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About 20 people crammed into a small photography studio in Downtown Tyler for ETSN’s photo days.

This time, it was Arp’s turn. A small school in East Texas, Arp plays at the 3A level and the city itself has a population of fewer than 2,500. But it seems like the entire region, which has a rich tradition of producing top-level talent, is abuzz about Arp.

After all, the tiny community is home to the state’s new No. 1 ranked recruit — four-star safety/outside linebacker DeMarvion Overshown.

“I’m excited to be the No. 1 player in the state, but I’m going to keep working because someone is always out to take that spot,” Overshown said. “I want to keep it, be the No. 1 player in the nation and lead my team to state.”

At 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Overshown towered above everybody in that small studio. Rocking his signature Jordan 11’s, Overshown almost looked like a college basketball player.

It’s not hard to see why he is one of the most intriguing prospects in the country. Overshown has the size and speed to be a Taylor Mays type of safety on the back end but also has the frame to add weight and be a monster at outside linebacker.

Wherever he lines up, Overshown is sure to be a force. As a junior, he recorded an eye-popping 153 tackles and added three interceptions. This year, he also expects to see plenty of time at running back and wide receiver on the offensive side of the ball.

“I’m okay with playing whatever,” Overshown said. “I would say safety is my best position, but my college coaches said they can put more weight on me and make me a good outside linebacker. I think I can be great wherever they put me.”

***

Overshown has spent his entire life in Arp. Most of his family is from the little town, and he basically knows everybody in his community. That’s helped Overshown keep away from any type of mischief that comes with growing up in the big city.

When he’s not hanging out with his girlfriend, Overshown mostly keeps to himself. He’s really a big kid at heart.

“I like to stay home, eat ramen noodles and watch cartoons,” Overshown said. “I can eat a whole box of ramen noodles a day. It’s always been my favorite. My favorite cartoon is Phineas and Ferb.”

Overshown also enjoys watching Dr. Miami on WE and envisions himself going into the medical field when his playing days are over.

“Right now, I’m looking to be a plastic surgeon,” Overshown said. “I watch Dr. Miami, and it looks pretty cool. My career going to be something in the medical field.”

Overshown — reluctantly, at times — also spends some of his free time playing other sports. As mentioned, Overshown has the look of a college basketball player and plays like one, too.

As a junior, Overshown averaged a double double and led Arp to the second round of the state playoffs. His play on the court was so good that he received some interest from Division II program Dallas Baptist.

“I never liked basketball,” Overshown said. “It’s just something I was always good at growing up. But I had fun with my team this year. We had a good run. When (DBU) showed interest, I was just like ‘nah.’”

***

Football was always Overshown’s first love. But growing up in Arp, Overshown didn’t know how realistic getting recruited by some of the country’s top programs would be.

Power Five schools seemed more like a dream than a reality.

“Being from a small town, I didn’t think I was going to be anything bigger than maybe UTSA,” Overshown said.

UTSA was actually the first school to extend a scholarship. The Roadrunners offered towards the end of Overshown’s junior year. Everything was quiet for about a month before Overshown received some of the biggest news of his life.

Texas, a program he grew up wanting to play for, followed suit and put an offer on the table a few weeks before Christmas.

“When I got the Texas offer, I knew it was going to be different,” Overshown said. “That meant a lot to me.”

Following the UT offer, the floodgates opened up. More major programs such as Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, LSU, Ohio State and Oklahoma all jumped in the mix with offers of their own.

Texas, however, was always home. Overshown didn’t waste much time with the recruiting process and gave the Longhorns a verbal commitment just before the start of summer.

Overshown remains firmly committed to Tom Herman and the new coaching staff in Austin and is a key part of the nation's No. 4 ranked recruiting class, per 247Sports and 247Sports Composite.

“I’m 100 percent solid,” Overshown said. “There is just something about that program. I feel like the new coaches are going to make a huge impact on college football. I’m excited to be a part of the revolution."

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