Interview: Speedy 2019 Arkansas WR DeMarcus Yancy Focused on Breakthrough Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One thing that cannot be taught on the gridiron is God given elite breakaway speed. To have true speed on the field is a gift, and one few really possess – DeMarcus Yancy has it. The Class of 2019 speedster plays receiver and running back and some at quarterback and cornerback for Central High School. When the 2017 season had ended, the 5-11, 185-pound, athlete had secured 29 passes for 498 yards with five trips to the end zone. Outside of a few regional college programs, few have heard of Yancy or his 4.43 hand-held timed 40-yard dash, but all of that should change by the end of the 2018 season.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the overlooked gems in the Natural State’s 2019 class to learn more about his game with a look ahead to the Tigers 2018 schedule.
Interview
DeMarcus, how have your offseason workouts gone?
“They have been decent. I have been working all summer. I can see the work in progress.”
Where all will you play on the field in 2018?
“I am playing receiver, running back, and quarterback this season on offense. I might play some at corner too.”
Are you excited about playing corner this year?
“Yes, sir.”
A big part of your game is your speed, how fast are you?
“The last camp I went to I ran a 4.43.”
Wow. Which camp did you post a 4.43?
“At OBU (Ouachita Baptist).”
What are some of the other strengths to your game as a receiver?
“I am a possession receiver, I can make the tough catches. I have good instincts and good field vision. I trust my instincts to make moves and gain yards.”
What have you been working on throughout fall camp with the Tigers?
“My mental toughness with our conditioning. I go to a trainer for my speed and agility. On Saturdays, I go to a trainer, JJ Meadors, for route running, footwork, and work on my hands.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game in camp?
“My breakaway speed. My ability to get away from a defender has jumped to another level compared to when I first started out.”
For the fans that have not attended a Tigers practice, what are the practices like?
“Offense vs. defense – everything is live and very competitive. We work each other out to get better. There are no off days. We get at it as a unit.”
The time has finally come to kickoff the season with West Memphis on Tuesday, are you pumped?
“Yes, sir. I am happy.”
What kind of game are you expecting from the Blue Devils?
“They are a tough team to play. They beat us last year. We have to rely on our coaching, believe in our coaching, and pull it through. We feel well prepared.”
What is the mindset of the team during fall camp ahead of the 2018 season?
“We are the champions, that is our motto.” Win or lose, we will keep our head up and give it all we got.”
What games are you excited to play this season?
“I am looking forward to playing North Little Rock, they are the defending state champions. Bryant – everyone is pumping them up. I’d like for us to be the team to bring them down.”
What are your goals for the 2018 season?
“My goals are 15 or more touchdowns, over 1,000 receiving yards, and a lot of rushing yards.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Ouachita Baptist, Southern Mississippi, UCA (Central Arkansas), and Henderson State.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this offseason?
“Yes, sir. I went to Fayetteville (Razorbacks).”
How did the Arkansas visit go?
“It went well. I liked it.”
Do you compete in any other sports for Central?
“Yes, sir. I run track. This year I am looking to go out with a bang, I am trying out for baseball and basketball.”
With track, which events did you compete in during the spring season?
“I competed in the 400, 4×4, high jump, long jump, and triple jump.”
Wow. Of them all, which is your best event?
“I have two, the triple jump and long jump. I went to state in both.”
DeMarcus, thanks for your time today and good luck on Tuesday against West Memphis.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: Central High School; DeMarcus Yancy in action