Boise State Pulls 4-star RB Damarea Crockett out of Arkansas’ Backyard

Written by Ryan Wright

A curious thing happened to the Arkansas Razorbacks on Monday night, a prized in-state national recruit slipped away when Little Rock Christian running back Damarea Crockett verbally committed to Boise State.

Crockett, 5’11”, 205 pounds, is a rising star in the 2016 recruiting class after rushing for 1,250 yards with 19 touchdowns on 144 carries in 2014. Showing his versatility he also caught 16 passes for 250 coming up with over 1,600 all-purpose yards by the end of the season.

The 4-star recruit tore it up on the Nike camp circuit registering one of the highest SPARQ scores in the nation. Offers started coming in from teams like Arizona State, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Louisiana Monroe, Navy, Army, Yale, and Vanderbilt. In-state power Arkansas State offered but the Razorbacks, although in constant communication, never offered. The move proved puzzling for many considering the Hogs are expected to lose there top two running backs at the end of the 2015 season, senior Jonathan Williams and junior Alex Collins. The Razorbacks slow playing Crockett may have backfired if other offered tailbacks decide to take their talents elsewhere.

In a previous RNG interview with Crockett answered a couple of questions after unofficially visiting the Razorbacks in April. The following is an excerpt from that interview:

Damarea, you just wrapped up an unofficial visit to Arkansas. How did the trip go for you?

“The trip went good. I saw Fayetteville, talked to coaches, watched practice, and went to the running backs’ meeting. It was a good trip overall.”

Getting to meet and talk with all of the coaches, what was your impression of the Arkansas coaching staff?

“It was good. It was nice to get to see what they thought of me and know their recruiting process with me. They asked questions and I let them know what need to know.”

What did the coaches say to you about your recruiting process?

“They told me that they’ve watched my film, Coach B (Bret Bielema) invited me to a camp so they can see me in action. The running backs coach (Jemal Singleton) wants to work with me. They’ll be down to watch me play a couple of times, and they’re coming down on Wednesday to meet with me again.”

What was your overall feeling after your visit at Arkansas this weekend?

“Excited.”

After taking in an Arkansas practice what were your impressions of the coaching staff and how practice was conducted?

“The coaches were great. I noticed during the scrimmage they’re spreading the ball out more but still running a lot. The defense was really good.”

Do you see yourself fitting in with the new offense under offensive coordinator Dan Enos?

“I see myself fitting in, but I also see myself fitting in with most offenses in college football.”

Crockett heading to Boise State is not that far of a stretch with a little background. Broncos head coach Bryan Harsin was at Arkansas State in 2014 as head coach before returning to BSU where he was an assistant from 2002-2010.

Boise State now has 12 verbal commitments to their 2016 recruiting class. Crockett is the second running back to commit joining Prosper, Texas prospect Robert Mahone.

Photo credit: 247sports.com; Damarea Crockett.