Bentonville Arkansas Senior Safety Logan Darby Discusses Tigers Football and Fayetteville Matchup

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Bentonville High School football is already in the Arkansas record books as one of the top programs in the state having recently won titles in 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2014. The Tigers legendary head coach, Barry Lunney Sr., retired in the offseason turning over the reins of the program to defensive coordinator Jay Grant. Now Bentonville is 10-1 with their lone loss coming to Har-Ber (Springdale) and looking for a three-peat.

When the Tigers ended the 2014 season one of the unsung heroes was safety Logan Darby. Darby was a first-year starter but the stat line reflected something different after he racked up 91 tackles, 49 solo and 42 assisted, forced a fumble, recovered a fumble, had five pass breakups, and had two interceptions. Now a senior, the 5’11”, 175 pound, athlete is playing both ways still ringing bells as a safety but has added new responsibilities as a wide receiver. The additional work has not slowed him down. The stat line is much the same but has improved with 97 tackles, 11 pass breakups, one forced fumble, and three picks. He has three total touchdowns taking a fumble recovery back to the house, return a kickoff for a score, and has one receiving score.

Bentonville has been tough to beat and have done a great job of keeping area Class 7A rival Fayetteville a step behind. The Bulldogs fell to the Tigers twice last year and Bentonville added a 37-26 win against their rivals on Nov. 11 to stir the pot just before the playoffs began. The two teams square off Friday night with the winner getting a chance to fight for a gridiron glory against the winner of the Har-Ber vs. Fort Smith Southside game.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Logan to discuss his senior year, the playoffs, and got a recruiting update.

Interview

Logan, how did the Tigers look heading into the playoffs?

“We picked it up a lot. We started the season out hot and looked good. Around mid-season, against Har-Ber, we were not executing as well as we were earlier in the year. Coach Grant got through to us and we started rolling again by the Rodgers game (won 55-3 on Oct. 23).”

What has been the difference since the Har-Ber game for you guys?

“How we execute our plays. We were ready and keyed up but we were playing a little tight. We were not playing to our full abilities and I think now we are.”

How has the season played out after back-to-back championships?

“The season for the team, a lot of people did not think we’d win our non-conference games (Rockhurst – Kansas City, MO, Valor Christian – Highlands Rach, CO, Rickards – Tallahassee, FL). Our only loss was against Har-ber. In that game they returned a field goal 99-yards for a touchdown. We messed up a kickoff and we did not play well. We’ve had our backs against the wall a lot this year. Our first time against Fayetteville came down to the wire. Last week came down to the wire against North Little Rock (won 28-21). I still think we are hitting our max point at the end of the season.”

How are you playing at this point in the season?

“I feel like I am playing my best football now, it has been a good season for me. I’ve messed up a couple of times this year but I’ve kept everyone in front of me.  I have not been burned this year. It’s been a fun year too. It’s been fun playing both ways and playing special teams as a kickoff and punt returner.”

What are some of the bigger progressions you’ve made from your junior to senior year on the field as a safety?

“The biggest thing is reading my keys, that’s taking me to the play. I’m reading the blocking. I’ve clued in on the keys off the offense and I’ve watched a lot of film. I’m not watching the backfield or the quarterback’s eyes.”

How did you guys play against North Little Rock?

“As a team, one of our biggest struggles was our offense. I think our offense came up with 150 yards. On defense we gave up more than we had in a long time. I think we underestimated them. Our offense only had 30 snaps, they had 80 something. They controlled the game but we made the plays when we needed. The North Little Rock game was my best game individually. The game came down to the wire but we made it happen.”

What are your thoughts on Fayetteville heading into the game?

“This game – Fayetteville has an outstanding team and a really good offense. They have a great quarterback (Taylor Powell) and great receivers. I think playing them a second time will be a challenge. I feel ready. I know what routes are coming and I know their schemes. Should be another thriller. It’ll be a good game. They’re a good team.”

How is everything going for you in the classroom?

“I have a 3.0 GPA and I got a 21 on the ACT.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“Missouri Southern, Pitt State, UCA (Central Arkansas), and some other schools in Missouri.”

You got invited to a senior All-Star game.

“Yeah, Jacob Clark, Tyrone Mahone, and I were all invited to the USA Bowl Game. Dre Greenlaw played in it last year. I think it’ll be cool. Hopefully it will be some good extra exposure and we’ll see if a few colleges are still looking. Maybe it’ll be a chance to get an offer.”

Logan, thanks for your time today and good luck against Fayetteville.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: twitter.com; Bentonville players engage their fans after a win.

Photo credit: bentonvillehsfootball.com; No. 9 Logan Darby