Austin Capps putting the “star” in Star City, Arkansas

Interview with Class of 2016 defensive tackle

 

While pouring over recruiting information, news, and highlight reels coming across soon-to-be collegiate game changers is a regular occurrence. But every now and again certain high school prospects standout head and shoulders above the rest. Such was the situation when scouting Star City, Arkansas two-way lineman Austin Capps.

Across the nation there are countless high school players like Capps, 6’4”, just over 300 pounds, and are two-way starters. Some excel at playing ironman football while others have not conditioned their bodies to last through halftime much less an entire game and end up dragging their backside up and down the field without making much of an impact.

And again there’s Capps, a difference maker. Capps is not only the part of a standout recruit because of his height and weight but also because of the hard work he’s put in during the offseason and throughout the week to shine on the field during the game. He took the field in 2014 bench pressing 370 pounds while squatting nearly 550 pounds.

With the uniform on, Capps is a mauler playing right guard on offense and defensive tackle going the other way wearing down the opposition for a full four quarters. Again, with Capps there is always something more, he’s not just a physical specimen on the field he’s also highly intelligent making him the rare mix of student athlete that can win on and off the field.

In an interview Austin sat down to talk about the 2014 football season, preparing for his senior campaign, and how colleges are recruiting this two-way star.

 

Austin, Star City finished the season 8-4 losing in the second round of the playoffs to Mena. Looking back on the year how do you feel the team played?

“We did good most of the year. We just under achieved at the wrong time and should have gone deeper into the playoffs. At times we looked real good.”

What were some of the strengths on the Bulldogs roster?

“We had two big lines, two good running backs in Dajunn Harris and LJ Shelton, both of those guys are graduating. We also had a good veteran quarterback in Tye Brown and a good wide receiver with Blake Wynn.

How does the team look heading into next season?

“Brown and Wynn will be back but we have some holes to fill. We don’t have a whole lot of starters coming back but I think we’ll be fine.”

What are your strengths on the field at defensive tackle?

“I am usually stronger than most guys I go up against. I can keep their hands off me with my technique. I am also quicker than most.”

Are you better against the run or getting to the quarterback?

“I’m a lot better at stopping the run but I get to the quarterback some.”

I imagine you are double and sometimes tripled teamed on every other play, how does that change your game?

“Getting double teamed has helped me learn how to get hands off of me so I can make a play.”

On the rare occasion you are not double teamed how does that work out for you?

“Its different, I always make the tackle.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“I’d like to be a better leader, help the younger guys out in my last year.”

What about personal stat line goals?

“I’d like to make 100 tackles. I made 100 tackles as a sophomore.”

How many did you have this year?

“I don’t know. I think I had 80 with two games left.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2014?

“I did well but did not play as good as I wanted to play.”

What are you doing in the offseason to help you achieve your goals for next season?

“I’m doing a lot of agility drills, working with the sled, attending all our team workouts, and doing a lot of conditioning.”

Because of your play on the field I’m assuming a lot of colleges are already after you wanting to get your commitment. What schools have offered you so far?

“I have offers from Louisville, Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss. I’m not sure how heavy other teams are recruiting but I’m getting interest from Auburn, Alabama and LSU.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“I’ve been to Arkansas, Ole Miss, MSU, Auburn, Alabama, and LSU.”

Since you’ve been to so many different campuses have you started a mental checklist in your mind about what you like, what you don’t like, and what maybe most important to you about a given school when the time comes to make a decision?

“I look at the campus, where it’s located, and the area around the school. So far all of them have been nice. I have not seen a whole lot of differences between the different schools.”

When you’ve met with the different colleges what have they said about your abilities on the field?

“They tell me I’m doing well. Makes me feel better about how I’m playing. They tell me I’d look good on their D-line some say the same thing but on the O-line.”

What schools are recruiting you to play on offense?

“Ole Miss, Auburn, and Alabama are recruiting me to play O-line.”

What position do you prefer to play at the next level?

“I don’t care what position I play. Wherever the school needs me I’ll play.”

When you’ve talked to the Arkansas coaches what feedback have they given you?

“So far they haven’t really talked about recruiting that much. Coach Bielema messages me on Facebook quite a bit. He’s told me I could get some early playing time up there if I perform as well as he thinks I can perform.”

Do you have a favorite school as of right now?

“No, I’m still looking around.”

When you make that final decision what will influence your decision?

“Does the program feel like a family? I also want to go where I feel I can get the best education. The coaches are important to me also. Which coaches do I like better?”

Do you have a time frame when you expect to announce your college choice?

“After my senior season? I’m not sure yet.”

Did you go to any college camps in 2014?

“I went to Auburn, Ole Miss, Arkansas, Mississippi State, and Alabama.”

Any plans to attend camps in 2015?

“Not as of right now but I will plan some.”

Is there a NFL player you model your game after?

“In the NFL its JJ Watts. He’s the man. He’s really the only player I watch.”

Do you play any other sports for Star City?

“I play baseball.”

What position?

“I play first base and pitch a little.”

Given your size I’m assuming you’re a Punch and Judy kind of hitter?

“(Laughing) No, I’m a power hitter with average. I’m a three year starter. Last year I batted .440, stole 12 bases, and had four dingers.”

You stole 12 bases last year? I’m guessing because of your size they just assumed you wouldn’t swipe a bag?

“Yeah, the teams were not paying attention to me. Coach gave me the steal sign and I haven’t been thrown out yet.”

The 2015 MLB Draft comes around and you’re a high draft pick offered hundreds of thousands of dollars to play for your favorite big league club – football or baseball?

“I’d go with football over being drafted. I like football a little bit better.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My uncle Reece (Parham). He takes me to all the camps and gives me good advice.”

Is Reece in Star City?

“No he lives in Fayetteville. We go up there a lot. I’m very familiar with the area. I love being up there. We go up there every year for Christmas.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part is being around all the guys. Getting to hang out with them, the friendships and brotherhood that are created is the best part.”

 

In so many different ways Austin Capps is not the typical high school football player. He’s an All-State performer in football and baseball, is the size of a truck, but has the early wherewithal to be driven to succeed wanting to not only be a better player but be a better leader for his team.

Chances are Austin will suit up for some SEC team in 2016 working his way to becoming an even bigger star for Star City.

Photo credit: wholehogsports.com; Austin Capps showing off Arkansas Razorback gear.