Interview: 3-Star 2019 Arkansas RB/ATH Derrick Wise is Set for Another 7-A All-State Caliber Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are certain guys on the gridiron that just stick out above and beyond the rest. These guys can be play-makers, speed-burners, or amazing athletes that immediately catch the eye. For Class of 2019 Northside High School standout Derrick Wise, he is all that and then some.

Since Wise stepped foot on the field for the Grizzles, he has been a difference maker. During his sophomore season, he had over 500 yards rushing off 81 totes with four scores and hauled in eight passes for 87 yards. Playing safety, he put an end to 43 plays. The 2017 season further displayed Wise’s abilities on the field, leadership, and team-first mentality. Out of need, Wise stepped into the role of quarterback on offense passing for 1,400 yards with at least 13 touchdowns tossed and had 957 rush yards with 10 trips into the end zone earning All-State Athlete honors.

College football teams across the country are well-aware of Wise, but they seem hesitant on where to place him on the roster due to his athletic talents across the board. At 5-11, 185 pounds, Wise is a natural running back who can also line up in the slot, but he will give college coaches another dimension to their scouting seeing him go back on the defensive side of the ball again in 2018 lining up at safety and corner.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive, I sat down with the three-star 2019 talent covering his offseason workouts, the Grizzlies fall camp, and got a preview of their Week 1 showdown against Rogers Heritage.

*Click link for May 3, 2018, RNG interview

Interview

Derrick, how did your offseason workouts go?

“They went well. I got a lot stronger and faster.”

How much faster?

“I shaved time off from my Nike Combine 40-yard dash. My best was 4.5.”

Did you get a chance to camp with any colleges this summer?

“Yes, sir. I went to TCU, Mississippi State, Lindenwood – Mega camp, and a Memphis Mega Camp.”

Which position did you compete at in the camps?

“Running back.”

Of them all, which camp was your best personal performance?

“TCU was my best camp.”

What did you do well there?

“My 40, my shuttle, one-on-ones with the linebackers, and my route running.”

How has fall camp with Northside gone?

“It has gone well. We are a lot better than last year.”

How is the team looking?

“We look good overall. Our defense is solid and we have key players on offense.”

You were all over the field last year, but primarily played quarterback, where all will we see you on the field during your senior year?

“I am playing quarterback again this year and I am also playing some safety and corner.”

Through fall camp, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game?

“My throws are improved, and I am making better reads. The game has slowed down a lot. The holes are clearer, and my cuts are better.”

Did you guys get to lineup in a preseason scrimmage against another team?

“Yes, sir. We played Bentonville West.”

They are a good team. How did the scrimmage go?

“It went pretty good. I only played in the first quarter, but I had a 50-yard touchdown run.”

Nice. The Grizzlies open with Rogers Heritage at home on Friday, what kind of game are you expecting from them?

“We have not played them since I have been at Northside other than a scrimmage. It will be tough. First games are tough because no one has film on one another. We will go out and see what happens and then make adjustments on both sides of the ball.”

In Week 2, you guys get what should be a great regional showdown against Greenwood, the 6A state champs from last season. What has you excited about that game?

“We have not beaten them in a while. A lot of people have us as the underdog in that game. We are fired up for that one.”

Are there any other games you are pumped to play this season?

“North Little Rock, Bryant, Conway, and Southside – all of them really.”

What goals have you set for your senior year?

“I want to rush over 1,500 yards, pass for over 1,000 again, earn All-State, and win a state championship.”

I can’t let you go without asking a quick recruiting question. Entering the season, which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“I am receiving interest from TCU, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Lafayette College, and Pennsylvania.”

Last question. Do you have a message for all the opponents on the Grizzlies’ 2018 schedule?

“Watch out. Don’t sleep on us.”

Derrick, great catching up with you today. Good luck this season.

“Thank you.”

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