Being My Own McFadden
If you ask any Arkansas fan who their favorite Razorback is, the name Darren McFadden will be mentioned many times.
His son, Darreus, sat down with 4 Star Sports for an exclusive conversation on his journey in high school, his approach to this offseason to be the best he can be, having the back-to-back Heisman runner-up in 2006-7 as a father, and what it means to be the next McFadden.
Through Trials and Tribulations, McFadden Remains Focused
The junior at Briarcrest Christian School in Eads, Tennessee, is making a name for himself, yet it hasn’t been easy. When speaking on this, Darreus told us, “Through trials and tribulations, I have had an amazing journey at Briarcrest.”. The roster for the Saints includes other former Division 1 players’ sons, such as the son of former Memphis Tiger Brandon Tucker, who is also an assistant on staff. Hudson Tucker, son of Brandon, is slated to be a quarterback to watch in the Memphis area and state, as his numbers are increasing yearly. McFadden would go on to tell us that “Whether it’s teammates or coaches, I have always had the people around me. That’s one of the best for me and that wanna push me to be the best I can.”
With a staff led by Phil Massey and others, continue to work this offseason to make the 2025 season successful in a stacked division within the TSSAA. With spring workouts in full swing, McFadden informed us of his approach to using the offseason to take his game to the next level.
The 5’10, 160-pounder finished the 2024 season with 491 yards on 80 carries for 2 touchdowns. Included was a game of 100 or more yards, an average of 44.6 yards per game, along with a 6.1 yards per rush in his sophomore slate. McFadden unveiled that “This off-season, I have been working the hardest just on my speed and skill, and also understanding the game better.”
The two-way player also roams the defensive side of the ball at cornerback for the Golden Saints. This is not forgotten in the approach as McFadden told us, “Just making sure I can be the best I can on both sides of the ball, and I want to have my technique down to a T..” which will be something to watch this season.
Make McFadden My Own
With the last name of McFadden, there is pressure. With this, his father, a two-time All-American while in Fayetteville, wants Darreus to be himself. When speaking to 4 Star Sports on being a McFadden, Darreus told us, “My dad has always taught me not to let my last name consume me and to be myself.”
When Darreus is competing in Tennessee, he has the same last name, but he is writing his chapter in this storybook family. McFadden told us that the words of encouragement and individuality make him a better player.
“Even with ours being the same, he wants to make it my own, and his words help my game so much.” These words speak volumes about what is not easy to do: be yourself. Darreus has not only made a name for himself, but he does so with pride and excitement as he understands the greatness of his last name. He disclosed that the game, along with his talents, is allowing him to add more.
McFadden told us, “I feel amazing when I can represent my last name and continue to add more greatness to it.”.
In 2025, Darreus looks to add even more in his Junior season with the Saints. When you look into the stands, you will find an Arkansas legend, watching his son carry on his legacy. This legacy goes far beyond the 100 yards of a football field, it is about the one being watched, and Darreus and being his own McFadden.
