2019 Arkansas ATH Derrick Wise Updates Recruiting Process from Nike Regional
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Derrick Wise is truly that do-everything athlete for his high school football team. Wise projects as a next level running back, but could just as easily be a slot receiver, corner, or safety given all his physical talents on display with Northside High School. Against 7A Arkansas competition in 2017, Wise earned All-State honors lining up as a dual-threat/Wildcat quarterback rushing for 957 yards with 10 scores while tossing for 1,051 yards with 13 additional touchdowns accounted for on the field. The 5-10, 185-pound, Fort Smith area product has built a well-deserved reputation in the college ranks as a talented recruit. Since the start of his junior season, Wise has attracted recruiting interest from Florida State, Notre Dame, USC, Ohio State, Iowa State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Arizona State, and in-state Division-I programs Arkansas State and Arkansas… and the list continues to grow.
In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I got a few minutes in with Wise at the Dallas Nike Regional after he posted a blistering time in the shuttle (4.15) and an eye popping 37.5-feet in the power ball toss to discuss his offseason workouts and recruiting interests.
*Click link for March 13, 2018, RNG interview with Derrick Wise
Interview
Derrick, what has been the focus on your game this spring?
“My focus has been getting faster and stronger. I am getting back into the groove of things for football in practice.”
Where are you seeing the biggest growth in your talents this spring?
“I’m seeing the biggest growth in the weight room. I am getting a lot stronger and I feel faster.”
You showcased your skills at the Dallas Nike Regional, how did you feel it went for you?
“I felt like it went pretty good. I wanted to get more reps in at the camp; I didn’t get as many as I wanted.”
Which position did you compete at for the camp?
“Running back.”
How did the one-on-ones go?
“It went well. On my first rep, I scored a touchdown. On my second rep, I got a first down.”
Is there anything that stood out for you at the Nike Regional beyond what you normally get to showcase on the field with Northside?
“I caught the ball well out of the backfield.”
How did your testing go at the camp?
“My shuttle time was 4.15 (99th percentile) and my power ball toss was 37.5-feet (96th percentile).”
Very nice. What was your SPARQ score?
“My SPARQ score was 99.15 (best ever for a Northside player a Nike camp).”
Have the Grizzlies already started spring ball?
“We started on Monday.”
How is the team looking?
“We are looking pretty good. We are working on some new plays this spring.”
Where all will you lineup during your senior year?
“This year I will play quarterback, safety, and corner.”
Wow. I know you played a lot of defense during your sophomore season. How is your game as a defensive back coming along this spring?
“It is coming along pretty good. I am working on my man-to-man coverage, working on zone, and working on jumping passes.”
Have any college coaches come by Fort Smith to see you in person this offseason?
“Yes, sir. Louisiana-Monroe and Missouri State came by on Monday. Arkansas and UAPB have also came by our school.”
What were you doing on the field when the coaches watched you practice?
“We were doing our regular practice, inside drills, 7v7, and running team offense.”
Which other schools are showing interest?
“Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Arkansas, Arkansas State, Army, Louisiana Tech, Air Force, and Tulsa.”
When we spoke last, you were about to visit Tulsa on March 31, how did that go?
“It went well. Their facilities are nice. I got to talk to the running backs coach during the visit.”
What did you guys talk about during the visit?
“We talked about what he likes to see in a running back.”
Do you have any other planned visits set?
“I am planning on visiting Arkansas, Arkansas State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Iowa State again.”
Which college camps might you attend this summer?
“I will probably attend camps at Oklahoma, Arkansas, Arkansas State, Oklahoma State, and maybe Iowa State.”
Derrick, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your spring practices.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Derrick Wise at the Dallas Nike Regional