Tate prepares for strong 2014

Pine Bluff (Ark.) 2016 Rivals250 defensive end John Tate has the attention of college coaches across the region and has already received a few college scholarship offers.

At this early point in the process the 6-foot-4, 247-pound he has received three scholarship offers, and each has his attention at this point in the process.

"My first offer was Arkansas State," Tate said. "That's where my dad played (basketball) in college. I like the school and I like the fanbase and I like how they're very supportive of their team.

"My second offer was Louisville and I know coach Petrino he's a very good coach. They've been good the past couple of years.

"Ole Miss, I like them because they're an SEC school and they're really one of the good schools in the SEC."

In addition to his offers he has also received interest from Arkansas, Alabama, and Auburn, with the Razorbacks showing the most attention at this point.

"I went up there for Super Sophomore Day, that's when all the Sophomore's were up there for a visit," Tate said. "I had a talk with coach Lunney over the phone."

During the summer months Tate only attended one camp but it was very productive.

"I attended the Arkansas State camp in Little Rock," Tate said. "It went well. I had a good time. It was a good experience. It was nice. I enjoyed it."

This fall Tate plans to take a few unofficial visits with Arkansas, Auburn, and Arkansas State currently in mind. However, his main focus in 2014 will be on the Pine Bluff Zebras, who are now going through fall drills.

"It's going good because we really want it this year," Tate said. "We're fixing some mistakes we made last year because we don't want to make them anymore. We really have a mindset of doing well this year, so we're taking practice one day at a time."

Tate, who focused solely on defense as a sophomore, will also take on some tight end responsibilities. He is looking forward to paving the way for Zebra running backs and being a big target in the passing game. He is also looking forward to a bigger role on the defensive side of the football.

"On defense I'm looking forward to getting better and doing some things I didn't do last year," Tate said. "Just stepping up and being a leader because we're kind of unexperienced on defense. I'm the only returning starter on d-line and I'm really trying to be a leader on the d-line and just improving from last year."

As a sophomore Tate recorded 38 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks for the Zebras. He is currently ranked No. 208 in the 2016 Rivals250, No. 10 among the nation's strongside defensive ends, and No. 2 in the Rivals.com Arkansas Initial Top 10 for 2016.