Interview: 2019 Arkansas ATH/WR Deandre Webb is Ready to Display his 4.46 Speed for College Scouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When it comes to scouting high school football players, sometimes that feeling about a player arises – that feeling that something special is about to happen. For Class of 2019 running back/receiver Deandre Webb, it certainly seems like something big is about to happen on the field, and he has the talent to make it happen with legit track speed and a 4.46 40-yard dash time posted at an Arkansas Tech camp.
Webb started to emerge as a dynamic playmaking athlete for Crossett High School in 2017 but a nagging ankle injury slowed him down. In eight games played, Webb fought for 212 rushing yards off 29 totes with one score and hauled in three passes for 67 yards with another trip into the end zone.
The work on the field during his junior year is leading to that breakout year when it counts most, and with regional college scouts ready to see it. The 5-8, 165-pound, athlete has caught the eye of in-state powers Arkansas and Arkansas State with programs like Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Arkansas Tech following suit.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars in the Natural State’s 2019 class to learn more about his overall game and offseason workouts.
Interview
Deandre, how did your junior season on the field go overall?
“It was a good season. I got a lot of yards and I got a lot of reps. I was a key person on my team, the coaches wanted to get the ball in my hands.”
How did your game improve as a runner?
“My field vision improved a lot. During my sophomore year I would rushed to the line and try to force a hole. Last year I started being patient allowing for holes to open.”
You pulled some passes down last year as well, how did that area of your game improve?
“My route running got a lot better last year.”
Where all will you lineup on the field in 2018?
“Running back, slot receiver and on the outside, and I’m returning kicks.”
Are you excited about playing receiver this year?
“Yes, sir.”
How will you be used within the offense during your senior year?
“It’ll be a mix, some vertical routes and some across the middle. I’ll do some jet sweeps this year as well.”
What do you feel sets you apart from other receivers?
“My speed.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?
“My best 40 was at Arkansas Tech, I ran a 4.46.”
Wow. That is fantastic. Do you also run track for Crossett?
“Yes, sir.”
Which events?
“The 100, 4×1, 4×4, and 200.”
What is your best time in the 100 and 200?
“My best in the 100 is an 11-flat and my best in the 200 is 22.72.”
Nice. Have you attended any camps this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I have attended camps at Arkansas Tech, one in Little Rock – the Arkansas Elite Camp, an Adidas camp in Texas, and an Arkansas camp – I got good news from them at that camp.”
What good news did you get?
“Coach (Justin) Stepp (receivers) talked about how good my routes were. He talked to my coach about me after the camp.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Do you have any upcoming camps on the schedule?
“No, sir. Now, I am training and getting ready for the season.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Arkansas, Arkansas Tech, and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes, sir. I have taken an unofficial to Arkansas State.”
How did that go?
“It went well. I got to see a practice and toured the school.”
Back to football. How is Crossett looking this spring and summer in practice?
“We are looking good. We have to keep pushing it and we have to keep working hard.”
What goals have you set for yourself in the 2018 season?
“I want to do better than I did last season. I want to help my team out as much as I can so we can make it to the playoffs and, hopefully, make a deep run for a championship.”
Deandre, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Webb family; Deandre Webb at Arkansas Tech and with Hogs’ head coach Chad Morris