Interview: Arkansas 2018 QB Commit Connor Noland Updates Offseason and National Signing Day

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

National Signing Day is less than a day away for the 2017 recruiting class with the excitement building. Years of hard work on the field and in the classroom is about to finally payoff for top recruits across the country when they sign their letters of intent to the college of their choice. The large shadow cast by upperclassmen sets the tone for the next wave of recruits both at the high school level at with respective colleges. One Class of 2018 prospect in the recruiting mix for his class and with the 2017 group is Arkansas Razorbacks commit Connor Noland.

Noland ended his junior season as one of the best in his class tossing darts around the field for Greenwood High School. Splitting time with senior Luke Hales, Noland hit 151-of-229 passes for 2,095 yards with 18 touchdowns tossed against just three interceptions. The 6-2, 195 pound, gunslinger showed he can move the chains with his scrambling abilities as well covering 553 yards on 122 totes with six more scores posted in bright lights. All the hard work paid off for the Bulldogs posting a 12-1 season with a 6A Arkansas state runner-up finish.

Double-digit scholarship offers have come in for Noland from teams like UCLA, North Carolina, Missouri, Memphis, Kentucky, Arkansas State, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M but the recruiting process was essentially shutdown on July 20. The Razorbacks picked up a verbal commit from their in-state star watching their quarterback of the future become a recruiting ambassador for the Hogs.

In a catch-up interview with Noland, we sat down to cover his off-season workout plans, his upcoming baseball season, and got a peek inside the recruiting process to see which players he is chatting up about his beloved Razorbacks.

Interview

Connor, as a top 2018 recruit, what is it like watching the 2017 guys go through this process with National Signing Day coming on Wednesday?

“This has been a good experience for me. National Signing Day is something everyone looks forward to. Seeing those guys sign to the college of their choice is exciting. I am looking forward to next year when it is my turn. I am happy for all the 2017 guys.”

What have you learned through the process so far?

“I have definitely learned a lot. There is a lot to learn. There are a lot of guys that flip and some that stay true to their commitment. I am a believer to stay strong to that commitment. There are a lot of life lessons to learn throughout this process.”

I know you are very vocal about Arkansas’ program and willing to talk to any recruits who will listen. Which 2018 recruits have you been talking up lately?

“Ken Montgomery Jr. (CB Hillsborough, FL), Byron Hanspard II (CB/WR DeSoto, TX), and Curtis Dunlap (OL IMG Academy, FL) are the main guys I have been talking to.”

What is the feedback you have been receiving from the various recruits about Arkansas?

“A lot of guys love Arkansas. Fayetteville has that hometown feel. There are a lot of good people up there. The guys love the coaching staff and are all big fans of Coach (Bret) Bielema (head coach). I always receive good feedback from the recruits.”

You just recently participated in an Arkansas baseball recruit camp. How did that go?

“It went well. It was a bonding thing for us to get to know each other. We pitched a little and worked with Coach (Wes) Johnson (pitching coach). It was great to get his insight on pitching and work with him for the first time.”

The baseball travel team you play for, Extra Inning Sticks, had a tournament in Phoenix recently, how did that go?

“It went well. I played third (base) mainly. I did well. We have a really good team. There are a lot of stud guys and pitchers on that team. There is a lot of talent there.”

Have you started warming up your arm for the mound yet?

“Yes. I have been pitching for about a month now.”

When does your high school season start?

“I think it starts on Feb. 27.”

What football workouts have you been doing?

“We have been working out a little throwing the ball around. The focus has been on getting the upcoming sophomores ready to play and help them to learn the plays.”

Are you working with a QB coach this off-season?

“I haven’t yet, but I will be working with Dennis Gile (Phoenix).”

What will you work on with Dennis?

“Probably just switching my motion from baseball to football. We work on making my motion shorter and getting the ball out quicker.”

Are you going to any exposure camp this spring?

“I’m going to the Elite 11 event in Houston this weekend. I think I will go to the Houston Under Armour Event as well.”

What are you doing on Wednesday for the 2017 National Signing Day? Anything special?

“Some guys at our school that are signing. I think we will have an event for that. I will hang around and watch that.”

Connor, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming baseball season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: WholeHogSports.com; No. 13 Connor Noland scrambles for yards vs. Springdale.

Photo credit: GridironNow.com; Connor Noland at an Arkansas camp.