Interview: Parade All-American QB Austin Ledbetter Heading to Razorbacks on Baseball Scholarship
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When the Arkansas Razorbacks start their college football games in the fall, when the announcers on ESPN and the SEC Network talk about the top field generals on campus for the Hogs, Austin Ledbetter’s name may be omitted… or might it be included? The Class of 2021 standout on the gridiron is also a beast on the diamond earning a scholarship offer from the Razorbacks in ninth grade; an offer that was committed to on the spot. His legacy as a two-sport collegiate athlete hangs on the decision of head coach Sam Pittman.
During the 2020 Arkansas high school football season, the Bryant Hornets were once again the toast of the Natural State. The team rolled to a 13-0 record taking home their third consecutive 7A state championship. Guiding the offense was Ledbetter. The 6-1, 190-pound, dual-threat dazzled with his arm strength connecting on 161 of 252 passes for 2,926 yards with 42 touchdowns against just five interceptions. Stretching defenses with his legs, Ledbetter added to his stat line with 152 yards off 24 totes with two more scores posted on the board.
All the honors seemingly possible came to Ledbetter including the coaches’ All-State, All-Preps Player of the Year, and Parade All-American among others. Scholarship offers to continue playing football came to Ledbetter along with interest from programs like Mississippi State, LSU, Kentucky, Memphis, and Yale, but nothing was going to shake his stance on wanting to play baseball for the Razorbacks in college. Seeing Ledbetter sling the pigskin around in college all hinges on a decision by Coach Pittman this spring or summer.
For an update on his baseball season while covering ground on his abilities on the gridiron, Ledbetter sat down for an in-depth RNG conversation.
Interview
Austin, there is no better way to wrap up one’s playing career on the gridiron than hoisting the state championship trophy. When the clock started winding down on the eventual 27-17 win over North Little Rock for 7A championship, what was that moment like for you?
It hit me that my football career was over. I feel that I left a legacy, we have won three in a row. It felt really good, but all good things come to an end. It was hard, but it was also great celebrating with my coaches, teammates, and the fans. For me, it meant a lot to bring three in a row home to Bryant.
There is no disputing how prolific you were during the season throwing for 2,926 yards with 42 touchdowns against just five interceptions. What was clicking for you within the Hornets attack leading to the big year?
When we had COVID going on, I’d get a couple of my teammates working on plays. We cared and wanted to win. We came together and played as a team this season. My receivers picked me up and I trusted my offensive line; they were great giving up only three sacks all season, and they were young. It was a great experience. Our coaches pushed us making sure we were doing the right things at all time. We were the ultimate team playing well with each other.
You are also a standout on the diamond. Which positions are you playing for the Hornets in baseball?
Shortstop, third, and I pitch.
Which position is your primary spot?
I am listed as third baseman but I have been playing a lot of shortstop this year. I am going to Arkansas as a two-way player for pitching and in the field.
What are you hitting on the gun?
94 miles per hour.
Dang. I’m guessing you are seeing a lot of late swings on that heat. Which pitches do you throw?
I have four-seam, a two-seam, a cutter, curveball, and change.
How is the season going for you personally so far?
I am doing really well. I have pitched nine innings with a .77 ERA. I have 15 strikeouts and I am batting .380.
And for the team?
We are doing really well. MaxPreps has us No. 19 in the country. We are 14-1 right now and No. 1 in state and in our conference.
Being this two-sport standout, what was the process for you picking between football and baseball?
I played football and baseball all my life. I committed as a freshman to Arkansas. Two of my cousins played there and I have always gone to their games. Arkansas is a great program, the best in the country in my opinion. That is what I wanted to play there. Long term, baseball is my thing. I didn’t know what I would be in football in the ninth grade but I knew I wanted to play baseball.
On Nov. 11, 2020, you officially became an Arkansas Razorback signing your Letter of Intent. How did the Hogs’ coaching staff grow that relationship leading to you signing with Arkansas for baseball?
I have always had a great connection with their staff. I have gone on a couple of visits there. Coach Dave Van Horn coached my cousins; they told me what to expect from him. I love the staff up there. They get you better. Their staff is the best at developing and getting guys where they need to be. It will be great playing for those guys.
Is there any talk about being a two-sport athlete once you are on campus?
Yes, there is. It is up to Coach Pittman at this point. I would love to play both. It would be a great opportunity; one I would excel at it and feel I could win a spot in a couple of years. It would be fun and exciting. With my work ethic, I know I can do it. Wanting to win and bringing a winning mentality, it would be awesome to play football at Arkansas.
The Hogs get UALR this week. Any buzz in central Arkansas on this matchup in baseball?
No, not really. I think it will a great matchup. UALR has a great team, I think Arkansas will get them. They can swing it and they have arms. I think Arkansas will win that series.
Are you helping recruit other players to Fayetteville? If so, what is your pitch?
I talk to guys all the time but I don’t really recruit them. If I were to give them a pitch, I’d tell them that they will develop you to be a Major League Baseball player and a great human being. The atmosphere at Baum (Stadium) is unlike any other. I am not sure why someone would not want to come play for the Razorbacks.
Austin, it was great getting time in with you today covering both football and baseball. Wishing you and the Hornets success the rest of the way on the diamond this spring.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Ledbetter family; Austin Ledbetter