3-Star 2019 Arkansas OL Drew Vest Talks Razorbacks Camp Performance and SEC Interest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is no doubt that Searcy High School offensive lineman Drew Vest will be playing on Saturdays in the near future, the where is still to be determined. The 6-6, 295-pound, road-grader is up to nine college scholarship offers with a bevy of SEC schools showing interest, which could make the run up to the first National Signing Day period a very interesting time for the three-star talent. In-state powerhouse Arkansas along with Memphis, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State are getting multiple looks at Vest on the college camp circuit with Big 12 powers Oklahoma State and Baylor potentially getting into the fold later this summer.
In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview with Vest, I caught him after his camp performance with the Razorbacks on Thursday to see how it went with an update on his overall circuit this summer.
*Click link for Feb. 12, 2018, RNG interview with Drew Vest
Interview
Drew, how are your offseason workouts coming along?
“My workouts have been good. We are doing more conditioning work in June and we are lifting. We are doing more maintaining workouts now.”
Which parts of your pass blocking are you working on this spring?
“I worked on some key techniques with my pass blocking. One thing I have been working on is leading with my foot on kick leg instead of my knee so I am not giving a clear path to quarterback for the defender. I am also working on my feet and my first punch – it is getting stronger and quicker.”
How have you been working on your run blocking?
“I have been working on keeping my pad level low when I move to the next level. It is not a problem off the line, but it is easier to stand up going to the linebacker.”
Where are you seeing the biggest overall gains in your technique and blocking skills?
“I have been lining up at tackle, guard, and at center at different camps, that is helping me be a more complete player. I am using my body and technique in different situations at different positions. I have seen an increase in how I use leverage. I am using my hands to stop their momentum and getting good results.”
You mentioned lifting in the weight room a minute ago, have you maxed out lately?
“My bench is 295, my power clean is 285, my squat is 475, and my deadlift is 500.”
Nice. You competed at the Arkansas camp today, how did that go for you?
“It went really well. I played all five positions on the line. I got a lot of reps in today and went up against some good competition. I went up against Prince Dorbah, a 2020 end from Highland Park (TX); he has some big offers. I did well against him and against some of the other studs that were there.”
Did you earn any camp honors?
“Yes, sir. I earned a Camp Champ Award.”
What did you learn at the camp that will help you during your senior year?
“There were a few things I learned, some pass-set tricks and tips Coach (Dustin) Fry (offensive line) gave me. He gave me some tips for better footwork and better form to be more complete. On my run blocking, he coached me on keeping my head up and not using my head to block. This keeps you safe and makes you a better player using your hands not your head.”
Did you get any feedback from the Arkansas coaches?
“They said I did really well. I believe I improved my stock with them. They want to see me in game this fall. We will go from there to see their final decision.”
What other camps have you attended this offseason?
“I went to a Louisiana Tech camp on June 1, North Texas on June 8, the Memphis Big Cat Camp on June 10.”
How did Louisiana Tech go?
“It went well. Their coach, he wanted to see me at the Memphis camp. When he offers a guy, it is a big deal. He has only offered four guys for the 2019 class so far. I did well, and got some good feedback.”
How did the Memphis camp go?
“It was good. I got time in at tackle, guard, and center there. I competed against some really good guys there as well. I talked to coaches from Memphis, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas there. All of the coaches want to see more of me this fall.”
Do you have any other upcoming camps scheduled?
“I am going to Mississippi State on Saturday and Vandy next week. In July, I might to go an Oklahoma State and Baylor camp.”
If you will, update me on the schools that are showing interest in you.
“The schools showing the most interest right now are Arkansas, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, North Texas, Baylor, Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have nine.”
Drew Vest’s offer sheet: Central Arkansas, Dartmouth, Air Force, Oklahoma Baptist, UAPB, Houston Baptist, Lamar, South Alabama, Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee-Martin, and Yale
Have you visited any schools in the last couple of months?
“Yes, sir. I have visited Arkansas, Memphis, Tulane, and Mississippi State.”
How did the Mississippi State visit go?
“It went really well. I like the new staff. I like how they want to run the offense and their energy is great. They are buying into the community. I think they will do something special there in the next few years.”
When do the Lions reconvene for summer ball or for two-a-days?
“We start the first week in August.”
Is there anything left you want to accomplish before the 2018 season begins?
“I want to become a more complete player. If that means me being more athletic, transform my body more – I will do whatever it takes to be at my peak game for the season.”
Drew, always great catching up with you. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps.
“Thanks.”
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Photo credit: Vest family; Drew Vest and Logan Kellesen at an Arkansas camp