Having speed on defense is essential to compete on the major college level, and even more so in the Southeastern Conference.
Rogers linebacker Zack Wary, 6-4, 215 pounds proved he has the speed needed when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at Arkansas’ Elite Prospect Camp in July. That helped him receive a scholarship offer from the Hogs on Dec. 1. Video highlights CLICK HERE
Mounties Coach Shawn Flannigan said Wary’s athletic ability and speed showed up in a big way during an early season interception.
“He wasn’t even near the throwing lane when the ball was let go and he stuck his foot into the ground and came from the inside out and made a play on the ball underneath him,” Flannigan said. “I didn’t even see him being able to be close to making the play. He just got there.”
Wary, who also has offers from Arkansas State, Illinois State, Air Force, Memphis, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Missouri State and others, will officially visit the Hogs this weekend. He’ll also plans to take official visits to Arkansas State on Jan. 17 and to Air Force on Jan. 24.
He missed four games because of a sprained ankle but finished the season with 67 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and 1 interception. His talent on the field is matched by his work in the classroom where he has a 4.0 GPA and has scored a 33 on the ACT.
Flannigan said one of the games Wary missed was against Springdale. Bulldogs running back Deandre Murray, who has been timed at 4.34 seconds in the 40 yard dash, rushed 316 yards and three touchdowns in a 32-28 victory over Rogers.
“He would’ve been a difference maker in that game,” Flannigan said. “I’m going to say two of three of Murray’s long runs for touchdowns don’t happen if Zack is back there making the tackle.”