Interview: Locking Down with 4-Star 2020 Tennessee CB De’Arre McDonald
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If a 6A Tennessee offensive player said he wasn’t afraid of Oakland’s defense during the 2018 season, he was lying. The Patriots’ defense was about as good as it gets helping the team to a 14-1 record with a state championship trophy to show for it. The defense wasn’t just stingy, they were downright nasty holding teams to an average of seven points per contest with three shutouts pitched in the playoffs including the final two contests, when it counted most. One of the lockdown defenders who made Oakland’s (Murfreesboro) season one to remember was four-star Class of 2020 cornerback De’Arre McDonald.
McDonald and 2019 corner Woodi Washington formed a fearsome duo at corner not giving an inch to receivers and hopeful quarterbacks. McDonald used his 6-1, 192-pound, frame to pick off six passes with seven passes broken up and put an end to 38 plays with four tackles for a loss. McDonald’s performance has led to 10 offers coming his way all from top regional programs: Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisville, Ole Miss, Purdue, South Carolina, Tulane, Vanderbilt, Virginia, and Virginia Tech.
With a few visits under his belt and a few more on the schedule, I sat down with one of Tennessee’s top 2020 recruits for an in-depth one-on-one interview.
Interview
De’Arre, the 2018 season helped cement your reputation as a ballhawk taking away six passes. What was working so well for you last season allowing you to be so productive?
“I do a lot of baiting. I like baiting QBs. Me doing that, QBs think I do not see the routes, but we do a lot of film study here. I know what is coming. My talent mixed with film study, I can pick balls off.”
Your reel shows your awareness on the field and growing reaction to the route tree, how else did your game improve last year?
“I wasn’t as physical as I should be previously. Some corners work on defending the pass only. I have worked on that and stopping the run. I’m in the weight room working on getting bigger, stronger, and being more physical. I got more physical last year.”
From what I can tell, you were not limited to one side of the field throughout your junior year. What were your weekly assignments and how did you prepare for a given quarterback and receiver duo?
“Last year, (4-star CB) Woodi Washington, he signed with Oklahoma, my DB coach and defensive coordinator, we all had trust in one another. We played a few schools with multiple top receivers. We felt comfortable with each other and trusted each other to get the job done. We worked off each other’s energy. Woodi helped me become one of the best corners in the state and in the country.”
Most corners dream of a pick-six, I count that you had at least two. What’s the goal for your senior year with taking passes back the other way for a score?
“Yeah, I had two. I have a lot of goals for this season. Being state champs, that is the main goal. I want to have a lot of tackles for a loss and I want to lead the team in tackles, that is really it. I have no other personal goals. I want to get that ring. We know what we need to do to make it happen.”
What do you feel separates you from other Class of 2020 cornerbacks?
“Everything really. I don’t think I am a normal corner. I am long, athletic, and strong. I am active, and I am everywhere. Overall, I do not have a weakness. There are areas where I can improve, but there are no limits to my game.”
You pulled down a 48-yard touchdown pass last season, will we see you more on that side of the ball during your senior year?
“Yes, sir. I should be in the slot and on the outside more next season. That will be fun. This is my year to showcase my talents as a dual-threat. It will be fun.”
Which areas of your game are the focus to your offseason workout program?
“I am focused on getting faster. To be a ballhawk you have to have speed. My footwork is another focus of my workouts. I was a basketball player, I know the importance of having good footwork. I am also working on reading QBs and receivers better.”
Have you attended any national camps this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I competed at the Under Armour All-American Camp this past Sunday in Atlanta. That was fun. I am going to an Adidas Three-Stripe Camp coming up but I am not sure about the Nike Opening yet.”
How did the Under Armour Camp go? What were you able to showcase against other top talent?
“I was able to showcase my shuffling, playing off, my back pedal, and I showed I can cover the slot and tight ends. I showed my footwork and my change of direction.”
What is the best 40 you’ve posted this offseason?
“My best has been a 4.5.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 10 offers.”
Which schools are showing heavy interest right now?
“I am receiving interest from Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Duke, Ole Miss, and Virginia.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits recently?
“Yes, sir. I have been to Ole Miss, Virginia Tech, and I went to Vanderbilt last season for a game.”
How did the Ole Miss visit go?
“It was fun. I watched a practice, that was fun. They have a great atmosphere at Ole Miss. It was great watching the guys in practice and talking to the coaches.”
What about Virginia Tech, how did that trip go?
“It was the same as Ole Miss, they have great energy there. The coaches were into it. The guys were amazing and cool, so were the coaches. The school was great. I was there for a basketball game. They have great people at Virginia Tech.”
And the Vanderbilt visit, how did that go?
“That was good. I was there for their game against South Carolina. The people there were amazing. That was a good game too.”
Are you planning visiting any more schools soon?
“Yes, sir. I will visit Purdue soon, Arkansas, go back to Ole Miss and Virginia Tech, and I may be visiting Mississippi State.”
Last question. What do you do away from football and other sporting events for fun?
“I am always working out, playing with brother or spending time with family. Sometimes I stay at home and play a game or go hang with friends.”
Photo credit: McDonald family; De’Arre McDonald at Virginia Tech