Update Interview with 2019 Arkansas RB Zaytron Waits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

With any high school senior playing any sport, your heart goes out to them when an injury occurs, big or small, that takes time away from competitive action. For Class of 2019 running back Zaytron Waits, a knee injury has derailed what was starting off as an amazing All-State caliber season, one certainly on the way to make heads turn up and down the recruiting trail.

Waits was a key part of Robinson High School’s 13-1 record in 2017 seeing the squad make a run to the Arkansas 4A state championship game. On a roster loaded with upperclassmen, the 5-11, 200-pound, athlete forged his way onto the field coming up with 543 yards on the ground off 68 carries with nine touchdowns and threw for 178 yards on 9 of 14 passing with two touchdowns.

On his way up through the ranks, Waits also played linebacker ready to fulfill all of that and then some in 2018 as a two-way starter for the Senators. Through three games played, Waits racked up eight tackles and blistered opposing linebackers for 331 yards off 33 carries with two scores. With offers on the table from Arkansas Tech and Missouri Western State, the recruiting game is a waiting one for Waits as National Signing Day nears.

In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with Waits for an overview on his season and recruiting with an update on how the Senators are doing in 2018.

Interview

Zaytron, the Senators lost the season opener to Springdale (48-28) going up a few classifications but have ripped off six wins in a row since. What is working well for the team on both sides of the ball this year to be one of the more dominating teams in the 4A classification?

“The way I see it, we have offensive stars and defensive stars. On defense, we have great linebackers, end in Zach Williams, and a very good safety. Really – we are good across the board. We have playmakers on both sides of the ball, that is what makes us a great team.”

The offense has been laying it on the opposition this season scoring 35 points per game on average. How were you being used this season within the offense?

“I was getting the ball downhill using my speed and power. I was also getting some outside handoffs and going into the 2-gap. With the passing attack, I had some screen plays geared towards me but we did not do a lot of them.”

Which game this season was the most challenging for you, and how did that challenge help make you a better player?

“The game that made me better was the Springdale (7A) game. I felt we needed more competition, Springdale helped us get ready for the adversity we will see in the playoffs.”

Which game was been your best this season and why do you consider that to be your best?

“The best game I had this season was the Camden Fairview game, my last game. I had four carries for 100 yards. I was injured in the first quarter. Who knows what I could have done playing the whole game.”

You played linebacker in the past, were you getting much of a chance to flex your defensive skills this season?

“I was starting at Mike.”

How was your game getting better on defense?

“I was reading the linemen better. Last year I was going to the ball not reading my keys. This year I was reading guards and seeing my keys to make more plays. I really was becoming a better linebacker.”

The Senators just rolled Malvern 42-0 with a very tough Bauxite (7-0) team this Friday. What kind of challenge will the Miners bring to the field for you guys on both sides of the ball?

“I think the challenge they will bring is their linebackers and linemen. They pull guards and are a heavy run team. They powerhouse run the ball and they don’t throw the ball much. We will be ready.”

When we’ve talked before, you were receiving interest from teams like Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Tennessee-Martin, Kansas, Arkansas State, and Arkansas; which schools are showing interest in you now?

“I am receiving recruiting interest from Missouri Western, Arkansas Tech, and Henderson State.”

You have the two offers and all the recruiting interests, do you plan to visit any of those schools upcoming?

“Yes, sir. I have one visit planned to Missouri Western in November.”

Last question. What type of student-athlete is Zaytron Waits?

“In school, I show the good side of football players. I represent my team well. I give 100 percent on the field every day in practice and in games. With college coaches wanting to offer me, if they do, I will show them every day why they made a good choice on having me come to their school.”

Well said. Zaytron, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming visit to Missouri Western.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Robinson HS; Zaytron Waits in action

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