Texas RB D’Vaughn Pennamon Breaks Down Top 3 Schools Ahead of Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The college recruiting trail is a difficult one to navigate. In many cases a recruit cannot go wrong with a lot of great choices laid out in front of him. With Manvel High School 4-star running back D’Vaughn Pennamon, the decisions are plentiful and where he seemingly cannot go wrong.

Pennamon wrapped up an outstanding senior season being named a Semper Fidelis All-American after rushing for 1,586 yards off 134 carries with 24 scores while adding 195 yards off 25 receptions with three more touchdowns in the passing game. College coaches from all over the area extended offers racking in 20-plus opportunities to play at the Division-I level.

On July 21, 2015, the Manvel, Texas, area native committed to Ole Miss, but colleges continued to contact the 5’10”, 220 pound, all-purpose back. Pennamon took official visits to Arkansas (Oct. 31), Cal (Dec. 11), Texas A&M (Jan. 15), Alabama (Jan. 22), and Ole Miss (Jan. 29) opening his eyes to a lot of options.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with D’Vaughn just before his possible announcement of his final college choice.

Interview

D’Vaughn, you just visited Ole Miss over the weekend. How did that visit go?

“I enjoyed myself. I had another great time. I hung out with the teammates and met with all the players. We spent a lot of time together this weekend.”

Did the Ole Miss coaches address the NCAA violations while you were there?

“Yes. They said there were five football violations but the violations happened before Coach (Hugh) Freeze (head coach) got there. Those violations will not affect our class.”

The weekend before you went to Oxford, you went to Alabama. How did that trip go?

“It went well. I talked to (running back) Derrick (Henry – Heisman Trophy winner). I got to pick his brain a little. I enjoyed my time with the Crimson Tide.”

On Jan. 15 you went to College Station to visit the Aggies. How did that go?

“I enjoyed myself there too. Another great group of guys. I’ve known Coach (Clarence) McKinney (running backs coach) for a while. He coached my brother in high school.”

You have a lot of great options ahead of you.

“Yeah, I’m waiting on my mom to get home so we can talk. I maybe making an announcement tonight at 9:00. I might push it back until tomorrow though.”

Are you currently committed to Ole Miss?

“Yes.”

Which schools are you possibly choosing from?

“Ole Miss, Alabama, and Texas A&M.”

Without giving anything away about a specific program or school, what is the one thing that stands out to you differently than the other two schools you are leaning towards?

“The people. The people really set it apart for me.”

D’Vaughn, if you make a decision tonight, good luck.

“Thank you.”

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