Interview: 2020 Arkansas RB Donte Buckner Talks 1,900-Yard Season and Louisiana Tech Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The college football recruiting world may not know about Class of 2020 running back Donte Buckner, but they will, and soon. The 5-11.5, 185-pound, all-purpose back scorched opposing 5A Central Arkansas teams in 2018 covering 1,964 yards with 18 scores going up on the big board. The White Hall High School talent is starting to make a name for himself outside of the Natural State after showcasing his skills at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio earlier this month. All adds up to an exciting offseason for Buckner.

After a weekend visit to Louisiana Tech and his big performance in San Antonio, I sat down with one of Arkansas’ most overlooked talents learning more about his breakout season and growing recruiting interests.

Interview

Donte, with the graduation of quarterback Ollie Reddick from the 2017 team, you became the featured runner for the Bulldogs during your junior season. How did you prepare in the offseason for the load you took on in 2018?

“I cleared my mind of everything that had been set before I exploded. Since I was in ninth grade, there were high expectations of me. I worked out, did drills every day. I would work out at 5:00 a.m. and worked out three times a day. I added 20 pounds in three months to help get ready for the season.”

What is your running style like?

“I will hit you with a move, but I am not a crafty guy. Ollie is crafty. I will lower my shoulder on you and run past you. Ollie worked with me on my footwork and I had helped from my brother Devin, he plays for TCU.”

Nice. How did the season go overall for you in 2018?

“Even though I had 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns, I set a high bar for myself, I was kind of disappointed even though everyone else said I had a great season. I knew I could do better. The day after the season ended, I was back in the gym to start working on next season.”

What was the goal you set for yourself that you feel you did not accomplish?

“I told everyone I was supposed to have 2,500 yards. To me, it was not the season I wanted. My standards are extremely high. I did well and I helped my team, but I did not reach the goal I wanted.”

Looking back, what are a couple of things you are most proud of with your accomplishments on the field?

“I am proud that we established a brotherhood on and off the field. Even when the seniors leave, I will still talk to them and view them as my teammates. Without a brotherhood you cannot have a team. When everyone rallies, you click. Having a brotherhood helps make that happen.”

How do you feel your game was raised to another level during your breakout season?

“From the year before, I let go of a preconceived mindset. I made that transition and went to the next level. I improved by showing I was elite, not just because people were saying it. I performed well after I trained hard. I out did myself.”

You have a knack for getting to the second level. Your field vision is very good. How are you seeing the holes open up?

“Before a play, I call it a vision, I can see what is going to happen. I go over the scenarios ahead of the play, I know what a linebacker was going to do. I was reading defenses better last season. I knew how the linebackers tackled and how they wrapped up. I knew how fast they were and I knew if I could beat them to the outside. My field vision improved tremendously. It is a split-second decision, but for me it felt like a lifetime. When the guy was ready to tackle me, it felt in slow motion.”

What are the overall strengths of your game on offense?

“My field vision and I am real good at reading defenses. I am a balanced back but I also run with power. I go into beast mode. I click into that mode. When I run, people in the stands put their heads down anticipating the hit. If you are in my way… you are going to get hit. I feel I run like Leonard Fournette. When he is in that mode there is no one that can tackle him. I can make you miss, run past you, or over you.”

Which areas of your game are you working on this spring?

“I am working on my speed. My speed is one area I want to improve upon. If I get into the open field I am gone, but I am working on running past guys without anyone touching me. I am working on that quick burst in space and my endurance.”

I saw that you competed at the U.S. Army All-American Combine in San Antonio, how did that go?

“It went great. I did a lot of reps and ran a lot of routes. There wasn’t anyone there that could guard me. I missed two balls out of about 50 reps. The linebackers were calling me out wanting to go against me. One of the coaches there told me afterwards that he had never seen that before at any of the camps. He said guys in the NFL right now that came through here did not have what you showed here today. He asked me if I have any offers; they always ask that. I don’t know, but I have interest.”

Are you going to show off your skills at any other national camps coming up?

“Yes, sir. I am attending the Nike Opening Regional (Dallas) and hopefully I am going to the Adidas Three-Stripe Camp.”

You were talking about recruiting interest, which schools are looking at you?

“Memphis, Louisiana Tech, Arkansas State, UCA (Central Arkansas), and TCU.”

Have you had a chance to visit any schools yet?

“Yes, sir. I just went to Louisiana Tech for a Junior Day. I have also been to LSU and to Memphis.”

How did the Louisiana Tech visit go?

“It went well. Coach Tim Rattay (quarterbacks) gave me his card. He said he will be down to look at me this spring.”

Nice. Do you have any other visits planned?

“Yes, sir. I am going to a Junior Day on March 9 at Arkansas and I am planning on visiting TCU.”

Donte, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck on your upcoming visits and camps.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Buckner family; Donte Buckner at U.S. Army Combine