Elusive J.D. Speed

PRAIRIE GROVE — With a name that sounds like it could have been ripped from the pages of a spy novel, you would expect J.D. Speed to possess an air of pretentiousness, however nothing could be further from the truth according to Prairie Grove coach Danny Abshier.

“He’s just a quiet individual who speaks more with his play than with his mouth. He has the type of attitude where he will fit in anywhere, because he’s just a real classy guy.”

Speed’s easy- going demeanor and ability to fit in helped him assimilate quickly after his family made the move from the big city of Bentonville to the humble haven of Prairie Grove last season.

“I really like it a bunch here,” said Speed. “It was a little out of hand in Bentonville. I went from having a class of about a thousand kids to one with a little over one hundred and fifty. Some people may like the bigger atmosphere, but it was just getting too much for me and my family.”

Bentonville’s loss has definitely been Prairie Grove’s gain. Speed played an integral part in the Tigers’ undefeated conference winning season and in Prairie Grove’s run to the state semifinals last year, logging numerous carries in a crowded backfield.

This season Abshier expects Speed to make contributions all over the field, saying, “J.D. is such a versatile guy. His forte is at linebacker, where he has a good nose for the ball, but we’ll also use him at halfback and wingback because he’s a good runner and catches the ball well.”

So despite having a name that sounds like he could be playing baccarat with a table of criminal masterminds in Monaco, Speed is far more at home in the laid-back setting of the little hamlet of Prairie Grove.

“Last season the seniors and everyone just really made me feel welcome. My whole family loves it here.”

BEN MADRID ENTERPRISE-LEADER Prairie Grove senior J.D. Speed is a versatile athlete, whom the coaching staff anticipates will help the team on both sides of the ball.