Interview: 2021 3-Star LB Marco Avant Details Commitment to Arkansas Razorbacks
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The Forrest City High School football team has had an enforcer on the field for the past two seasons in the box. When 5A Arkansas squads try to move the ball down the field, they’ve had to deal with Class of 2021 linebacker Marco Avant. The now 6-3, 215-pound, linebacker blew up plays in 2018 tallying 67 stops with six tackles for a loss, four sacks, two QB hurries, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and broke up a pass. Even with teams scheming against him in 2019, Avant still racked up the stats with 83 tackles, 56 solo, and 12 tackles for a loss. The result off the field has been a stockpile of 14 offers.
The recruiting trail for the three-star recruit came to a happy ending Friday night with an announced verbal commitment to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Avant stepped back into the RNG Lab to give details about how the Hogs became his ideal fit.
*Click link for Oct. 2019 RNG interview with Marco Avant
Interview
Marco, congratulations on your commitment to the Razorbacks.
“Thank you.”
When the new staff came to Fayetteville, how did they recruit you?
“They invited me to a Junior Day, we kept talking from there. We have been in communication since then.”
On that trip to Fayetteville, what did you do during the Junior Day visit?
“I toured the school, the facilities, football program, and I had a meeting with Coach (Rion) Rhoades (LB).”
The Hogs’ new defensive coordinator, Coach Barry Odom, has a great resume going against SEC offenses. How does he see you fitting into his scheme?
“He sees me playing outside linebacker.”
At what point or what happened during the recruiting process to start the heavy lean towards Arkansas before your commitment?
“Personal reasons. Family reasons. Arkansas is close to home and I wanted to stay in-state. This is the highest level in-state.”
Which coach did you call to break the happy news?
“Coach Rhodes called me.”
What did Coach Rhoades say to you about why he wanted to coach you at Arkansas?
“He told me he wants me to come play at Arkansas. He told me they are building around in-state talent, and he would love for me to be a part of a rebuild.”
Before that moment when you committed, the phone is in your hands and you are about to make the call, what was going through your mind?
“My mind was blank. It was a surreal moment.”
Now that your dream of getting to play college football while earning a degree is coming true, how does it feel?
“It feels great. It is great to be in the one percent that they say you could never be a part of.”
Are you going to start helping the coaching staff recruit other players? If so, what’s the message you will share?
“I will start helping. The message, if you think it is best for you come, if not, don’t bother.”
Straight to the point. I like it. With the social limitations all of us are experiencing are right now, what have you been doing to keep in shape this spring?
“I have a weight bench on my porch. I have bee lifting, doing pushups, and jogging.”
Last question. What did you do to celebrate your announcement?
(Laughs) “Can’t do anything right now.”
When you can go celebrate, what do you want to go do?
“I want to go get some Razorback gear.”
Makes sense. Marco, it was great catching up with you today. Thank you for your time and congratulations, again, on your commitment to Arkansas.
“Thank you.”
Avant’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Campbell, Houston, Illinois State, Kansas, Liberty, Louisiana, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, Southern Miss, Texas Southern, and Tulane
Photo credit: Avant family; Marco Avant at Arkansas