Interview: 2018 Arkansas Razorbacks QB Commit Connor Noland Updates Summer Workouts

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The Arkansas Razorbacks 2018 recruiting class is nearly filled with 12 verbal commitments. One of the driving forces behind the scenes to help fill the haul is quarterback Connor Noland. Noland was the first commit to join the Hogs’ class in July of 2016 helping add four-star talents like linebacker Bumper Pool, cornerback BJ Hanspard, and defensive tackle Emmit Gooden and in-state standouts like offensive linemen Luke Jones and Noah Gatlin.

Noland worked his way into four-star recruiting status with Greenwood High School over the past two seasons. During his junior campaign, he completed 66 percent of his passes covering 2,095 yards with 18 touchdowns against just three picks. He also rushed for 553 yards off 122 carries with six more scores posted; all while splitting snaps with Class of 2017 Central Arkansas signee Luke Hales. Now the reigns of the Bulldogs offense is solely his to control looking to take his squad back to Arkansas’ 6A championship game for a third consecutive season.

The off-season for Noland has been busy split between getting ready for his senior season on the gridiron and playing with traveling All-Star baseball squad Sticks. On the mound, Noland is also a top prospect and committed to play baseball for the Hogs. After a busy summer, I finally got a chance to do a catch-up interview with one of the top prospects in baseball and football in the 2018 class.

Interview

Connor, how have your off-season workouts gone?

“My workouts have been going good. We are doing our “Fast Dog”, our off-season workouts. We finish that this week. We are doing a boot camp with Marines, a lot of team bonding. That has been really tough. We are getting in shape for sure.”

What parts of your game in the pocket have sharpened this spring and summer?

“My accuracy has really improved. My throwing motion is shorter and quicker. That will help me with my efficiency this season.”

Did you compete at any college camps this summer?

“No. I didn’t even get to make it to an Arkansas camp this summer because of my baseball schedule.”

How did your junior year on the diamond with Greenwood play out?

“It went really well. We lost in semifinals to Sheridan. They ended up winning state. We had an 18-game win streak this year. We had a great year and a lot of fun. Hopefully we will have a great year next year too.”

I know you were traveling around with Sticks this summer playing in a lot of tournaments. How did your summer season go with baseball?

“It went really well. We have a lot of Arkansas commits on the team. I did well with my hitting and pitching. I bonded with all the guys going to Arkansas.”

You mentioned your hitting and pitching, how did your game on the diamond improve this summer?

“I think developing a slider has helped. It looks like a fastball but breaks off at the end. That is my strike out pitch. That helps out a lot.”

Have you developed any other pitches this year?

“My change-up. I’m catching batters off guard. That is one of my better pitches right now.”

What are you hitting on the radar gun?

“I was 87 to 89 consistently. Every once in a while, I’m touching 90.”

Turning to the upcoming football season. When do you guys get into full-pads?

“Next week we start putting on pads and get after it.”

How does the team look going into the season?

“We look great on both sides of the ball. We have a lot of leaders and returning players that will help us be consistent and go through any adversity.”

What will be the strengths of the team?

“Our defense is a strength. We have good linebackers and defensive linemen. They help us with ball control. They give us great field position which make us more productive on offense.”

What type of offense will the Bulldogs run this year?

“Spread.”

You have operated within a two-QB system over the past two seasons. During your senior year, will the Bulldogs use a two-QB system again or will it just be you in the pocket?

“Just me.”

Are you excited about taking over all the quarterback duties this year?

“Oh yeah. I’m fired up. I’m ready to take control.”

How are you developing chemistry with your receiver corps?

“Every day at practice we are working hard. It takes a while to get back on the same page, especially with back shoulder throws. We are getting on the same page and thinking alike. That is a big deal. We are working on attacking Cover 2 and Cover 1. We are working on that every day and getting our throws in getting ready for the season.”

Are there any games you are chomping on the mouth piece to play this season?

“The first one for sure against Northside (Fort Smith). I’m excited for all of them but very excited to face Northside.”

What goals have you set for yourself?

“A state championship. I’m trying to take it one game at a time and trying to win every game.”

When will you take your official visit to Arkansas?

“I’m going to all the home games, but I’m not sure yet on my official visit date. Byron (Hanspard), Bumper (Pool), and I are trying to organize it and figure out when we are heading up there.”

Connor, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com FREE!

If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!

Photo credit: Noland family; Connor Noland with Noah Gatlin (June 2017)