Top Northwest Arkansas prep football players: Darin Davenport

Darin Davenport of Fort Smith Southside.
Darin Davenport of Fort Smith Southside.

WHO MADE THE LIST?

The sports staff of the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and consultation with area coaches selected the top 11 players in the 12-county region in the newspaper’s coverage area.

The List is loaded with an abundance of talented players, many on the radar of college coaches. The players selected for The List were not chosen by position, but simply the top 11 players regardless of where they line up on the field.

DARIN DAVENPORT

Fort Smith Southside

CLASS Senior

HEIGHT 6-2

WEIGHT 225

POSITION Linebacker

THE NUMBERS If it weren’t for bad luck, Davenport would have no luck at all. The senior has missed most of the past two seasons with knee injuries, yet is one of the state’s top players. Davenport is fully healthy and was clocked at 4.6 in the 40 in the offseason. He has drawn the attention of multiple Division I programs.

HE SAID IT “Coming off two injuries, it’s kind of been a rough deal, but God has a plan for me, so I’m trying to follow that dream. Just listen to His plan and follow His plan. I’ve spent a lot of time in the weight room, and just tried to help the younger players at practice to step in and fill my spot. Kind of teach them what to do.”

— Chip Souza @NWAChip

THE LIST

Andrew Bartgis -- Bentonville High

Darius Bowers -- Fayetteville

Tristin Brewer -- Pea Ridge

Darin Davenport -- FS Southside

Taye Gatewood -- FS Southside

Peyton Holt -- Greenwood

Gabe Huskey -- Harrison

Jadon Jackson -- Bentonville West

Will Jarrett -- Bentonville West

Brandon Ulmer -- Booneville

Stevie Young -- FS Northside

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