise gets big gain vs. Greenwood (2016).

Photo credit: Times Record; No. 3 Derrick Wise in the open field (2016).

Photo credit: Wise family; Derrick Wise at a Memphis Tigers camp (2016).