Tagged: Bobby Petrino
Arkansas Razorback Football: Hogs Spring Practice Starts on Wednesday
College football fans despair no more, spring football practices are starting across the country over the next couple of weeks as teams prepare for the 2012 campaign. Arkansas Razorback head coach Bobby Petrino will begin molding his players for the 2012 season starting on Wednesday.
After Petrino led No. 5 Arkansas to an improbable 11-2 season in 2011 capped by beating then BCS No. 8 Kansas State 29-16 in the Cotton Bowl, he now faces higher expectations entering 2012. With uncertainty at key positions who will earn important starting positions during spring practice is the focus of the Arkansas coaching staff as well as the Razorback fans?
The known production of the Tyler Wilson, the Hogs’ defensive line, and core returning offensive linemen has the makings of another 11 plus win forArkansas. Filling in the gaps left by graduation could prove to be harder than most Razorback fans expect.
New defensive coordinator Paul Haynes had a crash course with his defensive unit the weeks leading up to the Cotton Bowl after the dismissal of former DC Willy Robinson. If Haynes sticks to the type of schemes ran against KSU the Hogs will spend the spring working on blitzing from the linebacker position and stunts by the defensive line; defensive production that was missing under Robinson.
Haynes will have to replace All-SEC middle linebacker Jerry Franklin and outside linebacker Jerrico Nelson. The only sure bet at starter in 2012 is Alonzo Highsmith Jr. starting at outside linebacker unless moved to the middle by the coaching staff to help stop the run.
Early talk has mid-term junior college transfer defensive end Austin Flynn (6’4”, 250 pounds) getting reps at middle linebacker. The Hogs are deep at defensive end with the return of Tank Wright, Chris Smith, and Trey Flowers.
Returning linebackers Braylon Mitchell and Jarrett Lake will get plenty of opportunities to win a starting job this spring.
The Hogs have three highly recruited linebackers coming to school in the fall to help fill any possible depth issues discovered during the spring- A.J. Turner, Otha Peters, and Vin Ascolese. The difference between immediate playing time in the linebacker rotation, action on special teams and redshirting will depend on the readiness of each newcomer come August.
Both safety spots will be scrutinized after the loss of Tramain Thomas and Elton Ford to graduation.
Canadian export Brett Weir was recruited as a safety in 2011. Will his size put him at safety, linebacker, or on the offensive side of the ball?
Where will Ross Rasner play in 2012? He lined up at outside linebacker last season but has the ability to play safety. Filling the greatest need come August will ultimately determine Rasner’s final position.
Petrino added two safeties to his 2012 recruiting class that could see playing time this year- Will Hines and Defonta Lowe.
On the checklist for a successful spring for the Razorbacks will include finding quality receivers to replace the 2,009 receiving yards totaled by Jarius Wright, Joe Adams, and Greg Childs. Added to the pressure of losing that trio is finding a punt returner to fill Adams’ All-American shoes.
Cobi Hamilton will be counted on as the lead receiver for the Hogs. All he will have to do is replicate what Jarius Wright did when Wright led the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and receiving touchdowns (12).
Hamiltonhas been known more for his big play ability and yards after the catch than his strict route running and sure-fire hands. The big question that will not be answered until the regular season begins is can Hamilton adjust to life in the SEC as a No. 1 receiver?
He has the size, speed, and ability to do it. Within Petrino’s offense Hamilton could be poised for an All-SEC season next fall.
AfterHamilton, Petrino has so many wide receiver prospects to choose from it is hard to know where to start. Javontee Herndon had the most in-game experience when he added eight catches for 137 yards last year. His 17.1 yards per catch average was tops on the team. Julian Horton and Marquel Wade both earned game time in 2011 as well.
Wade’s speed and field vision could help Hog fans recover from the loss of Adams on special teams. Wide receiver Keante Minor is another speedster that will get a chance to return punts for Petrino.
Quinta Funderburk, Davyon McKinney, Kane Whitehurst, and Maurdecus Humphrey are all capable of earning playing time with their efforts in the spring. New comers Keon Hatcher, Eric Hawkins, Mekale McKay, D’Arthur Cowan, and junior college transfer Demetrius Wilson will add more competition to an already talented squad in August.
McKay 6’6” and Wilson 6’3” have the size and speed to become the next Greg Childs kind of receiver. Childs and former Razorback quarterback Ryan Mallett played jump ball in the corner of the end zone before Childs’ injury in 2010. McKay and Wilson could add that red zone threat missing last year.
The warm feeling of knowing Tyler Wilson is back under center has to allow Petrino a full night’s rest. Also knowing he has three starters returning in the backfield between Ronnie Wingo, Jr., Dennis Johnson, and All-SEC running back Knile Davis should bring a smile to his face while he sleeps.
