Interview: 3-Star 2019 Arkansas ATH Derrick Wise Gives Playoff Preview vs. Van Buren

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Class of 2019 Northside High School talent Derrick Wise is that can-do player who can do anything on the field. The all-purpose athlete has lined up at quarterback over the last two seasons for the Grizzlies working his way into one of the Natural State’s top players using his speed, athleticism, and uncanny play-making abilities. For his efforts during his senior season, the Grizzlies are one of the top teams in Arkansas’ 7A classification with a 6-4 record ranked No. 9 after upending crosstown rival Southside 23-13 by hitting 7 of 10 passes for 69 yards and rushing for three scores.

Wise has drawn interest from teams in seemingly every other Division-I football conference in the nation ranging from Arkansas to Arkansas State, Florida State and Ohio State, to Memphis, Notre Dame, SMU, Arizona State, and Western Kentucky. As the early National Signing Day period nears, action on the recruiting trail will heat up for Wise, as all collegiate offenses need a playmaker with speed like Wise on the roster.

With the Grizzlies heading to the playoffs to face Van Buren, I sat down with the 5-11, 190-pound, All-State performer for an update on the season with an opening round playoff preview.

*Click link for Oct. 7, 2018, RNG interview with Derrick Wise 

Interview

Derrick, the Grizzlies were tested in the last half of the schedule playing against some of the state’s best in No. 1 North Little  Rock, No. 3 Conway, and No. 9 Cabot. How will facing that adversity help the team now that you guys are in the playoffs?

“We got to see where we are at before going into the playoffs. We had turnovers in the games we lost that cost us the games. We know what we need to do in the playoffs to keep the season going.”

You guys got a big confidence boosting win in the regular season finale taking down crosstown rival Southside 23-13. I know you had a big game with three total touchdowns. If you will, breakdown how the game went for you personally?

“We started off kind of slow with seven points in first half, but then we figured each other out. We started moving the ball and scoring on them in the second half. They started blitzing a lot and we had blocks set up to get me wide open to make plays.”

Do you know when the powers that be will announce the All-Conference teams?

“I think they will announce at the end of the playoffs.”

Guess I will have to wait then. On Friday, Van Buren (4-6) travels to your house to open the playoffs. What are you expecting from the Pointers defense?

“They will probably do a lot of blitzing to see how our linemen react. They will see what gaps they need to fill and we will adjust.”

Do you have a message for the fans in the area looking for something fun to do on Friday night?

“Yes. Come out to the stadium, we would love to have your support on Friday.”

Playoff games for seniors carry extra weight. What will every game you get to play from here on out be like for you going through warm-ups before the ball kicks off?

“The playoffs are a win or go home situation. I will stay focused and remind all the seniors that if we lose, that will be our last high school game.”

The focus is now on the playoffs, but do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“Yes. I am planning on visiting Southwestern Oklahoma State.”

What has you excited about that visit?

“I am excited to see what the campus and facilities are like. I am excited to see and meet all of the coaches.”

Last question. When the homework is done and you have a few minutes to relax before going to bed, what is on your TV? What are some of your favorite shows to watch?

“I am either watching ESPN, Martin, the Wayans Brothers, or something on Netflix.”

Derrick, I appreciate your time today. Good luck in the playoffs against Van Buren.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Wise family; Derrick Wise post-game celebration