Midseason and Recruiting Update Interview with 3-Star 2019 ATH Derrick Wise

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Derrick Wise Jr., one of the top all-around athletes in the nation, is back at it carving up opposing 7A Arkansas talent. The Class of 2019 talent can play just about any skill position required, and on either side of the ball, but out of team need lines up at quarterback for Fort Smith Northside, and with great results. A snap shot of his prolific ways that spans across his senior season as a whole, on Friday, he lit up Catholic High School in about 2.5 quarters of work hitting 9 of 12 passes for 165 yards with two touchdowns and no picks and rushed for 14 times for 132 yards with another score pushing the No. 6 Grizzlies season record to 5-1.

So it seems, college coaches are keeping their cards close to their chest on Wise (5-11, 190) hoping to swoop in at the last minute with an offer to snag him away from other schools before the early signing period. Every other college football program throughout the south and Midwest is showing interest including Arkansas, TCU, Oklahoma State, Iowa State, Louisiana Tech, Ole Miss, Pennsylvania, Mississippi State, and Air Force to name a few. Once the first offer domino drops, the many will soon follow.

In a Recruiting News Guru midseason update interview, I sat down with the speed burning playmaker for a quick one-on-one to learn more about his growing skills and recruiting process.

*Interview conducted before the Grizzlies game against Catholic High.

Interview

Derrick, the Grizzles offense has been laying it on the opposition this season averaging 40 points per game. What all are you guys doing well on the field allowing the high scoring average?

“We have a lot of pieces on offense now. We are getting the ball out to the playmakers. We are throwing and running the ball well keeping defenses off-guard.”

You are that true athlete on the field able to play any skill position role, where all are you playing this year other than at quarterback?

“I’m just playing QB now. I played some corner early in the season, but our defense is doing so well I do not have to play defense this season.”

You guys just wrapped up an athletic Central team 35-7 on the road, how did the game go for you personally?

“It went well. My passing was on and the run was going well. Overall, it was a good game for us.”

I’m guessing the toughest game of the season was the defensive struggle against Bryant that was a 16-7 loss for you guys. How did facing that adversity make you a better player and a better leader on the other side?

“Against Bryant, we started off slow. We gave them – spotted them, 10 points. We did not get to finish the whole game. The game ended in the second quarter because of the weather. There was still a minute left until halftime. Our coach decided to forfeit. We thought we could have won that game. In practice the next week, we put it behind us to focus on Central for another win.”

Which game has been your best the season?

“For me personally, the Van Buren game. I threw for 190 and ran for 139 with four overall touchdowns, two passing, one receiving, and one rushing.”

That is a great game. Where are you seeing the little, or big, improvements in your game? And, is there any area where you are seeing differences that even surprise yourself?

“Yeah. On my cutting ability is way better this year. I see everything before it happens. I am seeing the hole and making the cut. My passing has gotten a lot better. I am more accurate and leading the receivers and anticipating my throws.”

Catholic High (4-1) comes to town on Friday, what are you expecting from their defense?

“They will be a hard fighting team. They will try to come out blitzing hoping we mess up. We have to stay calm and keep doing what we have been doing for the win.”

Going into recruiting. You have so many teams that have been showing interest in you, which schools are some of the new ones on the list?

“South Dakota State, Georgia Tech, and Notre Dame.”

My words here, Derrick, you are a next level talent without question with a lot of teams overlooking you right now. What type of person, football player, and student are all these coaches missing out on with you?

“I am a person who gets their work done in the classroom and on the field. I am the student-athlete who wants to be the best at everything I do.”

Well said. Derrick, always great catching up with you. Thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

**Click link for Aug. 23, 2018, RNG interview with Derrick Wise

Photo credit: WholeHogSports/Mark Stallings; Derrick Wise finds a running lane