Interview: 12-Offer 3-Star 2021 Arkansas LB Cole Joyce is a Top Underrated Prospect
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College football’s modern linebacker has to do it all. The position demands a track athlete in a gym rat’s body who hits like a sledgehammer and tracks flying pigskin like a bird of prey – that is Cole Joyce. The 6-0, 225-pound, linebacker added another Arkansas All-State performance to the resume in 2019 after coming up with 104 tackles, seven tackles for a loss, three sacks, eight forced fumbles, recovering two, defended three passes, and blocked a kick. In addition to the All-State accolades, the Bentonville standout took home state Defensive Player of the Year honors.
With weight room maxes far above the curve and laser-timed speed clocked at 4.51, college coaches in the know have dropped offers. The list of 12 is sure to grow with an impressive list of followers tracking his progress.
In a return visit to the RNG Lab, Joyce catches us up on his offseason workouts, growth on the field, and potential official and unofficial visits.
Interview
Cole, how did your junior season on the field go?
“I thought it went well. I thought I made more tackles, about 25 more than last season, and I led better. I always had a good game, no bad ones.”
Looks like the Tigers were running a 3-4 much of the season. What were your responsibilities within the scheme as an inside linebacker in the set?
“In our scheme, I’m one of the middle backers. My job is calling out the plays, telling people where to go, and reading and fitting.”
Seek and destroy, right? (Cole laughs) Your speed shows on tape. I have you running a 4.42 in the 40; where did you drop that time?
“That one was a hand-timed out at our facility. My laser is a 4.51. We just got a laser timing system.”
That is impressive and shows on your game footage. How did your overall game improve last year?
“Last year, being a sophomore, it was new to me. This year, I was calmer and reading better. From game planning, knowing what to do and being confident improved. As mentioned, I was more of a leader. Not taking false steps was a big one; I improved on that. My tackling form improved as well. I missed some last year, but I brought it home with the tackling this year.”
Looking back, which game last season was your top performance?
“Either against (Bentonville) West or against Catholic High.”
Why did you pick those games? What did you do well?
“Against West, they are our rival, I was making the big plays we needed. For the Catholic game, I was getting them all over the field. On the sidelines to the outside or up the middle, I was not giving them a chance to get up the field.”
Is there a part of your game that might get overlooked?
“That is a hard one. I’d say maybe getting off blocks. I get off blocks really well.”
With your overall game, what are you working on this offseason?
“It has been different with the virus. I’ve been working on having more things in my arsenal and improving my technique getting off blocks, tackling and reading better. I’m working on perfecting my game and I’ve been watching film.”
Circumstances have all of us limited in what we can do day to day. What has been your daily workout routine to stay sharp?
“We have a gym in our garage. I work out two hours a day each day. I am running on our street and doing some agility work in the driveway. I am getting work in however I can.”
Have you maxed out lately?
“Yes. My bench is 310, squat is 540, and my clean is 310.”
Dang. The speed and the power. Very impressive.
“Thank you.”
Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Kansas State, Minnesota, Arkansas, Virginia Tech, and Memphis.”
Where is the offer total at now?
“Twelve.”
Joyce’s Offer Sheet (12): Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas State, Bowling Green, Central Florida, Florida International, Houston, Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisville, Missouri State, SMU, and Tulsa
Once the dead period is over, are there any visits you may take official or unofficial?
“Definitely like to take all five of my official visits. I have scheduled one with SMU and UCF. Those are the two I know of, I am looking to schedule a few more. I will also visit Louisville.”
Time for my virus buster question. What have you been doing with the extra downtime to have fun?
“Before the virus, I fished a couple of times but I am going every day now.”
Are you catching any?
“Mostly bass. I’m above average, but I’m no pro.”
Cole, it was great getting time in with you today covering your workouts and recruiting. Keep up the hard work this spring.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Joyce family; Cole Joyce (2019)