Interview: 2017 Arkansas WR JaQuan Dorsey Still Flying Under Division-I Radars

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There are all levels of under the radar recruits that get passed by for various reasons from Power Five Conference members to Group of Five teams. When Division-I FCS programs start making the same mistake on the same recruits the only reasonable explanation is a lack of exposure. As National Signing Day quickly approaches, wide receiver/athlete JaQuan Dorsey may be one of the most overlooked recruits in the 2017 class if for no other reason than a lack of college programs knowing about him.

Dorsey has checkmarks on all the major categories. His grades are in line with a 2.9 cumulative and an ACT super score of 20. The size, speed, and strength is there too. Dorsey checks in at 6-2, 205, with a reported bench press at 225, squat at 415, deadlift at 565, and a power-clean at 245. His speed has been verified with a laser timed 4.65 at a recent Josh Cribbs (Cleveland Browns) camp in Ohio.

The production on the field is there too even if the stats are misleading. Dorsey racked up 671 yards on 34 receptions with nine scores as a junior sporting a 19.7 yard per reception average. He even lined up at quarterback for Watson Chapel High School in 2015 completing 12-of-20 passes for 200 yards with 10 touchdowns without throwing an interception.

Dorsey’s role in the Wildcats offense was expanded during his senior season earning All-Conference and All-State honors after carrying the rock 89 times for 508 yards with nine scores and hauling in 38 passes for 597 yards with five scores. The overall output for an overlooked Division-I talent may seem low if stat checkers do not go deeper. Dorsey once again lined up at quarterback in 2016 hitting 76-of-132 passes for 1,323 yards with 12 scores tossed. The difference in Dorsey’s expanded role within the offense was an improvement of four victories for the Wildcats after finishing 2015 4-7 and 2016 8-5.

Division-I teams have somehow overlooked Dorsey but their loss is about to be a D-II program’s gain, unless something changes. Dorsey has five offers on the table from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Arkansas-Monticello, Henderson State, Arkansas Tech, and Ouachita Baptist with visits lined up for all five.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the most underrated players in the Natural State to learn more about his high school career and his recruiting process to date.

Interview

JaQuan, you had a breakout season during your junior year. Did you expect to have that kind of season?

“No. I came in behind two other players. I wanted to find a way onto the field. I had to develop as a player, get stronger, and faster so I could get on the field. I beat out one of my teammates for a spot on the field and had a good season.”

You had an outstanding senior season playing all over the field, how did your game improve as a wide receiver?

“I think it was being able to play both receiver and quarterback knowing what our QB needed. I knew what was going on back there and what we could do if I got open as a receiver. I was constantly working with my dad (Jerrod Dorsey). He was the main part. I took what he learned and put that into my own game. I learned from the people that I met and from my trainer.”

Where did you dad play ball?

“He played high school ball at Watson Chapel and played in college at Arkansas and UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff). He played semi-pro ball with the Denver Titans and had tryouts with the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders as a quarterback.”

You were used some during your junior year at quarterback and a lot at that position during your senior year. Which position do you like best, receiver or quarterback?

“Receiver.”

In your mind, what separates you from other receivers in your class?

“I think what separates me is my physicality. I love to block. You cannot run in an offense without receivers that can block downfield. I don’t feel like there is anyone that can hold me consistently in the passing game. I’m not trying to be cocky but that is how I feel about the situation.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you have laid down?

“At a recent Josh Cribbs camp in Ohio I ran a laser-timed 4.65. I ran a hand-held 4.65 at our school too.”

 

What are you maxes from the summer in the weight room?

“My bench is 225, squat 415, deadlift 565, and clean 245.”

What have you been working on since the season ended?

“I’m still working on route running and footwork, and I’ve been playing basketball. Basketball helps me be physical, stay in shape, and keep competing.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I have five offers from UAPB, Arkansas-Monticello, Henderson State, Arkansas Tech, and Ouachita Baptist.”

Did you take any unofficial visits during the season?

“Yes, sir. I went to Arkansas State, Arkansas Tech, and Ouachita Baptist.”

Do you have any unofficial or official visits lined up before National Signing Day?

“Yes, sir. I had one today (Wednesday) with Arkansas Tech, one tomorrow (Thursday) with OBU, UAPB this weekend, and Henderson State and UAM next week.”

How did your visit with Arkansas Tech go?

“It was okay. It is tough making a decision considering there are only two schools in-state that offer the degree I want and neither school has offered (Arkansas-Little Rock and Arkansas). My parents cannot afford to pay my way, so football will have to pay my way.”

What degree are you seeking to pursue in college?

“Architecture.”

With all of your upcoming visits, what are you going to look at and evaluate, in general, with each school?

“The type of offense the run and how they use their receivers. The campus life and dorms of course, the location, and the people that are there. I don’t want to spend four or five years at a school where I am not happy.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“2.9.”

What are your scores on the ACT or SAT?

“I have an ACT composite of 19 and my super score is a 20.”

You mentioned playing basketball, how is the season going for you?

“It is going okay. Our team has dropped some games we should not be dropping. We’ve had a few tough teams but nothing we should not be able to handle. We have missed some easy shots.”

Do you know what your stat line is from the season?

“No. In our last game I had eight points and against Dumas I had 11.”

Are you playing any other spring sports?

“I’m still deciding on baseball and track.”

Last questions. Do you have a decision date when you want to announce?

“I want to have my decision before next weekend.”

Are you going to do anything special for your announcement?

“On Signing Day we sign in the morning. At our school, our close friends from school and our family members come into the library to watch us sign. My birthday is on the 3oth. National Signing Day is on Feb. 1. I want to take a trip to Texas to get away before I make my decision.”

JaQuan, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your visits.

“Thank you.”

Click link to see JaQuan Dorsey’s highlight reel.

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Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 1 JaQuan Dorsey in the shotgun.

Photo credits: Dorsey family; No. 1 JaQuan Dorsey in action.