Interview: 3-Star 2021 Arkansas RB/ATH Tharon Davis Set to Commit on Thursday
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Throughout the 2019 season and on into the 2020 campaign, if there was a play needed for the Greyhounds, Tharon Davis has been there to make it happen. The 5-11, 175-pound, athlete has been a game changer as a running back/receiving threat and on defense as a corner. All that talent inside the three-star Class of 2021 recruit is about to be committed to one lucky college football program on Thursday.
As Newport High School put together a 10-3 season a year ago, Davis took aim on opposing Arkansas defenses toting the rock 68 times for 850 yards with 19 trips into the end zone while securing 30 passes for 646 yards with eight more scores going up on the board. He even threw for a touchdown on his way to posting 32 total scores. On defense, Davis constructed his island producing a sack, 28 tackles, and took away six passes. The team is back at it, and is one of the best in the Natural State, with an 8-0 record getting ready for a playoff run.
As the team gears up for a 3A state title run, Davis has big news coming on Thursday when he will announce his verbal commitment via Twitter. For an update on his season and recruiting process to date, Davis sat down for an RNG interview.
Interview
Tharon, I don’t know if it counted, I saw a flag fly, but you had an interception that you ended up returning for a touchdown last season. That play says so much about you as a player, fast, athletic, a playmaker, and full of heart and determination. How would you describe yourself both on and off the field?
As a hard worker who is always willing to get better.
How many pick-sixes did you have last season?
Two, but both were called back.
Your 2019 season was a full highlight reel, and on both sides of the ball. With your play on offense, when you ended the year what were your overall strengths?
At first, I was a speed back but I showed that I can catch and run every route now.
After six picks as a junior, what were the strengths to your game on defense other than being a ballhawk?
Being aggressive, reading my keys, and open-field tackling.
What did you work on this offseason with your skills on offense?
My footwork, routes, reading the linebackers, and being able to play every position.
And what about on defense?
Mainly my coverage and tackling. My coach would roll a wheel so I could get low on tackling.
Your speed really stands out on film. What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve put down?
Hand timed, a 4.3. At an Arkansas camp I ran a 4.4.
Wow. That is very impressive.
Thank you.
Going into the 2020 season, where are you lining up this year?
At running back, slot receiver, outside receiver and on defense at free safety and corner.
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements on defense?
My tackling and baiting the quarterback.
And where are you showing the positive changes on offense?
I am showing that I am not just a speed back. I am showing that I can lower my shoulder and get extra yards.
As a team, the Greyhounds are rolling with an 8-0 record after taking down Salem 51-14. What are the overall strengths to the team this season?
Our defense, we have the best defense in the state. On offense, we are rolling.
Harding Academy (5-1) hosts you guys on Friday, what kind of game can the fans expect in this one?
They can expect both teams scoring a lot. We both have high-powered offenses. It will be a dogfight.
After a 10-3 run in 2019, the team now knows what it takes for that next step. What do you guys need to do to keep the perfect season going all the way to hoisting the trophy?
We need to stay on the same page, keep on playing as a team, and keep doing our jobs.
Simple enough. Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have?
Nine.
Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and Memphis.
Davis’ Reported Offer Sheet: Akron, Memphis, Navy, North Alabama, and UAPB.
Which schools are showing interest?
Kansas, Florida State, and Baylor.
Did you take any virtual visits over the summer?
Yes, I visited Navy and South Dakota State.
At which position(s) are you being recruited to play?
Slot back, that’s the main.
Do you have a commitment date set?
Yes, I’m actually going to commit on Thursday.
Oh, wow. Are you going to put out a top schools list?
No.
At what time will you be committing?
At 1:30 p.m. (CT).
On what platform will you be announcing?
On Twitter.
For the school that will receive your commitment on Thursday, what do they have or what have they done to become your ideal fit?
They’ve always shown love since Day 1. Their coaches show love every day, calling me. It is just like a family with them.
Tharon, I appreciate your time today and I am excited to find out on Thursday which school you will be committing to.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Hudl/Twitter; No. 2 Tharon Davis in action
Navy???
We’ll find out on Thursday. Thanks for reading and supporting the kids! – RNG