The only thing that could possibly derail Petrino’s running attack is the growth of true sophomore linemen Mitch Smoothers and Brey Cook. Both players will have to replace graduating seniors Grant Cook and Grant Freeman.
Cook and Smoothers both saw extensive playing time early in the 2011 season. Losing a redshirt on both players may cost the Hogs in the long run but what the team gains from their game experience should pay dividends early in the 2012 season. That experience and a quick start to the Hogs running game could be the difference between a SEC Championship game berth or just another great season for the Razorback football team.
The Hogs will take the field for 14 practices before playing their Red-White game on April 21.
For more sports information on the Razorbacks check out Razorbackers.com!
Arkansas Razorback Football: Petrino Looks to Complete 2012 Recruiting Class
Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino has one scholarship offer left to give for his 2012 recruiting class and his new target is athletic wide receiver Mekale McKay from Moore High School in Louisville, Kentucky.
McKay is listed anywhere from 6’4” to 6’6” between Scout.com and Rivals.com but both recruiting services agree on his 4.4 forty-yard dash speed.
The three-star prospect on Scout.com and Rivals.com took official recruiting trips to Ole Miss, Houston, and Arkansas after being reportedly offered by Kentucky, Louisville, West Virginia, Michigan State, Illinois, and Indiana among other schools.
His final two choices are reportedly between the Hogs and Ole Miss.
Scout.com ranks McKay as the 110th best wide receiver in the 2012 recruiting class.
In October McKay committed to University of Texas El Pasobefore de-committing.
Wherever McKay ends up enrolling for college he plans on taking his two-sport star abilities of football and basketball in high school to his new team. McKay must like to know that Petrino has been supportive of backup quarterback Brandon Mitchell’s role with the Razorback basketball team during the 2012 season.
Arkansas Razorback Football: New Site for Battle for the Golden Boot
The University of Arkansas announced today that the Razorbacks will no longer play LSU in theBattlefor the Golden Boot inLittle Rockat War Memorial stadium but will instead play the Tigers in Fayetteville at Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Nov. 24.
There was much speculation leading up to this announcement that Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and athletic director Jeff Long wanted to move the game from Little Rock to Fayetteville for both economic and thought recruiting advantages.
The last time the Hogs hosted the Tigers inFayettevillethe result was a 30-6 win for Arkansas during the 1992 season, the Razorbacks initial season in the SEC.
The Razorbacks had a 5-4 winning edge over the Tigers at War Memorial Stadium spanning the past 18 years. The last meeting between the two schools inLittle Rockresulted in a 31-23 win for the Hogs over LSU in the 2010 season.
Since 2001, the winner of the Arkansasversus LSU game has gone on to represent the SEC West in the SEC Championship Game seven times. In 2002 the Hogs defeated LSU 21-20 in the game known as the Miracle on Markham inLittle Rock to earn a berth in the SEC Championship Title Game.
The Golden Boot Trophy was first awarded in 1996 to help build upon the natural SEC West rivalry between the bordering states. The 24-karat gold trophy is molded into the shape of the two states forming a boot.
The Golden Boot Trophy is 4-foot tall weighing 175 pounds.
Arkansasalso announced their two-year series withRutgerson Friday. The home-and-home series will be the first time an SEC school has played at Piscataway, N.J.during the BCS era.
The Scarlet Knights will travel to Arkansas on Sept. 22 with the Razorbacks returning the scheduling favor Sept. 21, 2013. The void on the Hogs schedule was made possible when Texas A&M joined the SEC.
Due to the switch of venues for the LSU game, Arkansas will move the Ole Miss home game to War Memorial Stadium on Oct. 27.
If CBS picks up the broadcasting rights for the Arkansas versus LSU game, the game day could move from Saturday Nov. 24 to Friday Nov. 23.
Arkansas Razorback Recruiting: 2013 Top Recruits List Hogs among Favorites
Less than a week after the 2012 National Signing Day class faxed in their signatures, top teams are already looking ahead to the class of 2013. No teams are resting on their laurels including Arkansas Razorbacks Head Coach Bobby Petrino.
On Monday Scout.com listed their early 2013 top 100 recruit report. On the database of five and four-star recruits, Petrino already had 13 prospects listing the Razorbacks among their favorites:
RB Ty Isaac, 6’2”, 220 pounds, 4-star, Joliet, IL
RB Adam Taylor, 6’0”, 190 pounds, 4-star, Katy, TX
WR John Diarse, 6’1”, 190 pounds, 4-star, Monroe, LA
WR Ahmad Fulwood, 6’4”, 200 pounds, 4-star, Jacksonville, FL
WR James Quick, 6’1”, 175 pounds, 4-star, Louisville, KY
TE Hunter Henry, 6’5”, 242 pounds, 4-star, Little Rock, AR
OT Ethan Pocic, 6’6”, 280 pounds, 4-star, Lemont, IL
OT Laremy Tunsil, 6’6”, 282 pounds, 4-star, Lake City, FL
DT Greg Gilmore, 6’4”, 285 pounds, 4-star, Hope Mills, NC
DE Marcus Farria, 6’4”, 240 pounds, 4-star, Peoria, AZ
DE Jason Hatcher, 6’3”, 240 pounds, 4-star, Louisville, KY
SS Su’a Cravens, 6’1”, 205 pounds, 4-star, Murrieta, GA
QB Tyler Bruggman, 6’2”, 185 pounds, 4-star, Phoenix, AZ
Two in-state players were among the 100 recruits listed, running back Altee Tenpenny from North Little Rock High Schooland tight end Hunter Henry from Pulaski Academy in Little Rock.
