Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arkansas LB Cole Joyce Talks UCF Knights’ Commitment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the tweet announcement went out on Monday night that Class of 2021 linebacker Cole Joyce had verbally committed to Central Florida, the immediate thought was someone call the authorities, the Knights just stole a top linebacker away from every Power 5 team in the nation. As is, Joyce’s commitment is now UCF’s gain and all the rest of the competition will suffer the consequences.
Within the state of Arkansas over the last couple of years, there has been no debate that Joyce is one of the top players regardless of position. The 6-0, 225-pound, defender took home Arkansas Defensive Player of the Year and All-State honors in 2019 after roughing up 7A offenses for 104 stops, seven sacks, eight forced fumbles, two recoveries, three passes broken up, and a blocked kick. The football awareness and instincts for Joyce makes him an apex predator on the field and his 4.51 laser-timed closing speed ensures his prey have no chance for flight. The skills culminated in 12 scholarship offers being extended for the Bentonville High School standout leading to the big decision.
In a return to the RNG Lab, Joyce takes us behind the scenes on his life changing decision for insight on how the UCF staff won him over.
*Click link for April 16, 2020, RNG interview with Cole Joyce
Interview
Cole, congratulations on your commitment to UCF.
“Thank you.”
The Knights have been on you for a long time offering back in July of 2019. From that time until you committed, how have you and the staff bonded?
“It really started out for me trying to create the relationships with Coach (Randy) Shannon (DC) and Coach (Willie) Martinez (DB). Coach Martinez was the first guy I started talking to, and then I would Facetime with Coach (Josh) Heupel (head coach). When I spoke with them, I could feel their culture and what they do within their program.”
How will they utilize your skills on defense within their scheme?
“They run a 4-3; they have not marked me down as either one of the three (linebackers) yet, but I know they want to use my strength to get off blocks and my speed.”
Taking that last response deeper, what are some of the overall traits to your game that they like seeing you a fit at linebacker?
“Speed is No. 1, knowledge of the game, and that I have a head for the ball.”
Can’t argue that. When did the thought process for you go from building a relationship with UCF’s staff to a top school?
“Some of these calls with the coaches, you are trying to get through them but with UCF, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed learning more about Orlando, the coaches, and the program. I feel that it will be a great-great fit for me.”
Which coach on the staff received the good news from you and when did you verbally commit?
“We had an academic meeting yesterday with Coach Martinez, Coach Shannon, and Coach Heupel. Right after we got done with the academic meeting, I let them know I was committing; that was around 4:30 yesterday.”
Did you know you were going to commit?
“Yes, sir. I was planning my commitment before the call.”
Right before you had that commitment meeting, what was going through your mind?
“I had been thinking about it the week before knowing it was the place for me. Because I cannot visit due to the virus, I watched a lot of videos about Orlando and the football program and I gained insight from Quade (Mosier – 3-star 2020 Fayetteville LB); he committed there last year. He gave me good insight on the program and their family atmosphere.
“During the call, I was excited but I was also nervous. This has been a long process with recruiting. There are a lot of good parts but some bad parts too. I am super happy to get to go to my dream school through this process.”
Now that you have accomplished a major life goal, and all that hard work will allow you to play college football while earning a degree, how do you feel?
“I am super-super excited that I have committed and that I am going to a very good program. I can now focus on my senior season knowing I am going to a great program in December.”
Campuses are still closed to recruits, but once everything opens back up do you have an idea when you might visit UCF officially or unofficially?
“I am not sure about a date, but whenever it opens up, soon after that I am going down there.”
What did you do or will you do to celebrate this big achievement?
“We will have a couple of dinners, one with family and one with friends.”
Cole, congratulations, again, on your commitment to UCF and thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
Joyce’s Offer Sheet: Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas State, Bowling Green, Central Florida, Florida International, Houston, Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisville, Missouri State, SMU, and Tulsa
Photo credit: Joyce family; Cole Joyce