Interview: 3-Star 2022 Arkansas TE Commit Dax Courtney Updates Junior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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The 2019 high school football campaign for Dax Courtney sent shock waves throughout the state of Arkansas and along the recruiting trail. The 6-6, 212-pound, tight end/receiver was relentless against 4A squads hauling in 36 passes for 623 yards with seven scores and showed some H-back toughness carrying the rock three times for 16 yards. The 2020 season with Dewitt High School (1-1) has started much the same for Courtney, as an unstoppable play-maker. The Dragons’ three-star recruit already has seven receptions for 126 yards with a score over the first two games of the season.

Before the 2020 season began Courtney called in the offer from the Arkansas Razorbacks, over 16 other scholarships extended, verbally committing to the Hogs (Aug. 8). With the recruiting process behind him and just his team to focus on, Courtney sat down for an RNG interview.

Interview

Dax, the Dragons used your pass catching skills in a myriad of ways during the 2019 season lining you up in the trenches, in the slot, and out wide. The mismatches you created speak for themselves in the stat line, but how do you feel the season went?

It was something special. My brother was a senior, we’d been playing together our whole lives. The bond on the team was ridiculous; I may never experience that again.

What style of offense were you guys running?

Spread.

Given all that you were doing as a receiving threat, how did your overall game improve as an offensive play-maker?

As we went on, I became more comfortable playing a different level and positions. We worked hard last season and it was all paying off.

Once the season ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a blocker?

My initial contact is really good. I hit; I have no fear of contact. My hands were slow last year. I had worked to improve on my hands, footwork, and technique after first contact throughout the season.

Throughout the offseason, what did you work on with your game as a receiving threat?

I started going to Chris Baker in Little Rock, he played for Razorbacks. We worked on my game at the top of my routes and my quickness.

Are you taking on any new roles in 2020?

No, sir. Not really. Last year we were older, we had seniors going both ways. We are young this year. I guess we all have a bigger role replacing the seniors from last year.

What were some of the workouts you were doing to add more speed and burst to your skillset over the spring and summer months?

We were doing ladders and cones. On my own I was flipping tires, dragging tires, and would run with a parachute. Anything I can do to add speed, I was doing.

The Dragons have started out 1-1 bouncing Drew Central 46-6 last time out. Where are you seeing the improvements on the field for the team?

It is really not too much. You go out there and perform and workout hard in the offseason to win games during the season. It is the mentality to win in front of everyone that makes a difference. Nothing really changes. We are getting better as the weeks go on. We are trying to get better before conference.

From your sophomore year to now, and after all the hard work put into your game, where are you seeing the improvements in all that you do on the field?

It is easier to get open now. I am getting off ball quicker, selling my routes better, better at breaking away from defenders, and I am catching balls that I may not have caught last year.

With your speed, what is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

A 4.74.

What are some of the routes you are running this season within the scheme this season?

I run a variety of stuff because of the different positions. I am running a bind, I get outside, man in a fade, and a bunch across the middle, digs, posts, a post-settle. And I am running shallow routes. We run everything because of where all I line up.

How are defenses trying to scheme against you?

They usually go man with a safety over me.

Back in August, you verbally committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks. You may get this question all the time, but what was it about the Hogs that made them your ideal collegiate choice?

Growing up in Arkansas, you see the support of the fans. The new coaching staff are great people and sincere. In Arkansas you wait your whole life wanting that offer. When it came, I knew what I had to do.

How many offers do you have in total?

I have 17 offers.

Courtney’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Arkansas State, Baylor, FIU, Kansas, Kansas State, Memphis, Michigan State, Missouri, North Texas, Penn State, Purdue, TCU, Tulane, UTSA, and Vanderbilt

Are there still schools showing interest but have not offered? If so, which schools are still reaching out?

Yes, sir. The ones showing interest are Auburn and Florida State, they contact me every day.

Are you helping recruit other top talents to Fayetteville? If so, what’s your pitch to them on committing to the Hogs? 

My main people are the in-state guys. They have grown up like me wanting to play for the Hogs. I sell them on staying home and playing for the Hogs, and playing for all the great guys they have on staff there.

Dax, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the Dragons a successful season until we talk again.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Dewitt HS/Courtney family; Dax Courtney in action