Interview: Arkansas 2017 CB Commit Jarques McClellion Lighting Opposition Up in All Three Phases

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

On June 6, the Arkansas Razorbacks landed a high impact player from American Heritage High School burning up the opposition in all three phases of the game. The Stallions are in the early part of their 2016 schedule but Class of 2017 standout Jarques McClellion has picked up where he left off a year ago, making Florida teams pay for underestimating him.

The Stallions went 10-3 in 2015 making a run to the Florida 3A state championship game. McClellion was tested time and time again on defense and special teams repeatedly burning coaches and players for the mistake. As a punt and kick returner, the 6-0, 185 pound, speedster can find a crease turning a routine play into a dynamic return putting a quick six on the board or setting up the offense for an easy score.

Where McClellion made his mark was in the Delray squad’s secondary primarily playing cornerback. McClellion ended up with 45 tackles, six pass breakups, and an amazing eight interceptions during his junior campaign. The Florida talent has notched 15 tackles through the first three games of the season but has not been tested in the passing attack still craving his first pick of the season.

On offense during his senior year, McClellion is adding to his growing gridiron reputation blistering opposing defenses for 295 yards off 15 receptions with two scores (three games).

The colleges seeing McClellion’s potential early included Louisville, Syracuse, Maryland, West Virginia, Iowa State, Kentucky, Boston College, Rutgers, Wisconsin, Michigan State, and Nebraska. The 14 other schools to offer were bested by the Razorbacks by lead recruiter Vernon Hargreaves (linebackers coach) in south Florida and head coach Bret Bielema.

In a Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with McClellion before Game 4 on the Stallions schedule to get his thoughts on the season thus far and received a little more insight on his connection with the Hogs.

Interview

Jarques, the Stallions are off to a rough start at 1-2 but against some tough competition, how has the season gone for you so far?

“To me I feel like this season was a bumpy start for the team. For me, I am doing fine but I need to keep refining and crafting my DB skills. I’m always working on my feet. On offense, I’m working on my routes. I am working to become better as an athlete and a leader.”

What is the biggest difference in your game from your junior season to senior season?

“Last year when I played wide receiver, coach wanted me to be more of a deep threat. Over the summer I worked on routes. I worked to become a weapon on offense getting my hitch, bubble screens, and digs down. Playing in 7v7 tournaments against some of the best competition in the nation, I feel like on Friday there is no competition better than what I have already gone against.”

Did you max out over the summer in the weight room?

“We really did not max out this year.”

What was the best 40-yard dash time you posted this summer?

“My best 40 was a 4.41 at a FBU camp.”

Nice. Back to the Stallions, despite the bumpy start, you guys made a run to the championship game last year. Does the team look like another title contender this year?

“To me, I feel like last year’s team did not have as close as a bond as this year’s team. After the first two games against Naples and St. John’s, they might be the toughest teams we have all season. I think the losses brought us closer together as a family over being a team. The rest of this season we will compete. I feel like we have a good shot at going back to the state championship game this year.”

You guys still have some really tough games to play. Are there any teams you are a little more excited to play than any of the others?

“I’m excited to play Oxbridge, that’s our rival game.”

I know you lost to them last year in the regular season and then beat them in the playoffs. What is that game going to be like this year?

“Yeah, last year, that was the beginning of our rivalry. I did not know the first game would be as big as it was. The stadium was almost completely filled. It was like a college atmosphere.”

Who is the best player you have gone up against so far this year, or last year?

“The best player… Last year Gulliver Prep’s Dionte Mullins (wide receiver). He’s at Miami right now. As a cornerback, he was more elusive than other receivers. He did not jog through any of his routes. At the top of his routes he had no flaws. He gave some of us problems. He was the best player I went against last year.”

You may have answered a million of the same kind of questions about your commitment to Arkansas, but I have to ask. What influenced your decision to commit to Arkansas?

“The reason why I committed, after talking to Coach (Vernon) Hargreaves, him being honest to me was a big difference from the other coaches. Him sitting down talking to me as a young man about life. Other coaches talk about football half the time. Coach Hargreaves approach brought me closer to him. Coach B (Bret Bielema) started texting and calling – that sold me.”

Have you taken an unofficial to Arkansas?

“Yes, I went in late June.”

I know it has been awhile, but during your visit what did you like about the campus and facilities?

“I liked everything about the campus. Campus wise, I liked that it was more focused on the academics. They showed me around. I loved the campus. It felt like home. It was more country like for me being from south Florida. It felt like the best environment for me.”

Are you taking official visits to other schools besides Arkansas?

“No. I’m being loyal. I’m taking one visit and that is to Arkansas.”

Have you set your official visit date to Arkansas yet?

“I have not set it, but after the season is when I will most likely go.”

Are you helping recruit other players to join you at Arkansas?

“Naytron Culpepper (Miami Carol City – 30 offers), I’ve been in his ear. We need another safety in the class. We need to have that south Florida swag up there.”

Since you play so many positions, which position did Arkansas recruit you to play?

“They recruited me to play corner.”

Will you get a shot at special teams there or is that a wait and see kind of deal?

“Wait until I get there kind of deal.”

Last question, for fun, are there any college football games you are excited to watch this weekend?

“This weekend I’m excited for the Arkansas game but I want to see the Louisville and Florida State game. Lamar Jackson (Louisville quarterback), we’ve watched him do what he has been doing all year since he was in little league and high school down here.”

Jarques, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: McClellion family; Jarques McClellion with Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema

Photo credit: McClellion family; Jarques McClellion at Arkansas.

Photo credit: scout.com; Jarques McClellion focused pre-game for Heritage.