Interview: Opportunities in the Pocket Opening up Recruiting for 2019 Arkansas QB Taye Gatewood
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Being a leader on a football team is not easy, comes in many ways, and is something earned not taken. When Taye Gatewood takes the field for practice or a game, he brings with him a leadership quality and presence earned by years of hard work and putting Fort Smith Southside football first. Gatewood is not the guy making national headlines for throwing for 400 yards a game, he is the guy working hard within the team construct helping push the No. 13 ranked Mavericks towards the playoffs against Arkansas 7A competition.
The Mavericks are 4-4 on the season but have played and lost to two defending Arkansas state champs, Greenwood (6A) and North Little Rock (7A) – the No. 7 ranked team in the nation in 2017, and No. 2 Bryant and No. 3 Conway (MaxPreps). The wins have not been against cupcakes taking down Bentonville West, Rogers Heritage, Cabot, and Catholic High. Through the eight games, Gatewood has stood tall in the pocket connecting on 97 of 184 passes for 1,372 with 16 touchdowns tossed. The 6-0, 183-pound, dual-threat has also rushed for 572 yards with eight more scores going up on the board. After throwing for 2,773 yards with 26 touchdowns and rushing for 653 yards and 17 more scores as a junior, Gatewood’s attitude could be me-first, but that’s not what leaders do.
The hard work on the field coupled with his 3.8 cumulative GPA and 19 scored on the ACT has led to three offers and a lot of recruiting interest brewing for Gatewood. With two pivotal games left in the season for Southside and interest heating up on the recruiting trail, I sat down with Gatewood for an in-depth one-on-one interview.
Interview
Taye, the Mavericks have played a lot of the top teams in the state of Arkansas, how have those tough games helped you grow as a leader on the team?
“It has helped me grow a lot. It is getting us ready for the next level, a real test for us before for the playoffs. We will be ready once we get there.”
How have those challenging games helped you develop as a quarterback?
“It has helped me be a better leader through the ups and downs. As a leader, I keep motivating everyone to do their best. For me personally, it has made me go through my reads quicker. The guys on the top teams are faster and stronger. It has helped me see the field better and I am more aware in the pocket.”
Which areas of your game are the most improved this season?
“My accuracy. I am giving my guys the best chance to get the ball and make a play. I have been on time with my throws.”
Overall, what do you feel are the strengths of you game as a quarterback?
“My strengths are my passing and running abilities. Defenses have to scheme for us either way. Those two things are the best assets to my game.”
You guys get an athletic Central team on Friday, what are you expecting from their defense?
“I expect them to play their best. They have nothing to lose. I think they will come after us with blitzes and a bunch of different coverages. I think they will keep a QB spy on me and try to keep me in the pocket with pressure.”
After beating Catholic High, and with two regular season games left, what is the mood of the team in practice and in the locker room right now?
“The mood here is all serious, all business. We are focused on finishing strong. This Friday is our last home game, we want a win. We are focused on getting better each week.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you?
“I am receiving interest from UT (Texas)-Permian Basin, Arkansas State, Texas State, UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), Harding, Tulsa, Ouachita Baptist, and UCA (Central Arkansas).”
Which programs have extended offers?
“I have offers from East Central Oklahoma, Delta State, and Arkansas Tech.”
Which schools have you visited so far?
“I took an unofficial last weekend to Arkansas Tech and I have taken one to Arkansas.”
How did the Arkansas Tech visit go?
“It was a good one. I talked to the coaches, toured the campus, saw the weight room, met the players, and got to go on the field. It was a good visit.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I am planning on visiting Arkansas State, Texas State, and Tulsa in November.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your game?
“They tell me that they like the way I handle myself, my seriousness, how I do not force plays, the use of my legs, and they like my arm.”
For the college coaches out there that may not be familiar with you and reading this, what type of student-athlete is Taye Gatewood?
“I am a great student-athlete. I take everything serous. My goal is to be the best I can be and lead my teammates on and off the field. I bring a winning attitude to everything I do.”
Last question. Halloween is coming up, what are you doing to celebrate the holiday?
“I will probably dress up and go out with teammates to get candy.”
What do you plan on dressing up as if you go out?
“Probably a football player or pick up something cool along the way.”
Taye, great getting to talk to you today, I appreciate your time. Good luck against Central.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 5 Taye Gatewood vs. Catholic High (2017)
Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Taye Gatewood
