Fayetteville, Arkansas – Tay Lockett, a standout defensive back from the Class of 2026, is preparing to take a big step in his football career by transferring to Conway High School for his senior season. This move marks his third high school team in just four years, as Lockett aims to fine-tune his skills and make a strong final impression before joining the University of Arkansas at midterm.
Lockett’s high school journey began at Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco, where he played as a sophomore before moving to San Diego University City for his freshman and junior years. Now, he’s set to take his talents to Conway High School, a decision that reflects his dedication to preparing for the next level of competition. Standing tall at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 185 pounds, Lockett was the first recruit to commit to Arkansas in the Class of 2026, a commitment he made on August 24, 2023.
His performance on the field has already caught the attention of many. As a junior, Lockett finished the season with an impressive stat line: 107 tackles, including 66 solo stops and 3 tackles for loss. He also snagged 2 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and defended 5 passes. His defensive impact was further demonstrated by recovering a fumble, forcing another, and contributing in special teams with 5 punt returns for 117 yards and a touchdown. These numbers speak volumes about his versatility and instinctive play.
Greg Biggins, a national recruiting analyst for 247Sports, praised Lockett’s football IQ and skills in a recent evaluation. He wrote, “Highly productive player who has a nose for the football. Totaled 12 interceptions the last two seasons and shows a lot of range, ball skills and ball awareness. More quick than fast, can really break on the ball, shows a lot of range and has very good ball skills. Super instinctive kid, right place/right time and knows how to position himself to make plays. Want to see fill out some and continue to add more speed and explosiveness to his game but has all the tools to be a very good player at the next level.”
Over the course of three years in high school, Lockett has appeared in 38 games and been a key contributor to teams that have won 31 of those contests. His defensive stats are equally impressive — totaling 248 tackles, 14 interceptions, 17 pass deflections, 5 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries. Beyond his defensive prowess, Lockett has shown his offensive capabilities as well, with 33 receptions for 526 yards and 11 touchdowns in one season.
Lockett’s move to Conway is significant for both his personal development and the Razorbacks’ program, which currently boasts 27 commitments in the Class of 2026. His senior year promises to be pivotal, not only in refining his talent but also in preparing for the demands of college football at Arkansas.
With his dedication, strong record, and the right opportunities ahead, Tay Lockett is positioned to make a meaningful impact both on and off the field in the coming years. The Razorbacks and their fans will be watching closely as this promising athlete takes the next step toward fulfilling his potential.
