Interview: 2020 RB Donte Buckner is Ready to Lead White Hall to Arkansas 5A Championship
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Throughout the 2018 high school football season, Class of 2020 running back Donte Buckner proved he was among the best of the best in the state of Arkansas. The 6-0, 190-pound, back tore through 5A Arkansas competition for 1,964 yards with 18 touchdowns off 172 totes. His breakthrough season with White Hall High School has the attention of college coaches, all ready to see him duplicate his success with a few tweaks to his game. If the amount of offseason work Buckner has put into his game translates onto the field during his senior season, the sky is the limit on what he may do and just how far he may carry the Bulldogs in 2019.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Buckner going over his workouts with an update on his recruiting and a look ahead to the 2019 season.
*Click link for Feb. 5, 2019, RNG interview with Donte Buckner
Interview
Donte, we spoke back at the beginning of the spring after your standout 2018 season. Speed was a big thing you told me you wanted to work on throughout the offseason. How is that part of your game coming along?
“It has improved tremendously. My 40 time, my take off – all of it has improved.”
What is the best-timed run you’ve posted this offseason?
“My best 40-yard dash was a 4.5-flat I ran in practice. I have been working on my take off and driving my feet into the ground. I have also been working on strengthening my ankle support. I had an ankle sprain last season. It did not affect anything, but I have been working on building up strength in my ankles to avoid sprains this season.”
What other areas of your game as a running back have you been drilling down on this summer?
“Footwork. I have been trying to make sure my footwork is perfect.”
What about as a corner, what have you been working on there?
“I have not practiced as much at corner; they are probably playing me at safety this season. I will help out as needed. I have always liked defense. I love contact. I love coming downhill and hitting people. My footwork comes with that as well.”
Did you go to any camps this offseason?
“Yes. I went to several. I went to a Beast Mode Camp – a satellite camp with colleges from throughout Texas. That was big for me. I was cool with the way that one went being able to outdo everyone again. It was an invite only camp. I went there and show out. There was one other running back about my size that also stood out. I also went to the Opening Regional in Tennessee (Nashville). I did well there. I was told my game was unbelievable from other recruits. I know I am being overlooked.”
Nice transition into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Memphis, Louisiana Tech, and I just received a letter from Ole Miss yesterday. I am also receiving interest from Virginia Tech, UCA (Central Arkansas), FAU (Florida Atlantic), Arkansas State, UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), and TCU. Texas is showing interest after the Beast Mode Camp. Some of these schools had been in contact with me wanting me to go to their camps; I have not had the resources to go to all of these camps.”
What has been the feedback from the different coaches regarding your play on the field?
“Some have told me they wanted me to work on my speed and lowering my pad level. They all love my running style, but I did run high last season and I looked a little slow. But I have changed and improved my game. My pad level is as low as I can get. I have improved my agility, quickness, and being shifty – it has all improved. This season, I will put on a show.”
Did you take any visits this offseason?
“Yes. I took a visit to TCU.”
How did the TCU visit go?
“It was a good visit. We chilled. We tried on the jerseys and toured the facilities. They fed us some good pizza too.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take this fall?
“I may visit Arkansas and Texas. That may be in the middle or towards the end of the season.”
What is your mindset entering the 2019 season?
“I believe in myself and Jesus. I am keeping my head straight and focusing on my dreams. It will all come to me. This year is my year. Everyone will say where has this kid been? I am not the only Arkansas kid being overlooked. The coaches go to Texas and California, all the big states. They don’t recruit where we are down south. We need that recruiting. There are a lot of very talented guys that are not making it like they should. There is talent everywhere in Arkansas. I want to change that. There are dogs here. I can name off at least 20 kids right now that have that mentality and the talent to play college ball but are being overlooked.”
I completely agree. When the season kicks off, what goals are you set to accomplish during your senior year?
“My top goal is to be the best leader I can be for my team. I am leading by example, not just by my words. I want to take my team as far as I can and help them as much as they help me. I want to inspire other kids. They come up to me talking about my abilities; I tell them to be better than me. Another goal is, I want to deliver a state championship for the first time for my school.”
Last question. Which games are you already looking forward to playing?
“Last year I ran for 270 yards with four touchdowns against Sheridan. I want a 400-yard game against them this year. Over social media, some schools like Chapel Hill are talking, but I do not get into all of that. I am excited to face Pulaski Academy and (Little Rock) Christian (Academy) as well.”
Donte, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and look forward to seeing how your senior season turns out.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: @bigshotsportspm; No. 3 Donte Buckner in action (2018)
Photo credit: Buckner family; Donte Buckner on the sidelines (2018)