Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arkansas LB Marco Avant Talks Season and Memphis Visit
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the 2018 Arkansas football season had ended, Class of 2021 linebacker Marco Avant had proven he was a next level talent. The question that lingered, just how good can he be with hard work put into his game? The 6-2, 205-pound, defender earned 5A East All-Conference honors after coming up with 67 stops, six tackles for a loss, four sacks, two QB hurries, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and broke up one pass. Avant has lived up to his billing this offseason going on an impressive college camp circuit over the summer to work on his game learning from the best of the best. The Forrest City talent has boosted his recruiting stock in the process earning a three-star ranking and scholarship offers from Campbell, Memphis, Southern Miss, Texas Southern, and Tulane. The time put in is already paying off with a 20-tackle performance in the Mustangs’ season opener.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Avant after his weekend visit to Memphis for the Ole Miss game for an update on all that he has going on.
*Click link for May 25, 2019, RNG interview with Marco Avant
Interview
Marco, how did your offseason workouts go?
“They were good. I got a chance to compete against top players in the nation at camps in Houston, Texas A&M, a Memphis Mega camp, Arkansas, Arkansas State, and Southern Miss.”
Of all the camps, which was your best?
“I would say the Southern Miss camp.”
What did you do well at that camp to make it your best one?
“I covered well in one-on-ones and my footwork was tighter at that camp. It was at the end of the summer and the last camp I attended. I had time to work on my technique more after each camp.”
Nice. What were some of the things you learned at the camps that will help you going forward?
“I learned that you don’t have to be the biggest or fastest, you just have to have the right technique. Technique is what the coaches are looking for and technique will get you in position to make plays.”
You touched on this a minute ago. Improving your cover skills was a priority when we spoke last, which other parts of your game did you hone in on over the summer?
“Making the right read steps and crashing down on the backside against the run.”
With all the work put into your game, where are you seeing the biggest improvements already?
“I am seeing improvements against the run. I am better at dissecting the run game.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“Purdue is messaging me. They are officially recruiting me, so is Vanderbilt. Those are the two I can think of off the top of my head.”
Separate from the camps, did you take any visits this summer?
“Yes. I visited Texas Southern, one of the schools that offered me, A&M and Memphis.”
How did the Texas Southern visit turn out?
“It was good. They made me feel like family. I felt at home there.”
And A&M, how did that go?
“It was good. I like their facilities. Everything is up to date there.”
What about the Memphis visit?
“It was good. I met with Coach (Adam) Fuller (DC). I met all the coaches on that visit. I was just there over the weekend for the Ole Miss game.”
That was a good game to go for a visit. What did you think after the visit?
“It was a good visit. I saw their defense; their defense is strong. It was tough for an SEC team to score on them.”
Turning back to football. The Mustangs opened the season with a big 42-34 win over Star City. How did the team look overall in the win?
“We showed a good fight. Our back was against the ropes in that one; we were down 21-0, but we fought back hard.”
How did the game go for you?
“It went great. I had around 20 tackles.”
Nice. What are some of the other big games on the schedule for you guys going forward?
“Central-Helena (Sept. 20), Wynne (Nov. 1), and Nettleton (Oct. 25).”
What goals have you set for the 2019 season?
“I want to earn All-State and my second All-Conference honors. I want to lead my team to playoffs and to a state championship.”
Marco, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Mustangs success this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Avant family; Marco Avant at school and at Memphis (right)