Interview: 3-Star 2021 Razorbacks LB Commit Marco Avant Talks Football and Bond with Arkansas
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are great reasons Class of 2021 linebacker Marco Avant is on his way to playing Power 5 Conference football – the kid can play. The 6-3, 215-pound, defender earned his three-star stripes with Forrest City High School over the last two seasons combining for 150 tackles, 93 solo, 18 tackles for a loss, five QB hurries, and two interceptions in his sophomore and junior campaigns. The action on the field for Avant has moved from 5A Arkansas competition to 6A with Jonesboro High School (4-2), and the results are even better. Avant is heading hunting dropping the competition where they once stood showing all why he amassed double-digit offers and is an Arkansas Razorbacks’ verbal commitment.
In an RNG update interview, Avant shares how his senior season has started off and how his bond with the Hogs’ coaching staff continues to grow.
*Click link for Marco Avant’s RNG Arkansas commitment interview
Interview
Marco, from the outside looking in, life seems to be going great for you. The Hogs are looking great under first-year head coach Sam Pittman and the Hurricane are on a three-game winning streak. Beyond football, how is everything going for you?
Everything is going great; my family is doing well. My family is staying away from the virus.
That’s good news. On the field, you guys just took care of West Memphis 38-13 on the road. How is the team looking before welcoming Searcy (4-3)?
I feel like the team is heading in the right direction. We are finding our stride and ready to make a playoff push.
With the new team, you are playing inside linebacker in a 4-2 base defense. How are you adapting to the new team and the scheme?
I have adapted well. Coach George, he’s the defensive coordinator, he knows how to get me in the right position to make plays.
What are your responsibilities within the scheme?
My responsibilities are as a run stopper. If it is a pass, I get underneath the two or three receiver.
Your pursuit to the ball looks great and you are hitting like you are out for blood. What are some of the other key attributes you are bringing to the Hurricane defense this season?
(Laughs) My attributes are my leadership, hustle, effort, and will to win.
From a year ago to now, where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game?
My hit on contact. I am driving through and finishing better.
Which game this season has been your best, and why did you pick that game?
My best game was against Pine Bluff. I set the tone for my teammates and got after it. I think I had 13 tackles, a forced fumble, and two tackles for a loss.
Back in April (4-3-20) you verbally committed to the Hogs, how are you keeping up the bond with defensive coordinator Barry Odom and the Arkansas staff?
The connection is great. We text each other before and after every game. They text me before my game and let me know they are watching the game on YouTube or Hudl. After their games, I text them. They keep telling me they cannot wait to have me up here to be part of everything.
Are you helping with recruiting?
Before the season started, I was. But since the season started I have been focused on our season. The recruits that have committed, we are in a group chat. We talk about the Arkansas game as it is going on.
Arkansas linebackers Bumper Pool and Grant Morgan are putting on a show in the box for the Hogs. How are you seeing your skills translate to what they are doing this season?
My skills, I feel like I can really help the team out. I run sideline to sideline making plays, and that is what they are doing. Morgan just had a 19-tackle game and I think Pool had 19- or 20-tackle game a couple of games ago. I am excited to be apart of their defense.
Marco, always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and wish you and the team success this week against Searcy.
Thank you.
Avant’s Reported Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Campbell, Houston, Illinois State, Kansas, Liberty, Louisiana, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis, Southern Miss, Texas Southern, and Tulane
Photo credit: Justin Cook/Avant family; Marco Avant