Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
SOPHOMORES TO WATCH
Nathan Page will add to the already rich roster of Pulaski Robinson, where the Senators appear set to make a run at title.
Pulaski Robinson has arguably the state’s most talented senior offensive player in T.J. Hammonds.
It may also have the state’s most talented sophomore offensive player.
Wide receiver Nathan Page transferred from Little Rock Catholic late in the 2014-2015 school year and is expected to be one of the Senators’ top players this season.
During Robinson’s 7-on-7 season this summer, Page was one of the Senators’ bright spots. In the championship game of the Garrett Uekman 7- on-7 tournament at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock in July, Page caught three touchdown passes against Sylvan Hills to help the Senators win the tournament title.
“He’s the best sophomore in the state of Arkansas,” Robinson Coach Todd Eskola said. “Just watching him in practice, you’re just in awe of what he can do when the ball is in the air. He runs great routes. He’s got way better speed than what people think. He catches everything that’s thrown up.”
Playing 7-on-7 as well as participating in team camps has given Page a chance to be a key player early for the Senators as he’ll also start at safety.
“It helped me with my confidence and learning the plays,” Page said.
Page, 6-0, 180 pounds, has already received recruiting interest from Auburn, Arizona State, Mississippi, Mississippi State and TCU.
Eskola said Page’s athleticism has impressed him.
“[He can go] as fast as he wants to go,” Eskola said. “He might go out and run a 4.65, and the next day somebody may want to run faster than him and he’ll run a 4.4. I haven’t seen him get caught, I’ll put it that way.”
Last season, Page played for Catholic’s junior high team before being moved up
to the varsity team. He started the final three games for the Rockets and scored a touchdown in their 34-26 victory over Van Buren to clinch a spot in the Class 7A playoffs.
Pulaski Robinson, ranked No. 2 in Class 4A entering the season, is coming off a 6-5 season. But the Senators feature Hammonds, who has orally committed to the University of Arkansas, and junior running back Myles Fells, a transfer from Pulaski Academy. Hammonds accounted for 18 touchdowns last season for Robinson, and Fells scored 11 rushing touchdowns for the 5A state champion Bruins.
With Page joining the Senators, Eskola said he is high on his team’s offensive potential.
“We legitimately have three Division I skill kids,” Eskola said of Hammonds, Fells and Page.
Page hopes to prove his coach right.
“Our team has some great talent,” he said. “I have a feeling we’re going to go all the way.”