Interview: 2019 Arkansas Talent Zaytron Waits Prepping for Featured Back Role with Senators
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
During the 2017 season, Robinson High School was relentless in the many ways they would attack opposing Arkansas defenses. With respects to Henry Wadsworth and Paul Revere, with Class of 2019 quarterback Greyson Tackett leading the offense, the Senators were three by air and three by ground. The Senators’ ground game was especially powerful amassing 3,101 yards and 44 scores posted on the board. The backfield featured seniors Ceazar Warren (156 carries/1,370 yards/18 TDs) and Andre Bradley (70/612/9) with rising talent Zaytron Waits getting into the mix with 543 yards off 68 totes with nine good reasons to celebrate. Waits overall athleticism was used in other ways seeing him complete 9 of 14 passes for 178 yards with two scores and even came up with nine stops on defense.
With Warren and Bradley graduating, the rushing attack will be manned by Waits in 2018 setting up a surefire breakout season for the 5-11, 200-pound, tailback. Colleges like Arkansas, Arkansas State, Kansas State, TCU, Louisiana Tech, and Memphis that are already showing interest, will also get to see Waits more on defense during his senior year playing linebacker and free safety.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Waits after his camp performance at the Nike Opening Regional in Dallas to learn more about his versatile game and offseason workouts.
Interview
Zaytron, how did your junior season go overall?
“It was good. I learned a lot, and I stayed humble. We had a lot of athletes on the field last year.”
How did your game as a running back improve in 2017?
“My overall game improved a lot. I stopped bouncing the ball outside and started better reading the holes and blocking up front. I went downhill more last year.”
With Ceazar Warren and Andre Bradley graduating, what will the workload be like for you out of the backfield during your senior year?
“It will be good for me. I will have more touches than last year. I will be able to show my skills more than last year.”
You are a jack-of-all-trades lining up as a quarterback tossing two touchdowns and getting time in on defense, besides running back, where all will you play on the field in 2018?
“I am playing free safety, linebacker, running back, and some at quarterback.”
How are you preparing for the 2018 season?
“I’m working on building up my body, eating healthier, and doing a lot of core work.”
Which areas of your skillset are you focused on this spring and summer?
“On defense, I am working on reading plays. They want me all over the field this year. I will be ready. On offense, our offensive line coach is working with me on coming downhill following the pulling guard.”
You competed at the Dallas Nike Regional on Sunday, how did it go?
“It was a good camp. I went against a lot of good players.”
What did you do well at that camp?
“I showed my skills on my blocking and route running.”
Do you have any other upcoming camps you may attend?
“So far, I plan on going to the Memphis Mega Camp, Arkansas Tech, and Arkansas camps.”
Which schools are showing interest in you?
“Louisiana Tech, Memphis, UT-Martin, Arkansas, Arkansas State, and Kansas are all showing interest.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes, sir. I have been to Mississippi State, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas, Memphis, and Kansas.”
How did the Memphis visit go?
“It was a good visit. I like their coaches and I like how they coach their players.”
What about the Arkansas trip, how did that go?
“Fayetteville was good. There were a couple of people from Robinson up there that I got to talk to who are on the football team. Their practice was great. The practice was up-tempo and live.”
With a big season set for you in 2018, what can fans of the Senators and Arkansas high school football expect from you?
“They can expect me to be a star player for the Senators. They can expect me to play even better this year than last.”
If a college coach reads this interview and wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete are they investing time and energy pursuing?
“They are spending their time on a player who gives the game everything he has – on the field, in practice, and in class.”
Zaytron, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Zaytron Waits