Tenpenny is rated as the No. 27 overall prospect while Henry is rated No. 43.
Tenpenny committed to University of Alabama days before the 2012 National Signing Day. He is scheduled to visit Arkansas the weekend of Feb. 11.
Several 2013 Razorback recruiting prospects have visited or are scheduled to visit Arkansas in the upcoming weeks. The list includes:
RB Altee Tenpenny, 6’0”, 203 pounds, North Little Rock, AR
RB Jordan Wilkins, 6’1”, 193 pounds, Cordova, TN
RB Ezekiel Elliot, 6’0”, 195 pounds, St. Louis, MO
RB Chase Abbington 6’4” 210, St. Peters, MO
RB Jamar Criswell, 5’9”, 165 pounds, Morrilton, AR
FB Riley Arvanitis, 6’0”, 225 pounds, St. John, IN
TE Christian Morgan, 6’4”, 244 pounds, Plano, TX
WR Drew Morgan, 6’1”, 185 pounds, Greenwood, AR
QB Brayden Scott, 6’2”, 195 pounds, Tahlequah, OK
QB Austin Allen, 6’2”, 210 pounds, Fayetteville, AR
QB Tyler Cogswell, 6’5”, 220 pounds, Plantation, FL
OL J.J. Gustafson, 6’6”, 265 pounds, Dallas, TX
OL Caleb Benenoch, 6’6”, 317 pounds, Katy, TX
LB Brooks Ellis, 6’2”, 215 pounds, Fayetteville, AR
SS Vonn Bell, 6’2”, 190 pounds, Rossville, GA
CB Devanta Johnson, 6’0”, 175 pounds, Tulsa, OK
ATH Dominique Alexander, 6’0” 190 pounds, Tulsa, OK
Vonn Bell has reportedly received an offer from Arkansas defensive coordinator Paul Haynes. He is scheduled to visit April 21.
Offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch will attend camp in June.
Jordan Wilkins was scheduled to visit this spring but is postponing his trip to Arkansas until this summer.
Per 247Sports.com, the Razorbacks have extended 49 offers to potential 2013 recruits. Of the 49 scholarship offers that have been reported, only four are currently extended to in-state players- Austin Allen, Brooks Ellis, Altee Tenpenny, and Hunter Henry.
Four-star running back Jamel James, 5’11”, 215 pounds, from Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, Texas, is the only 2013 recruit currently verbally committed to Arkansas. He committed in July of 2011.
Recruiting rankings update in August after all college summer camps and seven-on-seven tournaments have been completed.
Arkansas Recruiting: Hogs Sign 24 in Nationally Ranked Recruiting Class
Razorback fans have a lot to cheer about because of the 2012 recruiting class.
Once the smoke cleared on a busy National Signing Day for the Razorbacks, head coach Bobby Petrino and his staff had amassed one of the best recruiting classes in his tenure at Arkansas snagging five 4-star recruits and 19 3-star recruits.
A few twist and turns aside including a couple of surprise signees, the Hogs class is full of promising prospects at every position. In total the Razorbacks signed 23 players that were listed in the top 100 or better at their individual positions. None of the signees were rated 2-star or below.
The biggest surprise of the day was the addition of former Alabama commitment Darius Philon (Prichard, AL) and former Fayetteville Bulldogs tight end Demetrius Dean.
Dean was a 3-star prospect who signed with Arkansas in 2011 but did not join the team for fall practices. Coming out of high school he was listed at 6’3”, 245 pounds, and was ranked as the sixth best player in the state of Arkansas per Rivals.com.
Because of Dean’s versatility, size, and athleticism he could lineup as a tight end or fullback in college. The nationally ranked 28th best tight end in the 2011 class will join the Hogs as a scholarship player this spring.
At Bobby Petrino’s National Signing Day press conference Wednesday evening, he said he was unsure if Dean’s scholarship would count against the 2011 class or the 2012 class.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was the addition of Darius Philon, 6’1”, 282 pounds. He had been an Alabama commitment since de-committing from Auburn in September.
