Interview: Highly Productive 3-Star 2019 Arkansas LB Darin Davenport is Back to Smashing 7A Running Backs

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Injuries on the gridiron are an unfortunate part of the game that every player has to deal with at one time or another and to one degree or another. At the high school level, college coaches along the recruiting trail seem to back off from rising talents after an injury, another unfortunate part of the game. That thought process with Class of 2019 recruit Darin Davenport is a big mistake for a lot of programs seeking a thumping linebacker on their roster.

Davenport was a beast in the box for Fort Smith Southside (AR) during his sophomore year earning All-Conference honors. A knee injury kept him off the field in 2017 just when college coaches were ready to see how he would up his game after a 64-tackle season with two sacks, a pick, and a fumble recovery. Those coaches are now seeing what the 6-2, 222-pound, linebacker can do with his growing knowledge of the game and increased physical strength. He has helped the Mavericks to a 4-4 start coming up with 98 tackles, 37 solo, two tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles in just eight games against 7A competition, and he is flying around the field like the knee injury never occurred.

In a Recruiting News Guru catch-up interview, I sat down with Davenport to find out how his senior campaign is going with an update on his recruiting process.

*Click link for June 13, 2018, RNG interview with Darin Davenport

Interview

Darin, the Mavericks have seemingly played every other tough team in the state of Arkansas this season. How have all the big showdowns helped bring the team together this year?

“I think it has brought us together because we know we are facing tough teams. We like the challenge and we are ready for it.”

I’m assuming a lot of college coaches have questions about your mobility after your surgery, how does your knee feel now and are you experiencing any changes in your overall game since your return?

“It feels great. It has not bothered me at all. It has been a miracle from God. I think I am better than before, I know I am faster and stronger. I am proud of myself for how I have handled this situation.”

How has your game improved this season as a linebacker?

“I am doing a better job of reading my keys and with my play recognition. My drop back into coverage has improved. We changed our defense. Our new defensive coordinator has taught me how to cover even better. I am keeping my head on a swivel on passing plays. My open field tackling has improved; I am chopping at the legs and bringing guys down.”

What is an example of your senior leadership on the team this season?

“We have a sophomore linebacker who is starting. I have been working with him this season teaching him the ropes. Working with him has helped me become a better leader on the team.”

Which game has been your best this season and why do you consider that game to be your best?

“Last week against Catholic High, I had 19 tackles in a rainy game – it was pouring rain. I did a great job of staying in my gap and making plays against one of the best backs in the state (Samy Johnson). The last two times we played against him he had over 200 yards in each game. We kept him to 120 on Friday.”

Samy Johnson is a very talented back. Is he as tough to tackle as it looks?

“You have to hit him low, he is a strong back.”

You guys get Central this Friday at home, what will their offense bring to the field to challenge you guys?

“They have a good running back as well. He is like Samy, quick and shifty. They have a good receiver as well. We have to stop the run and cover screens to shut them down.”

That’s the last home game of the regular season for you. What will that last game be like for you?

“It will be tough. It might bring some tears to my eyes. Senior Night, it will be emotional for all of us.”

The team closes out with a very tough Fort Smith Northside squad on Nov. 2. I know you guys are not supposed to look ahead, but can you give the readers an insight on how big of a rivalry game it is going up against the Grizzlies?

“Oh man. That game is huge for us. That is the game of the year. Winning that game gives bragging rights across the city for a year. It hits you right in the heart if you lose. No one like losing, but losing this one is even tougher.”

Since your return on the field, which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered?

“Pitt State, Arkansas, Southwest Oklahoma State, Arkansas Tech, and Missouri State are all showing interest.”

Which schools have offered you?

“Harding and OBU (Ouachita Baptist).”

Have you visited any schools over the past couple of months?

“I have taken unofficial visits to Harding, OBU, and Arkansas.”

I have to ask about the Arkansas visit. How did that go?

“That was a great visit. We got to go through the new part of the stadium. I got to talk to Trey Flowers (New England Patriots) and Deatrich Wise (New England Patriots); that was great. It was fun being there for the Alabama.”

How did the Harding visit go?

“That was a great unofficial visit as well. We had lunch with the coaches and they gave us a tour of the stadium and locker room. They played Northwest Oklahoma State, and they won. That was a fun visit.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming you may take?

“I may take a visit to Missouri State, Pitt State, and Arkansas Tech.”

Last question. For college coaches finding out about you late in the recruiting process, what type of student-athlete is Darin Davenport?

“I’m a dedicated student on and off the field. I am a perfect fit for any program. Coming off an injury, I am doing the best that I have ever done. I think my comeback shows I am dedicated to do my best and the type of person that I am.”

Darin, great catching up with you today. Good luck with the final two games of the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credits: Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette; No. 23 Darin Davenport