Interview: 2023 Arkansas RB Darien Bennett is a Speeding Freight Train with Moves

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Like watching a dominating heavyweight fighter in the ring seeing an opening to powerfully exploit against his opponent with a knockout blow, Darien Bennett is that caliber of talent on the gridiron. At 6-1, 225-pounds, his game speed and burst leaves second level defenders in the dust, and if a poor defensive back or linebacker harbors dreams about taking one of the Natural State’s best down – forget about it. The combination of athletic talents and power for Bennett is a rarity out of the backfield.

After getting varsity reps with Parkview High School as a freshman, Bennett has come into his own with Jacksonville High School. Going off against Arkansas 5A Central foes, the Class of 2023 prospect has posted a seven-game stat line of 774 yards off 164 totes with 10 rushing scores. For the fanbase in-state, Arkansans missed a great showing seeing Bennett take on powerhouses Little Rock Christian and Pulaski Academy in back-to-back games due to team COVID protocols. The Titans now head into the postseason traveling to Batesville for the opening round of the playoffs with another opportunity to take on the best of the best.

As it should be, the Arkansas Razorbacks scouted their in-state talent way ahead of the curve delivering an offer to Bennett on May 28. To update us on his season and beginnings in the recruiting process, Bennett stopped by the RNG Lab.

Interview

Darien, rolling out of the backfield you are a freight train with speed. How would you describe your running style?

(Laughs) I’d say I’m like Marshawn Lynch. I like running people over.

Your speed coupled with your power may overshadow your quick feet and burst. How have you worked on your agility and change of direction to break off ankles on a cut?

I practice that every day, even walking through the house. I’m always doing footwork and ladder drills, even doing that through the house. In some way I am always coordinating that to my walk every day.

For the innocent bystanders at the grocery store, please do not bring that ability to run jokers over there.

(Laughs) Yes, sir.

Putting together the speed and power, what are all the aspects to your game that makes you so dangerous as a tailback?

I do have great hands. I have a couple of catches this year you can see on Twitter. As a running back, I am dangerous running and catching. What move I make depends on my blocking. I will run someone over or juke them, but it all depends on the blocking. I know where my guards are pulling, and I take all that into account with what I will do on each play.

What style of offense are you guys running this season?

We run a spread and some flex bone here and there.

Which game this season has been your best?

My personal best, I’d say my game verse Hamburg (won 44-39).

Why did you pick that contest?

I was delivering the blows letting my will be shown on everyone. I had two touchdowns off 22 carries for 175 yards.

Nice. Batesville is next in the playoffs for the Titans, what are you expecting from them?

I see they are a winning team. This will be a good matchup. I feel that we can beat them.

On May 28, you received your first offer coming from the Arkansas Razorbacks. Silly question, but was that moment like for you receiving your first not only from an SEC school but from an in-state program?

I was very excited. I am a diehard Hogs fan. It was a dream come true for me and my family.

From what you know, which schools are showing recruiting interest but have yet to offer?

I am not sure. College coaches cannot talk to me until my junior year.

Do you have any collegiate follows on Twitter?

Yes, I have the running back coach from Michigan State, UCA (Central Arkansas), and Buffalo just to name a few.

When recruits can take visits again in 2021, are there any programs you’d like to go see?

Yes, Arkansas. That is No. 1.

That’s a good note to end on. Darien, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the team success in the playoffs.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Bennett family; Darien Bennett