Newton, Texas Coach W.T. Johnston believes supersized defensive back Roney Elam has the capability of playing safety or cornerback in college.
Elam, 6-3, 172 pounds, has approximately 13 scholarship offers from schools like Arkansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, LSU and Alabama. He recorded 23 tackles and had 5 interceptions last year.
“Those are two things you can’t coach, long and fast,” said Johnston.
Hog defensive backs coach Clay Jennings visited the school on April 30, the same day Elam received his offer from the Razorbacks.
“Everybody who has come through say he’s the best looking kid they’ve seen on the hoof and as far as moving around on the field,” Johnston said.
Elam also completed 40 of 80 pass for 939 yards and 11 touchdowns while rushing 67 times for 437 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Arkansas cornerback D.J. Dean, who signed with the Hogs out of Newton in 2013, has communicated with Elam and has told him positive things about the Razorbacks.
“I think he’ll be 6-4 and 205 when he’s through,” Johnston said of Elam.
Johnston thinks well of Jennings
“He’s a good guy,” said Johnston, a Hot Springs native. “I’ve known him for seven years. I really enjoy talking to him.”
Elam is good off the field too.
“Whoever gets him will be getting a real good kid,” Johnston said.