Arkansas three-star 2024 RB/DB Austyn Dendy showcasing P5 playmaking skills
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If the 2022 schedule was a proof-of-concept season for Austyn Dendy, his senior campaign is lining up as an All-Everything kind of year. Dendy (6-1, 196), a three-way player for Pine Bluff High School (Ark.), is a playmaker at every skill position asked to play. As the Zebras (2-1) get deeper into their 2023 schedule, college programs are ramping up the heat on landing the three-star talent.
Dendy put his athleticism to the test last fall against 5A Arkansas squads carrying the rock 14 times for 45 yards with a score while hauling in 26 passes for 347 yards with three touchdowns. On defense, Dendy picked off three with 12 stops.
Asked which positions college programs are recruiting him to play, Dendy replied, “Running back, receiver, and safety.”
Only single-game stats on Pine Bluff have been posted, but in that one game Dendy secured four passes for 109 yards with three touchdowns, added a 19-yard carry, and took back a kick 90 yards.
The big game against Little Rock Central was detailed.
“I feel like I did well, but I could have done better,” Dendy shared. “On offense, I did well; I didn’t play as much on defense. I could have had a pick; I feel that I did not play to my full ability.
“Right after they scored, I had a kick return for a touchdown. I tied the game back up. We gave up a 15-yard touchdown. It was like 90 yards.
“When we got back on offense, I ran a corner route. I read the linebacker, I knew I didn’t have to stick my flag; and that was in triple coverage. I came down with the ball. I also ran a wheel route for a touchdown. The pick was set, and I scored. This was in the second quarter. All the scoring was in the first half. I caught another TD, it was crazy.
“I had four total touchdowns. I caught a fade; I was wide open. I was running past their defenders. You can’t put a linebacker on me out of the slot.”
The Class of 2024 prospect broke down his talents on both sides of the ball.
“On offense, I feel like I block well, I have a high IQ, and I can catch really well,” Dendy said. “If it hits my hands, I ain’t dropping it. On defense, I am a ballhawk and I like to come down and hit.”
On the recruiting trail, some of the 14 to extend scholarship offers includes Purdue, Missouri, Ole Miss, Michigan State, Arkansas State, Mississippi State, UNLV, and Liberty.
The offseason slate of visits was outlined, “I went to Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tulsa, Missouri, and Arkansas State. I also went to UCA’s spring game. A-State is showing a lot of love, I ain’t going to lie.”
Austyn Dendy at Missouri.
A planned weekend visit to The Sip is being put on hold.
“I was supposed to go to Oxford this weekend, but I have to check with my mom,” Dendy stated. “I am planning on going to Oklahoma for a Tulsa game, but you have to have transportation.”
On the possibility of getting to see the Rebels in action, Dendy shared, “I want to see the atmosphere there. I want to see the game in person, and I want to see how their coaches coach. They want me to play safety; I want to see how coach (Wes) Neighbors (DB) is during the game. Also, I want to go down there to feel the love.”
Three visits on the horizon are being set where Dendy will not have to worry about transportation.
“I am supposed to go to Tulsa on an official visit, we are figuring out the dates, and Missouri and Ole Miss,” Dendy stated.
The Hurricane’s approach out of Tulsa has Dendy’s full attention.
“I have a great relationship with coach Switz (Ryan Switzer – WR),” Dendy said. “Their whole staff loves me, and I love them. They show a lot of love, and they are straight up; I like that. They want me to go there and be an athlete, run the ball, catch it, play defense, safety. There is a lot of love there.”
Dendy is liking the vibe out of Columbia with the Tigers.
“Coach Al (Pogue – CB) and I, we are really cool,” Dendy shared. “I love their staff too. At first, they were recruiting me as a safety but then they talked to my coach, now they are talking about me at running back. I am so used to playing both sides, with them coming back to me as a running back, that brought even more interest from me in them.
“Their players, I feel that I fit in with them. Their facilities are crazy. I feel that I can get better there.”
On Friday, the Zebras made a statement posting a 60-8 win over Watson Chapel.