Searcy's Crockett piling up big numbers

Marlon Crockett

— One of the state’s best 2021 prospects took in Arkansas’ 55-34 win over Colorado State on Saturday and left impressed.

Searcy junior Marlon Crockett (6-4, 193) watched new starting quarterback Nick Starkel throw for 305 yards, junior tailback Rakeem Boyd rush for a career-high 122 yards and freshman wideouts Treylon Burks and Trey Knox both finish with 90-plus yards receiving.

“Fayetteville was fun,” Crockett said. “The atmosphere was electric. The Razorbacks have a good core. Starkel is a good quarterback. Starkel, Knox, Burks and Boyd are scary.”

He got the chance to visit with Arkansas coach Chad Morris and his staff.

“The coaching staff was great,” Crockett said. “Everyone was kind and accepting toward me being there. All the coaches said they liked my film and would love for me to join. I had a great time.”

Crockett said he is getting interest from Arkansas, Baylor, West Virginia, Duke, Texas-San Antonio, Texas Tech and Missouri.

“I have to get my ACT out the way and then I’ll get offers,” Crockett said.

Crockett, whose father Nathan is a football coach, was born in Forrest City and has lived in several cities in Arkansas with the exception of when his dad was coaching in Texas the previous four seasons.

He played his sophomore season at Corpus Christi (Texas) Portland-Gregory, where he had 30 catches for 448 yards and six touchdowns while also playing safety and racking up 85 tackles and picking off two passes.

Crockett, who was named 15-5A Newcomer of the Year last season, is off to a fast start for unbeaten Searcy (3-0) with 20 catches for 354 yards and two touchdowns.

That includes six catches for 151 yards with a 95-yard touchdown in the Lions’ 62-42 win over Batesville on Friday.

“I watch film on the opposing team and it helps me break down how to beat a defensive back,” Crockett said. “It helps me breakd own how to beat a DB. (My) strengths are route running, speed, and strength. Weaknesses, I don’t really have any, but I could be more consistent catching start to finish.”

Searcy opened up the 2019 season by taking down Morrilton and North Carolina quarterback pledge Jacolby Criswell 44-42 and then downed Sheridan 39-7 for head coach Mark Kelly.

The Lions visit Jacksonville (0-2) this Friday night.

“Coach Kelly comes up with great game plans for the opposing team,” Crockett said. “When we get in practice it’s business. We work on communication and chemistry, so it flows with all the talent. Everyone is talented, so we have to put the pieces together as you can see.”