Interview: Arkansas 2017 WR DeShawn Gulledge Updates Offseason Schedule and Recruitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Across the country, idle Class of 2017 recruits are getting geared up for the one-day college camp circuit that could prove to be the difference maker in landing key offers from top programs nationwide. One of the many ready to showcase his stuff is Bald Knob High School (Arkansas) star wide receiver De’Shawn Gulledge.

Gulledge was a force on offense coming up with 67 carries for 1,062 yards with 15 touchdowns but the 5’10”, 176 pound, speedster was almost as deadly in the passing attack pulling in 38 passes for 526 yards with 10 more scores. After averaging 16 yards per carry on the ground and 14 in the passing game, Gulledge is ready to show off what he can do to college coaches.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-year varsity starter to find out which camps he may be attending coming up and which schools are showing recruiting interest this spring.

Interview

De’Shawn, last time we spoke the schools showing interest in you included Arkansas, Arkansas State, Navy and some Ivy League schools like Penn and Columbia. Have any new schools started showing interest?

“Louisiana Tech. Coach (Tim) Rattay (wide receivers) has been in touch. I got a note from UCLA today. Louisiana Tech has been the main new school. They are supposed to come down in the spring to watch me practice.”

Are you still receiving interest from the in-state schools like Arkansas and Arkansas State?

“They still send me stuff, but I have not talked to Arkansas lately. I took a visit to Arkansas State. They really like me, and I like them. They made sure that I had a good time. They took me all over the campus. It was like a whole day campus tour and visit. I got to see everything. I got to watch practice – they have some good guys. I like how they play. They did everything correctly in practice.”

Do you have any unofficial visits set up?

“Not yet. I’m getting more set up, but not sure where I am going yet. There are people calling me to join their 7×7 team (Game Sports) for mid-April. They are out in Rockford, Illinois. If I join their team I might see about a visit to Iowa.”

Arkansas to Illinois, that’s a long haul for 7×7 practices.

(Laughs) “It’s a 7×7 team that travels everywhere. I have some friends from Oklahoma that talked to the coach telling them I should join. They are getting a team together to take on other elite players.”

Are you going to any camps coming up?

“Right now, Southern Illinois – they really like me so I’ll go up there and Louisiana Tech.”

Last time we spoke you were getting ready for track season. I know the state of Arkansas has received a lot of rain lately. In the meets that you’ve had, how have you done?

“The season is going pretty good considering we’ve had three of four meets cancelled.”

Which events did you compete in during the one event you had?

“The 100, 200, 4×1, long jump, and high jump. I placed in all in the Top 5 expect the high jump. We were competing at a 7A meet and we are 3A.”

I like it. Taking on anyone and everyone. Do you remember how you did in the 100?

“I don’t remember. I’m not sure about any of my times.”

You did well at the Nike Opening with your vertical right?

“Yes. I posted a 44.6 in my vertical leap there.”

De’Shawn, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming track meets and camps.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Gulledge family; De’Shawn Gulledge at Arkansas State.

Photo credit: 247sports.com; De’Shawn running the 40-yard dash.