Interview: 2018 Arkansas LT Noah Gatlin Updates Visit to Virginia Cavaliers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The college football recruiting trail has gone crazy for Arkansas Class of 2018 left tackle Noah Gatlin. The rising Jonesboro High School star strutted his stuff against opposing 6A competition during the 2016 season leading to 13 scholarship offers. The 6-7, 300 pound, talent has offers from Arkansas State, Memphis, Louisiana-Monroe, Western Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Air Force, Texas State, SMU, and Virginia picking up recent offers from Marshall, Arizona State, and Texas Tech last week. One of the offerees, University of Virginia, hosted Gatlin over the weekend on an unofficial visit (April 29). In an exclusive interview, I sat down with Gatlin to find out how the visit went in Charlottesville.

Interview

Noah, who went with you on your visit to Virginia?

“Me and my grandpa.”

When did you arrive in Charlottesville?

“We got there Friday night around 9:30.”

When did you start the visit?

“Saturday morning at 10:00.”

Did you tour any areas of the campus or facilities?

“They took me around showing me parts of the campus. I met with the coaches and met the entire offensive staff. After all of that we watched practice later that day.”

Of the facilities and campus, what all did you see?

“I saw everything but their indoor facility, because practice was outside on the field.”

You went to Virginia for their spring game, right?

“Yes, sir.”

How did the game go?

“It was good. They looked good.”

What did you think of the crowd and the atmosphere?

“They had a really good atmosphere. There were other recruits there and a lot of fans where there as well.”

What was your overall impression of the campus and facilities?

“I was amazed. I did not expect to be as nice as it was. I really enjoyed my time there meeting Coach (Garrett) Tujague (offensive line coach), Coach (Bronco) Mendenhall (head coach), and the rest of the staff. It was great.”

What did the coaches talk about with you when you met with them?

“They asked few questions about me, spoke about themselves, and talked about the team for the future.”

Did you sit in on any meetings?

“I got to sit down for a team meeting before practice.”

Do you see yourself fitting in with the team’s offense?

“I thought I would be a great fit. I feel like I could have a great impact for them. The coaches are a great bunch of guys to play for at Virginia.”

Do plan to visit the school again?

“Right now, I haven’t made another visit date. Virginia is the last visit I have set up. I do think I will go back in the future.”

The day our last interview came out (April 26) you picked up offers from Arizona State and Marshall and the following day Texas Tech offered. How did ASU, Marshall, and Texas Tech offer you?

“Marshall and Arizona State called me on Wednesday. ASU and Marshall said they liked my film and that they were going to come see me this spring. Both schools thought I would be a great fit for them.”

What about Texas Tech, how did they offer you?

“I was at school. They set it up to talk during lunch on Thursday. It worked out well. I spoke with Coach (Brandon) Jones (offensive line coach). We had a good talk. He offered me. He thought I was a good fit for their offense.”

Last time we spoke Arkansas, Virginia Tech, Duke, North Carolina State, Auburn, and Georgia were among the schools showing interest, do you have any new recruiting interest?

“Nothing new really other than the three offers. I forgot to mention Indiana, Central Florida, and Kansas last time. All the teams that offered me followed me on Twitter.”

Have any of the teams stepped up their contact with you?

“Kansas contacted me yesterday (Sunday). They told me they really like my film. They have sent my film to their offensive coordinator. They are waiting for the offensive coordinator to get back about an offer. They thought I would be an awesome guy for their offense. Hopefully I will know something later this week.”

Noah, congratulations on a successful visit to Virginia, the three new offers, and thank you for your time today.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Gatlin family; Noah Gatlin with offensive line coach Garett Tujague.

Photo credit: Gatlin family; Noah Gatlin with Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall.