Savage Takes in Tech

Jeff Savage is the most recent in a string of big time defensive line prospects to come out of South Arkansas.

Jeff Savage "It's definitely a hotbed," said Savage. "I think Byran Jones opened a lot of doors for the area. He played well as a true freshman at Arkansas and people realized that we have talent down here." Jones from Junction City, and Davidel Collins from Bearden faced off in district battles and in the playoffs. Collins ended up signing with Oklahoma State. Smackover was in the same district at the time, but now they have moved up to Class 3A. "We are one of the smaller schools in Class 3A," explained Savage. "Fordyce is in our district. They moved down from 4A and now they are one of the biggest 3A schools in the state." Going up against a bigger school like Fordyce won't be much of a problem for Smackover. Class 2A's best programs were in their district, so they are used to tough competition. Both Bearden and Junction City are considered to be two of Class 2A's premier programs. Savage said he moved from Fayetteville to Smackover about six years ago. His mother is from the area, but they had lived in Fayeteveill since his father was a running back for the University of Arkansas. Savage may one day follow in his father's footsteps and be a Razorback. "We have a room in the house," admitted Savage, "that's like a shrine. Everything is Red." Whether he plays at the same school as his father or not, he likely won't be playing the same position. Already at 6'4" and 255 pounds, Savage likely will be playing on the defensive line at the next level. "I play tight end, defensive end, and some outside linebacker," added Savage. On defense, Savage has gone over 60 tackles each of the last two seasons. He increased his sack total from 6 to 11 from his sophomore to his junior year. Savage has an offer in hand from Missouri State. He talked about how his visit to Louisiana Tech's Junior Day went. "It was good," he said. "No offer yet, but fingers crossed." Savage was at Tech with his father. They took in the game alongside Kenneth Dixon from Strong and Randy Taylor from Parkers Chapel. Savage has also been on campus with Mississippi State and Arkansas.