One of the most impressive athletes at yesterday’s South Florida Express tryout was 2015 St. Thomas Aquinas defensive back Damon Arnette (6-1.5, 185). I interviewed Arnette back over the summer after he attended a Miami camp, but that was when he was playing receiver. Arnette is now playing defensive back and it looks like the decision to switch positions is about to pay off in a major way.
“Late in the season, our backup safety ended up getting hurt so they thought with me being physical and all that I could help the defensive side of the ball more than I could help the offensive side of the ball. I was ok with it because I like hitting. After the season, the coach let me know that I could play corner too and I told him I wouldn’t mind doing that. I’ve been working out playing corner and I’m actually pretty good at it, but I never even knew it,” said Arnette.
The transition to the defensive side of the ball has been smoother than Arnette originally thought it would be.
“It’s way easier than I thought it would be. I feel natural to it, way more natural than I was at receiver. I’ve really been enjoying it so far. I played corner before, but not at this level where a coach is able to teach me what is right and wrong.”
One of the major reasons Arnette has accepted the switch so willingly is because he is realizing that corners at his size are a rarity.
“I didn’t realize how valuable taller corners were because coaches are looking for corners who can cover those bigger receivers. I’m just trying to put myself in a position where I can go to college so I’m perfectly fine with it.”
Not only did Arnette catch the attention of those in attendance at Saturday’s tryouts, but he also made a name for himself a few weeks ago in San Antonio at the U.S. Army underclassmen combine.
“It was great. I did really well. I got 16 reps (one-on-ones) and out of those 16, I had 3 interceptions and 13 deflected balls so that definitely caught some eyes.”
One SEC school has already gotten word of Arnette’s recent success and is on the STA athlete hard.
“I’m being heavily recruited by South Carolina right now so hopefully an offer will be coming real soon.”
What schools is Arnette hoping to hear from in the coming months?
“FSU, Georgia, Alabama, and Texas are some of my favorite schools so that would be a blessing to hear from them.”
Another school that would be squarely in the mix for Arnette’s services if they show interest is the hometown Miami Hurricanes.
“Miami is probably the perfect school because I like the program, I love the team, I’ve been on the campus before, and it’s close to home.”
Another factor that would work in Miami’s favor? Arnette has a close family connection to Canes basketball player Justin Heller.
“Him and Neal (Heller’s father) will have a big influence on where I go. Neal has known my dad since he was playing college basketball and has known me since I was in my mother’s stomach.”
