Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arkansas WR/SS Marlon Crockett is a Dynamic Game Changer
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Arkansas 6A competition can sarcastically thank the Corpus Christi, Texas, area for unleashing a monster on the gridiron during the 2019 season. When the cleats were laced up for Searcy High School last season, Marlon Crockett showcased his amazing talents allowing those seeing him for the first time to understand why he was such a dynamic play-maker for Gregory-Portland High School during the 2018 campaign. Unfortunately for the competition, his game continues to improve.
At 6-4, 190-pounds, Crockett can seemingly do anything he puts his mind to on the field. As a super sophomore, he filled the stat sheet against 5A Texas competition as a three-way standout taking back nine kicks for 262 yards with a long of 90-yards, put an end to 95 plays with two picks playing safety, and secured 30 passes for 448 yards posting six scores on the board with one rushing touchdown added to the resume during the Wildcats 10-game season.
All that experience and athleticism was tested in a different way during the 2019 schedule seeing Crockett rise to the occasion. The Lions went on a 12-1 run capturing a 6A Arkansas state championship with a thrilling 28-27 victory over Benton to claim the title. Along the way, Crockett was a go-to guy in the offense snagging 60 passes for 1,080 yards with 13 touchdowns scored and took three kicks back for 118 yards with another 90-yard touchdown posted.
As Crockett fine-tunes his game this offseason, the three-star Class of 2021 recruit has offers in-hand from Kansas, Louisiana-Monroe, and Southern Miss with five visits set in the coming months. Covering his recruiting and play on the field, Crockett sat down for one-on-one conversation.
Interview
Marlon, early in games, what is the back and forth corners are giving you? Are they polite and joking around or are they trying to talk to you?
“It is kind of all business. We don’t talk at all. I will try to talk to them but they don’t talk back. (Laughs) I try to lighten the mood but then it is serious face time.”
Whatever their approach to you was, you were burning guys left and right all season. What was clicking for you allowing for such a great season on offense?
“No defense could stop me. With my hand movement, once I got by the corner, they couldn’t catch up with me – they couldn’t press me either.”
Within the scheme, what were some of the routes you were running last season?
“I ran fades, slants, stop routes, ins, digs, and posts. I ran the basic route tree.”
One of your plays that I was most impressed with was the 95-yard inside screen you took for a touchdown. Not only did you showcase your great speed but you also dragged a dude early on allowing the defense an opportunity to get to you, but you broke the tackle and took off. Was there another play of yours this past season that was perhaps your favorite, or one of your favorites?
“My first catch of the season against Morrilton; that was the catch of the year for Fox Sports here in Arkansas.”
If you will, for those who have not seen it and are reading this, walk us through the play.
“It was a fade route. He tried to press me, but I swiped his hands twice, got off the line and my quarterback threw it up. The defender knocked the ball down but it bounced it off my chest and I grabbed it one yard away from the end zone.”
That was a heck of a play, and I believe the first play on your highlight reel.
“Yes, it is.”
How did your overall game improve throughout the 2019 season?
“Playing through the season I got used to differences between Texas and Arkansas talent. Arkansas talent is a different game, I had to adjust to that.”
What are the differences between the two states on the field?
“Arkansas is more aggressive; Texas is not as aggressive.”
Will we see you at any other positions during the 2020 season?
“I am playing safety and I will be at kick and punt return.”
Are you excited about playing safety in 2020?
“Yes, sir. I played safety in 2018, I had 95 tackles and two picks. I was pretty good at safety.”
Sounds like it. How are you preparing this offseason for your senior year?
“I am getting stronger and getting ready for the next level. I am getting my speed up running track. Everything else on the field will work out.”
Which events in track are you running?
“The 100, 200, and relays, 4×1 and 4×2.”
Are you playing 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes. I am playing with Arkansas Elite 100. We went to Dallas last week. In pool play, we played Deion Sanders’ team. We lost 21-14, but I did really well against them. I scored in every single game we played.”
Going into recruiting, which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“I’ve been talking to Louisiana-Lafayette, Memphis, Florida State and I’ve been in touch with Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Illinois, and Arkansas State.”
How many offers are you holding?
“Three.”
*Crockett received his fourth offer from UMass after this interview was conducted
From last season up to now, have you visited any programs?
“Around mid-season I went to Arkansas for a visit; a game visit. After that I visited Kansas for a Junior Day.”
How did the Arkansas visit go?
“It went pretty good, but there has been no contact after that visit.”
And Kansas, how did that visit turn out?
“That was amazing. That was a good day. They have a fun environment at Kansas.”
What all did you do during your visit to Lawrence?
“We met the coaches, I had fun with them, toured the facilities, ate, and at the end of the day we went to a basketball game; they played Tennessee. I met with Coach (Les) Miles (head coach). I met a lot of celebrities when I was there; Peyton Manning, Alfonso Elis, and Pooka Williams. They did a good job showing off Kansas.”
Looking ahead, do you have any planned visits on the schedule?
“Yes. I am visiting Memphis in March, Illinois in April, Louisiana-Monroe, and Southern Miss. I am also going to a spring practice at Arkansas State coming up.”
Are you taking the skills to any upcoming camps?
“On March 14, I will be in Dallas for a Rivals camp. That’s the only one I know of so far.”
Marlon, it has been a lot of fun doing the interview with you today. I wish you success with your workouts and with the upcoming visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Crockett family; Marlon Crockett