Interview: Damarea Crockett update after Arkansas unofficial visit

Recruiting efforts are heating up across the country for Little Rock Christian tailback Damarea Crockett. The 5’11”, 205 pound, speedster has shown is abilities on the field rushing for over 1,250 yards with 16 touchdowns as a junior and has further impressed off the field leading the country with a Nike SPARQ score of 128.22 and 124.62.

Colleges have already started knocking down the Class of 2016 recruit’s front door with Memphis, Arkansas State, Colorado State, Boise State, Vanderbilt, Yale, and Arizona State extending offers. One of the programs showing heavy interest in Crockett is the University of Arkansas.

The Razorbacks hosted Crockett on an unofficial visit on Saturday. Over the weekend two fellow Class of 2016 recruits verbally committed to the Hogs, New Orleans area defensive tackle Briston Guidry and Crockett’s friend, Pulaski Robinson running back/receiver T.J. Hammonds.

Crockett took some time to answer a few questions after his weekend visit to Fayetteville updating us on his visit with the Hogs, his ongoing recruitment, and Hammond’s commitment to Arkansas.

Damarea, you just wrapped up an unofficial visit to Arkansas. How did the trip go for you?

“The trip went good. I saw Fayetteville, talked to coaches, watched practice, and went to the running backs’ meeting. It was a good trip overall.”

Getting to meet and talk with all of the coaches, what was your impression of the Arkansas coaching staff?

“It was good. It was nice to get to see what they thought of me and know their recruiting process with me. They asked questions and I let them know what need to know.”

What did the coaches say to you about your recruiting process?

“They told me that they’ve watched my film, Coach B (Bret Bielema) invited me to a camp so they can see me in action. The running backs coach (Jemal Singleton) wants to work with me. They’ll be down to watch me play a couple of times, and they’re coming down on Wednesday to meet with me again.”

What was your overall feeling after your visit at Arkansas this weekend?

“Excited.”

After taking in an Arkansas practice what were your impressions of the coaching staff and how practice was conducted?

“The coaches were great. I noticed during the scrimmage they’re spreading the ball out more but still running a lot. The defense was really good.”

Do you see yourself fitting in with the new offense under offensive coordinator Dan Enos?

“I see myself fitting in, but I also see myself fitting in with most offenses in college football.”

You and T.J. Hammonds are friends, what was it like being there when your friend committed to the Hogs?

“I wasn’t in the room when he did but right I was with him right after he did it. It was good watching him make a big decision. I feel like he did a good thing.”

Did he tell you beforehand that he was going to commit?

“He told me he was thinking about it.”

Do you have a time frame when you may verbally commit?

“I’m hoping to commit soon. I’m going to start narrowing down my list by the end of July and commit by the end of September or early October.”

Do you know what school you may unofficially or officially visit next?

“No clue where I am going next.”

Which schools are asking for you to come visit their campus?

“Washington, Boise State, Arizona State, Texas A&M, Arkansas State, Louisville, and Bama.”

 

Written by Ryan Wright