Interview: 2020 Arkansas OL Nate Sky-Eagle is Jumping on Boards after U.S. Army Combine
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Nate Sky-Eagle does what he is supposed to do against any and all defenders who line up against him – dominate them. The versatile Class of 2020 offensive lineman played every position across the board for Bauxite High School in 2018 earning Arkansas All-State honors for his work. After the 6-2, 285-pound, road-grader helped his Miners squad to a 9-3 season in 2018, he took his talents on the road showing out at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio. Now college football programs are starting to find him.
Ahead of a big senior season and with a big Nike Opening Regional ahead, I sat down with one of the overlooked but rising stars in the Natural State learning more about his skills on the gridiron.
Interview
Nate, the Miners were a powerful locomotive on offense scoring 33 points per game on average. What type of offense did you guys execute?
“We run a Dead-T. We line up and run through you with our offense. We are physical and run it down your throat.”
What clicked well for the team within the offense?
“We had a very good line, we were disciplined, and our back hit the hole full-speed. We bonded well as a team, that was a big thing we had that helped us succeed.”
You lined up at both left guard and left tackle, between the two which do you like best?
“Actually, I played left guard, left tackle, center, right guard, and right tackle. I played wherever they needed me, but I did primary play left tackle.”
Of all the spots played, which do you like best?
“I like guard a lot. It clicks with me. I like center also. I like being the head honcho of the line, making the calls, and taking care of everyone.”
What did you do well as a run blocker?
“Blocking it is a big mental thing. I have the mentality on the snap knowing I am going to dominate them. I have the mentality that I am going to do my job and my job is to run through you. I am good at being physical. You have to be mean to be a good offensive lineman.”
Agreed. What about your skills as a pass blocker? I know it is hard in a Dead-T to get a lot of pass-pro snaps in, but when you do what do you feel you do well?
“Yeah, we don’t do it a lot. It is something I have to work on. Before I went to the U.S. Army All-American Combine, I worked on it for about six or seven weeks. I worked on my pass-set and getting my technique down. I can hold my own, but it is still something I have to work on.”
How do you feel your overall game improved last season?
“It was unbelievable the differences. I was leading the state in false starts in 10th grade, I was getting three a game. In the offseason we talked about me calming down, not being so nervous, and getting my mind right. I got stronger and faster from the offseason and my footwork improved after doing a lot of ladder drills. My punch improved. My initial impact when making contact and driving my feet on contact, finishing out blocks, and not stopping until the whistle blows improved. Climbing to the second level was something I worked on, and my backside scoop and zone. I improved with my pulling, trap blocking, and keeping a low base with good footwork.”
Where all might we see you on the field in 2019? Are you going to line up across the board again?
“Yes, sir. I am not sure where on offense I will play primarily. Most likely in college I will not be playing tackle because of my height. My coaches may work me more at guard and center. On defense, it depends which defense we are playing. If we switch up our defense, I will either be playing as a straight up nose guard or at the 3-technique.”
Where are you seeing growth with your work this offseason?
“I am working on footwork a lot; that is something we saw in my film that needed to improve. I am doing a lot of footwork drills. My bench press and upper body strength, shoulder strength, is improving. I have been working on my explosion with that initial pop. I am pushing sleds, pulling tires, and flipping tires.”
You mentioned working on your strength. Have you maxed out lately in the weight room?
“Yes, sir. I got 300 on bench, 400 on deadlift, and 390 on squat.”
Nice. You mentioned the U.S. Army Combine, are you going to attend any other national camps or combines upcoming?
“Yes, sir. I am going to the Nike Opening Regional in Tennessee (Nashville) on May 19. I was invited to Adidas camp, but I can’t do it. I am looking forward to the Nike Opening. I was also invited to a Texas Showcase, but I am not sure about that one.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Southeast Missouri. They were the first college to get in touch with me after the U.S. Army Combine. They talked to my dad wanting me to come for a visit. I am going to ULM (Louisiana-Monroe) on March 9 for a visit.”
What has you excited about visiting ULM?
“They are not too far from home, about a 3.5-hour drive. ULM is a good school. They play Arkansas State too. My parents can make it to the game. I like the environment being in Louisiana. I feel like they will have a brotherhood-team feel. I think I will feel at home there.”
As you start to go through the process of recruiting, what is the most important part of the visits looking at the schools?
“Education is the most important.”
Do you compete in any other sports for Bauxite?
“Yes, sir. I wrestle.”
How is the wrestling season going?
“It is alright. I am 3-3, this is my first year wrestling. When I was in 10th grade, I attended a Pat Smith Camp (Oklahoma State) in Maumelle. At the time I was 6-1, 250. The only person close to my size, 5-11, 285; he went to OBU (Ouachita Baptist). I held my own against him. At the camp, Pat Smith asked me how long have you been wrestling. He told me he would be in touch when the season came around, that he would call. When the season did come around, he called but because of my shoulder I was not wrestling. Now that I am wrestling, I have a meet on Tuesday against Benton, I’m hoping to connect with him again.”
Nate, it was great talking to you today and learning more about you and your skills. Thanks for your time and good luck with the wrestling season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Sky-Eagle family; Nate Sky-Eagle at the U.S. Army Combine