Update Interview with the “Arkansas Freight Train” 2023 RB Darien Bennett

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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When Darien Bennett sets his 6-2, 225-pound, body in motion out of the backfield, it is best to let the “Arkansas Freight Train” through. The speed and power worked for 774 yards off 164 totes with 10 touchdowns scored through stats posted in seven games with Jacksonville High School in 2020. What will be fun for high school football and Titans’ fans to see in 2021, but not for 5A offenses, is Bennett cracking helmets during his junior campaign.

With an offer on the table from Arkansas, college programs across the country are now showing interest in Bennett setting up an exciting spring evaluation period and offseason camp circuit. For an update on it all, Bennett sat down for another RNG conversation.

*Click link for Nov. 2020 RNG interview with Darien Bennett

Interview

Darien, the Arkansas Freight Train, how are you doing?

(Laughs) Yes, sir. I am doing wonderful.

Great. Now, you laid down the foundation during the 2020 season capturing everyone’s attention, what have you been doing to add more power this winter to your skillset?

Getting my power cleans and squats up. My squat max is 425 and my power clean is 265. I have also been big on the sled this offseason.

Wow. Impressive numbers in the weight room.

Thank you, sir.

How are you pushing your speed and agility to that next level?

I run two miles about every day and I am also competing in track this year.

Which events?

Hopefully the 200 and 400; whatever coach thinks is best for me.

Everyone knows you can run the pigskin; how have you been working on your hands or routes to stretch that part of your game?

With that, we have incorporated 7v7 into our every day workouts. I am running routes there. Also, I am part of Arkansas Elite 7v7. They are really big on footwork. Our practices (whistles)…

Are you playing defense in 2021?

Yes, sir. I am playing safety.

How are you preparing for that role with your workouts?

I am working on my hips and lateral movements. We get that action in 7v7 during practice.

How is the 7v7 season going?  

We haven’t played in any tournaments yet. One of them was cancelled because of the weather.

Recruiting is always fun to catch up on with you. I know you have the offer from Arkansas, which schools are showing interest?

I have Twitter follows from Arizona State, Georgia, Northwestern, UCA (Central Arkansas), Michigan State, UNLV, Virginia Tech, Buffalo, Florida State, Penn State, and UTSA.

When visits get going again this summer, are there any schools you’d like to go see?

Yes, I want to see Arkansas and Texas. Arkansas especially, because they offered. I’d like to see Oregon and UCA too.

Darien, thanks for the update today. Keep up the hard work, and good luck with your track season.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Bennett family; Darien Bennett

Featured photo credit: Nick Wenger; Darien Bennett