Interview: Arkansas 2018 QB Connor Noland Set to Verbally Commit after Off-Season Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Life is a little different for multi-talented Class of 2018 quarterback Connor Noland. The Greenwood High School star is a two-sport athlete more than talented enough to succeed at either football or baseball at the next level. The long list of collegiate offers backs up the thought.

Noland helped Greenwood High School to a 12-1 season in 2015 splitting snaps with Class of 2017 quarterback Luke Hales. Noland threw for 872 yards with nine scores against just two picks hitting 73 of 107 pass attempts. The pro-style gunslinger also showed he could beat teams with his legs adding 431 yards on the ground off 61 totes with four more touchdowns.

The team-share under center did not bother college coaches. With his talents standing out, 11 different programs have extended offers with the list including Arkansas, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Arkansas State, Missouri, Utah State, North Carolina, Penn State, Texas A&M, Memphis, and UCLA.

On the diamond, the right-handed pitcher has picked up offers from Arkansas, Northwestern, New Mexico, and Tennessee. The big question hanging in the balance, will whatever team that is lucky enough to land Noland allow him to play both sports?

That answer along with the lucky team is coming quick – on July 20.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Noland after unofficial visits into SEC, ACC, and Big Ten territories to get the inside scoop on his recruitment to date.

Interview

Connor, I know you have been busy playing a lot of baseball over the summer. How has summer ball gone for you?

“It went really well. I played for a couple of teams and threw well. I went to the Music City Classic and pitched there for the Tennessee Blue Sox. I lost the first one and won the second one. I played for the Extra Innings Sticks at University of Arkansas on the 10th. That is all I have done with baseball this summer.”

Playing outside your given state is always a good test where you are nationally as a pitcher. Did you command the plate in Tennessee and Florida the way you do in Arkansas?

“I thought I did well. Some guys will hit off you but I commanded my pitches well. I had my off-speed going well. There is always room for improvement but it went well.”

What other camps did you go to this summer?

“I went to a Perfect Game showcase in Florida but I did not go to any camps. Just tournaments and showcases this summer.”

Which schools have you visited this summer?

“I visited Texas A&M, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Tennessee.”

When you visited the various schools, did you visit for both baseball and football?

“Yes.”

How did your visit to Arkansas go?

“It went really well. I’ve been up there a couple of times this summer. I met Coach (Wes) Johnson who just came in. I really liked him. He is a great addition for the staff there. He’ll bring a lot of success to the program.”

Did you visit the football program then?

“No, I did not. I went to a camp there in June. That was my only time visiting with the football staff.”

How was everything left with Arkansas after the camp?

“Everything was left at a good place. I talked to Coach (Dan) Enos and Coach (Bret) Bielema while I was there. I think we have built a very good relationship. I’ve been up there so many times and have seen everything. Now it is about building relationships.”

How did your visit to North Carolina go?

“It went really well. That was my first time being there. It was good Coach (Keith) Heckendorf (passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach) was great. We talked a lot about offense. He is a great guy. I liked Chapel Hill. There is a good vibe to the city. Basketball is giant there. The football team did well last year too.”

What about your visit to Tennessee, how did that go?

“It was good. I visited for baseball during the dead period for football. I liked the coaches a lot. They have some of the best facilities. They have a nice field and a good pitching coach. Their program is looking good. They are putting pieces of the puzzle together.”

Which team has been your most recent offer?

“Memphis. One of their coaches came to one of our practices to watch me throw. He called after practice and offered me then.”

Which team was the last to offer you in baseball?

“Tennessee offered me when I visited.”

You went to the Arkansas football camp, did you go to any other football camps?

“Yes. I went to Texas A&M, Duke, and Notre Dame.”

How did the Notre Dame camp go for you?

“It was good. It was only about two hours long. I talked to the coaches a little bit. They already have a 2018 commit. It was one of those “if anything happens” kind of things.”

Which college teams are showing interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Michigan State is one that is showing interest. I’ve talked to them a lot.”

What all have you been working on with football since baseball has ended?

“I’m just trying to transition my motion from baseball to football. They are two different motions and it takes a little while to get used to it. I’ve been working on the mental side of the game. I’ve been watching a lot of film getting ready for the season.”

How is the team looking heading into the season?

“I think we are looking good. We are starting to come along. We are preparing ourselves mentally and physically. All the pieces of the puzzle are coming together.”

Is there a game on the schedule that you are getting excited to play?

“I think the first game is always a good one. We get Northside this year. They have a lot of good players like Tanner Cross and Tre’ Norwood – a bunch of good players. There was a big turnout last year when we played them (Greenwood won 34-24). I’m not sure how many people will attend this year. I know it will be a fun game.”

Connor thanks for your time today. Good luck with fall camp and your announcement tomorrow.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Noland family; Connor Noland at Arkansas

Photo credit: Noland family; Connor Noland at Tennessee

Photo credit: Noland family; Connor Noland at North Carolina