Interview: Rummel LB/SS Derrick Munson is Handing Out Backside Grass Stains All the Way to Arkansas Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Since 2014, the Archbishop Rummel playing fields have seemingly been a direct path to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Class of 2014 members defensive back Henre’ Toliver and linebacker Dwayne Eugene made their way to Fayetteville and defensive tackle Briston Guidry, in the 2016 haul, is a current verbal commit. The Razorbacks are in the running for another 2016 prized recruit, 5-star cornerback Kristian Fulton, fighting against Florida and LSU for his National Signing Day letter of intent.

The in-roads to Rummel for Arkansas are proving fruitful yet again already picking up a verbal commitment from Class of 2017 safety/outside linebacker Derrick Munson. Munson is the first commitment for the Hogs in next year’s class and if his pledge is any indicator of the type of class Arkansas could sign – watch out! Munson is a true gamer.

The 6’0”, 195 pound, talent is a fantastic playmaker able to lineup at strong safety or outside linebacker making his presence felt on the field. Listed with a 4.6 time in the 40-yard dash, his closing speed appears much faster. Munson is quick to breakdown a play and quick to take out the leg(s) of any ball carrier, wide receiver, running back, quarterback, or otherwise. Munson is a highlight reel unto himself going low to flip a guy or going perhaps a little too high sending a signal resulting in alligator arms for opposing Louisiana receivers next time on a route.

All the high praise is backed by results and similar third-party opinions. During Munson’s junior campaign, he switched from safety to linebacker coming up with a team-high 158 tackles, with 21 tackles for a loss, six sacks, and two picks. Munson was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year on The New Orleans Advocate’s All Metro Team helping lead the Raiders to back-to-back 11-2 seasons picking up a state championship in 2014 and falling 31-28 in the championship game to Catholic B.R. in 2015.

Arkansas jumped on Munson quickly getting his verbal commitment on Jan. 29. Offers from Nicholls and Louisville have come in but interest is mounting, and will continue to do so. Teams looking at the Metairie area native includes Houston, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, and Tulane.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Munson after his commitment to Arkansas to get his thoughts on the Hogs and find out a little bit more about the Louisiana talent who is handing out backside grass stains left and right to opposing high school offenses.

Interview

Derrick, Rummel had another great season in 2015 and your play on the field stood out among all the upperclassmen talents. Looking back, were you pleased with your play on the field during your junior season?

“At first I was like I’m not doing it. I didn’t want to be that close to the ball and the line of scrimmage, I like dropping back in coverage. But in high school they run the ball a lot and my team needed me at linebacker. Playing safety, I liked being deep and coming down hill for the big hit. Now I like that closeness to the line and being able to make a play in the backfield.”

Were you pleased with the overall success the team had in 2015?

“I was pleased with our success but I’m upset that we could not finish out that last game with a win.”

You racked up 158 tackles with 21 tackles for a loss during your first season playing linebacker. How was your progression through the season from the first couple of games to the end of the season?

“It was crazy at first. I was having trouble reading certain keys so I was just trying to blow everything up.”

Did you start picking up how to read the plays better over the season?

“Yes sir.”

What have you been working on in the offseason to ensure a successful senior season?

“My focus has been on reading my keys before the play happens. The small keys will tell you what they are doing. I’ve been working on adjusting quickly and getting to my spot.”

Have you been watching a lot of film to help you recognize those keys?

“Yes sir.”

You play bigger than your current size at 6-foot, 195. What is your bench press and squat max?

“I have not maxed out since last summer, before my junior season. The last max I had in bench was 295 and in squat it was 420.”

You’re going to be a monster.

(Laughs) “Thank you.”

How did your commitment to Arkansas come about?

“They’ve been in contact with me for a while and watching me for a while. I’ve talked to Coach (Robb) Smith (defensive coordinator) and Coach B. (head coach Bret Bielema). I’m excited to go up to see the campus for myself.”

When do you plan on visiting Arkansas?

“Sometime in the spring. I think I will be there for the spring game.”

You have a couple of teammates that have visited the Razorbacks campus and that have strong ties to Arkansas. What have they told you about the Razorbacks that helped you with your commitment?

“They said everywhere you go up there Arkansas fans are around you. Flags flying, people wearing hats and shirts. Everyone knew him everywhere he went when he was up there. He said the campus is nice and everything too.”

Who said that to you, Guidry and Fulton or just one of them?

“Both of them.”

Derrick, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your offseason workouts and I hope your visit to Arkansas for the spring game goes well.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 9 Derrick Munson leads the Raiders onto the field.

Photo credit: nola.com; Munson forces a fumble.