Strong sophomore offensive and defensive lineman DaVante Lovett was the best looking lineman at the Dallas Nike Combine on April 6. He received a boost in confidence after seeing how he stacked up versus other top athletes.
Lovett has the physical skills and stature to be one of the top 2015 prospects in the state. He measured 6-foot-5-inches and 282 pounds and was timed at 5.40 in the 40 yard dash and 4.83 seconds in the pro-shuttle at the combine.
"Now he's putting in the extra work," Strong Coach Johnny Jackson said. "He's staying after practice and doing the little things. Once he went to the Nike Camp it just escalated. He's now like 'I'm the leader of this team'. He's hitting the weights hard. He's really elevating the other linemen. They're staying out there doing the drills with him."
Jackson coached Philadelphia offensive tackle Demetrius Bell, who in 2008 was the 219th pick in the 7th round by the Buffalo Bills, in basketball at Summerfield High School in Louisiana. Bell started off his college career on basketball scholarship at Northwestern State before trying out for football three weeks before the 2006 season.
"I told him Demetrius signed with Philadelphia for 35 mils for over seven years," Jackson said. "I said he didn't play any football. You have the chance to play football your whole career and if you learn how to move your feet and work your hands and use your God given talent. The sky is the limit for you."
On the first day of the spring evaluation period on April 15, Arkansas coaches spread out throughout the state visiting more than 30 high schools, including Strong. Hog defensive coach Charlie Partridge visited the school during a tour of several schools in the area.
"He's real Gung ho about Arkansas," Jackson said. "Byran (Jones) use to be friends with his sister. So he's real excited. He said I'm going to be better than Byran. I said well Byran led his team a state championship."
Lovett's qualities extend beyond the football field.
"Great kid, comes from a great family," Jackson said. "His mother and father are real good with him. You would never know he's on campus unless when you see him. As far as hearing him and him acting up, you'll never get that out of him."
Jackson is also high on the talents of junior athlete Jacoby Heard and defensive back Jononta Hicks.
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