Interview: Coconut Creek Safety Alexy Jean-Baptiste gives Update on Arkansas Visit

Written by Ryan Wright

On Thursday there was a fair amount of anticipation in Fayetteville with Coconut Creek safety Alexy Jean-Baptiste coming to town. The Arkansas Razorbacks have 11 verbal commitments to their 2016 recruiting class but Jean-Baptiste was one of the few who committed to the Hogs (June 16) site unseen.

Arkansas beat out some heavy competition for the prized safety. Jean-Baptiste is in the neighborhood of 30 offers with teams like Kentucky, Louisville, Maryland, Pitt, UCF, Wisconsin, Miami, North Carolina, South Florida, N.C. State, and Michigan State courting his services at the next level.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview I caught up with Alexy right after he left campus to get his immediate thoughts on his unofficial visit to Arkansas.

Interview
Got to ask the big question right off the bat, how did it go?

“It went great.”

What all did you do while taking your visit at Arkansas?

“I went around the campus. I visited around the campus and saw the football facilities.”

What did you think of Arkansas’ facilities?

“I liked it a lot, especially the weight room and the football field.”

Which coach did you meet with while you were there?

“Coach (Robb) Smith (defensive backs coach).”

How long did you meet with Coach Smith?

“We spent about 10 minutes together.”

What all did the two of you talk about?

“We talked positions, how the defense runs, and what he sees me playing.”

What does Coach Smith see you playing at Arkansas?

“As a Will backer (weakside linebacker).”

Are you cool with that instead of playing safety?

“Yes.”

Did you get to meet Coach (Bret) Bielema (head coach)?

“No, he wasn’t there.”

Did the visit secure your commitment to Arkansas?

“Yes.”

I know you’re doing a road trip to several different colleges with your friends. Who all are you traveling with on this trip?

“Destra Benoit (DB Coconut Creek – 2017), James Charles (RB St. Thomas Aquinas – 2016), and Derek Rousso (CB Pinecrest – 2017).”

Where are you off to next?

“Tennessee. We’re going to Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisville, and then go to Ole Miss.”

Kentucky and Louisville have offered you right?

“I’m just going there so my friends can camp there.”

I’m sure they’re going to talk to you though.

“(Laughs).”

Did you set a time for an official visit to Arkansas while you were there?

“Not yet, but I’m thinking about going to Texas Tech game.”

Was there anything else cool or unique about your trip to Fayetteville today?

“The mountains.”

Photo credit: Alexy Jean-Baptiste; No. 4 Alexy Jean-Baptiste
Photo credit: Alexy Jean-Baptiste; No. 28 James Charles