Interview: 2020 Arkansas APB Draven Smith is that Blend of Speed, Power, and Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Being a gifted athlete on the football field can only take a player so far. But being gifted, determined, and talented filled with God given abilities – the future for that player has unlimited potential. One player checking all the boxes on the sky is the limit football career while carrying a 3.8 GPA is Class of 2020 running back Draven Smith (6-1, 190).
Smith had a breakout season with Vilonia High School during the 2018 season putting opposing 5A teams on notice. In his first real season at tailback, Smith rolled teams for 792 yards off 113 totes with 15 scores going up on the board. Showing his all-purpose nature, he also pulled in 20 passes for 181 yards with another trip into the end zone and took back five kicks for 109 yards. When the season was completed, he had scored 18 touchdowns with four two-point conversions earning All-Conference and All-State honors. If that was not enough, he flashed even more of his athleticism on defense as a free safety putting an end to 28 plays with a fumble recovery.
In an RNG stylized Q&A interview, I sat down with one of the rising talents in Arkansas getting the inside scoop on his junior year, offseason workouts, and newly emerging recruiting opportunities.
Interview
Draven you had a fantastic season coming out of the Eagles backfield using your speed to scorch opposing 5A competition. What style of offense does Vilonia execute?
“It is even with passing and running attack out of the spread. We run to set up the pass downfield. If our running game is going well, we keep running until we have to pass.”
How are you used within the offense?
“My coaches try to get me to the outside where I can get full-speed. Once I am full-speed, no one can catch me. On sweeps, once I am full-speed, no one can touch me.”
At this point in your career, what do you feel are the strengths to your game as a running back?
“My cutting abilities and how I see the holes. My speed is a big strength.”
Agreed. How do you feel your game was taken to another level during your junior season?
“Our coach helped me a lot. I was a receiver during team camp and then he put me at running back. After that, he started working with me helping develop me. That is how it all developed. I liked playing running back. I am now dedicated to being a running back. I bought into it. Last season was my first real workload at running back at the varsity level.”
You played some defense last season as well, how did that go?
“I lined up at free safety, that was my main place on defense. It was fun. I like intercepting the ball and taking people down. My role was as a playmaker out there. My role was to not let anything get past me. It was fun.”
During the 2018 season, which game was your best?
“I would say the Huntsville game was my best.”
Why does that qualify as your best?
“I have five touchdowns and 332 yards rushing.”
That is definitely worthy of a top game. What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on running through the holes harder with balance and running through hits. Increasing my stamina is something I am working on hard this offseason.”
Where all might you line up on the field during the 2019 campaign?
“As of right now, all I know is running back and kick returner. I might play some defense. If I do, I will probably play safety again. I will go wherever they want me to go and I do whatever I can to help the team win games.”
I know your name is just now really starting to emerge along the recruiting trail. Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Arkansas and Ouachita Baptist.”
Do you play any other varsity sports for Vilonia?
“Yes, sir. I run track.”
Which events?
“The 200, 400, 4×4, triple, high, and long jump.”
Wow. You might be the Vilonia track team all by yourself. Which events last season were your best?
“I was All-State in 2018 in the 200, 400, and the jumps.”
Impressive. What was your best time in the 200?
“My best time in the 200 is 22.1.”
Nice. Last question. If a college coach reads this interview and wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete is he investing time and energy in with you?
“I am always checking my grades. If I am slipping in a class, I will address my grades immediately to get them back up. I help a lot of people. I work with Special Education kids to help them as much as I can. I love helping others.”
Draven, I appreciate your time today and wish you luck with the upcoming track season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Lana Wren Bell; No. 7 Draven Smith