Interview: Recruiting Stock Soaring for Manvel 2016 RB D’Vaughn Pennamon as NSD Approaches

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Just about everything possible has been going D’Vaughn Pennamon’s way in 2015. The Mavericks posted an 11-3 record making the fourth round of the Texas High School Playoffs before falling to the Katy Tigers 35-17. As Manvel roared through their season losing their two regular season games by a total of six points (Westfield 29-26 and Pearland 27-24), Pennamon was there every step of the way putting up career best numbers dazzling fans, opposing defensive coordinators, and college recruiters.

Over 20-plus different college coaches see all the potential in the world in Pennamon and that attraction to talent, like a month to a flame, is heating up as National Signing Day draws closer. All the teams needing a running back with Pennamon’s skill set are playing second fiddle to Ole Miss. The Rebels got on Pennamon early and have not let up since his verbal commitment on July 21. That has not stopped teams like Arkansas, UCLA, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Missouri, Houston, Oklahoma State, Florida, Nebraska, Washington State, and Boston College from dropping offers.

Down the back stretch of the recruiting season, Arkansas, Houston, and Alabama are pushing the hardest to try to land the 5’10”, 220 pound, All-District back who rushed for 1,586 yards with 24 touchdowns and had 25 receptions for 195 yards with another three scores during his senior season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with D’Vaughn to get his thoughts on the Mavericks deep run into the Texas playoffs, why he verbally committed to Ole Miss, and how all the teams are recruiting him trying to flip him away from the Rebels.

Interview

D’Vaughn, first, you guys had such a great season. I hate talking to guys right after a tough loss but congratulations on the season that you and the team posted.

“Thank you.”

Will you give us a rundown on how the semifinal game against Katy went?

“As a team, our defense played a good game. On offense we made some mistakes and could have done things better. I’m not tripping. As an individual I had a good game. It was not my best game but I had a pretty good game. I’m not too mad but I’m good now.”

How many yards from scrimmage did you end up with in the game?

“I don’t know. I think I had five carries for 54 yards. I think I also had two receptions for 10 or 17 yards, not sure.”

Wait, you only had five carries in the playoff game?

“Yes.”

Okay, I see. Moving along. How did the season from start to finish go for you? Would you consider your senior year a success?

“Yeah. It was my best year stat wise. I kept my yards per average up and added more yards on more carries. It was one of my better years. I was happy with how I played this season.”

What are some of the things that you do so well as a running back that makes you a productive player?

“One thing is keeping my feet moving on contact. I’m really good at one-step cut and getting downhill fast. I feel like that’s what makes me so good especially my one-cut ability.”

What was the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted at a camp?

“My best was a 4.5. My best unofficial was a 4.47.”

Which game was your best this season and why?

“Our second playoff game against Clear Creek (League City, won 70-56). That was one of my most productive games and one of my best games. I had 23 carries for 365 yards and five touchdowns. I had some key blocks to spring other players for big gains too.”

Have any of the all-star teams been listed for your area yet?

“Right now all I know is I made first-team All-District.”

Changing over to recruiting, what influenced you to commit to Ole Miss?

“I really like their coaching staff. That really caught me. They’re like my coaching staff and I like my coaching staff and that drew me in. When I went there on my unofficial, it felt like family there. I’m really big on family. That goes a long way with me.”

Which teams are coming at you hard right now trying to flip you away from Ole Miss?

“The teams that I’d say are trying the hardest are Arkansas, U of H (Houston), and Alabama.”

Have you taken visits to Arkansas, Houston, or Alabama yet?

“I took an official on the 31st to Arkansas. On Jan. 22 I’m taking an official to Alabama but I do not have an official set up with U of H.”

How did your official to Arkansas go?

“It went really well. I met up with some players there that I knew, Taiwan Johnson (DT) and Denzell Evans (RB). I went to school with Taiwan and I knew Denzel. I also hooked up with Willy Sykes (FS), we ran track against one another when he was in high school.”

You just had an in-home visit with Arkansas, how did that go?

“It went well. We played games, played some Madden, and talked about the school. It was not about recruiting but more about hanging out. It was a really good in-home visit.”

Which Arkansas coach came down?

“Coach (Jemal) Singleton (running backs coach).”

How has Coach Singleton talked to you about your skill set fitting in at Arkansas?

“He tells me that I would have an opportunity to play as a freshman because they might lose Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams.”

What about at Ole Miss?

“They have told me I’d be able to come in and play early there as well.”

With all of these schools coming at you, there is a lot of pressure about changing course. Are you thinking of flipping from Ole Miss to another school?

“I don’t know. I don’t know how it’s going to go. Right now I’m decided on Ole Miss but you never know. If anything happens with the coaching staff things could change. If anything bad happens then I would decommit. We’ll see how everything goes from here until signing day.”

When do you take your official to Ole Miss?

“Jan. 29.”

What are you looking for during your trip to Oxford?

“I’m looking to have a good time. I’ve seen everything. I’ve seen the campus. I’ve done the academic and athletic facility tours. I want to see how much I like it and how I fit in with everyone.”

Is there an NFL or college player you model your game after?

“I used to watch Marshawn Lynch (Seattle Seahawks) a lot. He was one of my favorites. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers), he is my all-time favorite.”

You mentioned running track earlier. Will you run track again this year?

“Yes. We won state last year and we’re looking to do it again this year.”

Which events do you participate in with track?

“The 4×1, 4×4, triple-jump, and 4×2.”

Which is your best event?

“The 4×4 or the triple jump.”

What is the farthest you’ve jumped on the triple-jump?

“49.5.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My oldest brother (Antwaun Evans). He played football. He is the reason I play now. He taught me about the game and has helped me along the way.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I really like the crowd and the rush it gives me.”

Are you playing in any all-star games coming up?

“I’m playing in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.”

Are you getting excited about showcasing your skills on a national stage?

“I am. It’s another opportunity to have one last high school game. I’m looking forward to the game and practicing with all of the guys.”

D’Vaughn, thanks for your time today and good luck at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: scout.com; No. 21 D’Vaughn Pennamon.

Photo credit: therebelwalk.com; No. 21 D’Vaughn Pennamon leaps over a tackler.

Photo credit: houstonchronicle.com; D’Vaughn breaks free for a touchdown.