Teams are trying, prolific 2024 Arkansas RB Jalen Dupree locked with Colorado State
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A tip of the hat is deserved to Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell and his staff on Jalen Dupree (6-1, 217). With college football’s Early Signing Period upon us, one of the biggest question marks in the Natural State was the recruiting status of offensive stat monster Jalen Dupree. Power Five teams have been inquiring, but Dupree is sticking with the team that has believed in him all along.
On the national level, Dupree is one of the best kept secrets along the recruiting trail. The explosive tailback rushed for 2,379 yards off 241 totes with 34 trips into the end zone. Adding to the stat line in 2023, Dupree hauled in four passes for 63 yards and completed three passes for another 43 yards with one more score going up on the board.
Dupree was asked about the style of offense executed by Malvern High School allowing for the big stat line.
“We did a lot of Wildcat and Spread; we ran a Spread offense,” Dupree stated.
Dupree showed his leadership and desire to win in a 35-21 victory over Nashville.
“I think the Nashville game was my best,” Dupree shared. “I choose that one because it went down to the wire. In that game I showed how much I wanted it getting the score to win the game.”
Against the Scrappers, Dupree was credited with 333 rushing yards off 33 carries with two touchdowns.
Asked, what do you feel separates you from other running backs, Dupree replied, “What separates me is my vision, how I hit the hole, and that I love contact. I am looking for them when I hit the hole.”
College programs laid down 20 offers for Dupree, the feedback received was unanimous.
“They love my size, how quick I am for my size, and that I can catch well out of the backfield,” Dupree said.
On June 30, Colorado State picked up Dupree’s verbal commitment. Going down the backstretch, teams have been trying to lure the three-star away.
“Ole Miss and Mississippi State have been showing interest,” Dupree shared.
The relationship with the Rebels was covered.
“I went there on a couple of visits over the summer; I have a good relationship with the coaching staff there,” Dupree stated. “They are in the portal right now.”
Out of Starkville, that back and forth has been with the Leopards’ head coach JD Plumlee.
“We haven’t talked much, they’ve been talking to my high school coach,” Dupree said.
Speaking about his recruiting status ahead of the Early Signing Period, Dupree shared, “I have shut down my recruiting; I am focused on Colorado State. I have a good relationship with them. Their coaches have come down here a lot of times; we are family. Their head coach came to my house; my family loves him.”
The Rams have a plan for Dupree once on campus.
“For my future with Colorado State, they are a pass heavy team, the linebackers and safeties will be back,” Dupree shared. “They can get me the first five yards, after that it is up to me to make the move and get the extra yards.”
The Rams have 19 players committed to their 2023 recruiting class.
MORE ON DUPREE’S STATS
At the conclusion of the 2022 season, next level scouts across the country should have been on Dupree like last-minute Christmas shoppers at the mall looking for gifts. The Leopards handed the ball off to Dupree 301 times getting 2,838 yards on the ground along with 41 touchdowns. His all-purpose nature was further showcased pulling down 15 passes for 343 yards with five more scores. Dupree also had 19 tackles on the stat sheet.