Come signing dayAlabamahead coach Nick Saban asked Philon to grey-shirt until spring of 2013. Instead he decided to sign with the Razorbacks over Alabama joining his Vigor high school teammate Ja’Michael Winston in Fayetteville becoming of one Arkansas’ final recruits on National Signing Day.
Philon’s size and speed could make him a defensive tackle at the college level.
With one remaining scholarship left Arkansas may not be finished adding top talent to their 2012 recruiting class.
Five-star offensive tackle Jordan Diamond from Chicago, IL and five-star wide receiver Davont’e Neal from Scottsdale, AZ remain unsigned. Both players have the Hogs among their final choices.
The only recruit that was previously committed to Arkansas but opted to sign with another school was junior college wide receiver Courtney Gardner.
Gardner, a 4-star prospect from Rocklin, CA, was reportedly a couple of classes short of meeting SEC enrollment standards. To avoid taking the extra classes needed to fulfill SEC requirements, on Wednesday Gardner officially signed a letter of intent with University of Oklahoma.
Here’s a list of the 2012 Arkansas Razorback recruiting class:
OG Cordale Boyd, 3-star, 6’3”, 290 pounds, Memphis, TN
OG Jeremy Ward, 3-star, 6’4”, 275 pounds, Pottsville, AR
WR D’Arthur Cowan, 3-star, 6’1’, 175 pounds, Olive Branch, MS
WR Keon Hatcher, 4-star, 6’1”, 195 pounds, Owasso, OK
WR Eric Hawkins, 3-star, 6’5”, 220, Longview, TX
WR #Demetrius Wilson, 3-star, 6’2”, 170 pounds, Glendale, AZ
RB Jonathan Williams, 4-star, 5’11”, 205 pounds, Allen, TX
RB Nathan Holmes, 3-star, 6’1”, 180 pounds, Port Arthur, TX
RB Donovan Roberts, 3-star, 6’0”, 200 pounds, Norman, OK
TE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star, 6’6”, 215, White Hall, AR
TE Demetrius Dean, 3-star, 6’4”, 235, Fayetteville, AR
CB Ray Buchanan Jr., 3-star, 5’10”, 170 pounds, Suwannee, GA
CB Jared Collins, 3-star, 5’11”, 170 pounds, Tulsa, OK
FS Will Hines, 3-star, 6’1”, 175 pounds, Waco, TX
SS Defonta Lowe, 3-star, 6’2”, 180 pounds, Bearden, AR
LB A.J. Turner, 3-star, 6’3”, 200 pounds, Lepanto, AR
LB Vin Ascolese, 3-star, 6’2”, 215 pounds, New Bergen, NJ
LB Otha Peters, 4-star, 6’1”, 220 pounds, Covington, LA
DE Brandon Lewis, 3-star, 6’5”, 220 pounds, Memphis, TN
DE JaMichael Winston, 3-star, 6’6”, 230 pounds, Prichard, AL
DE Deatrich Wise Jr., 4-star, 6’5”, 220, Carrolton, TX
DE Taiwan Johnson, 4-star, 6’3”, 230 pounds, Manvel, TX
DE Darius Philon, 3-star, 6’1”, 282,Prichard, AL
DE *#Austin Flynn, 3-star, 6’4”, 250 pounds, Los Angeles Harbor CC
*Already enrolled at University of Arkansas
# Denotes junior college player
Position by position breakdown of Arkansas 2012 verbal commitments:
Offensive line: two
Running backs: three
Wide receivers: four
Quarterbacks: none
Tight ends: two
Defensive line: six
Linebackers: three
Safeties: two
Cornerbacks: two
Kickers: none
How the recruiting services ranked Arkansas:
Scout.com No. 21
Rivals.com No. 31
247Sports.com No. 27
Arkansas Recruiting Updates: Hogs Add 4-Star Louisiana Linebacker to Class
The Times-Picayune reporter Ted Lewis is reporting that 4-star linebacker Otha Peters from Covington, LA has flipped his commitment from University of Tennessee to the Razorbacks. Peters has been a Vols verbal commitment since July 21.
Peters, 4-star, 6’1”, 221 pounds, is considered the sixth best inside linebacker in the nation per Rivals.com.
Lewis noted in his report that Covington Coach Malter Scobel was worried about the instability of the Tennessee program in the upcoming years. Scobel added that Arkansas did not have the same challenges ahead of them as Tennessee.
Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and new defensive coordinator Paul Haynes have been searching for top talent to replace departing seniors Jerry Franklin and Jerrico Nelson in their linebacker unit.
Early speculation centered on mid-term enrollee Austin Flynn and his ability to play linebacker for the Hogs in 2012. Flynn may still get a chance to switch from his defensive end position to linebacker for the Razorbacks but the signing of Peters should help Haynes depth at linebacker for the upcoming season.
Peters is the third linebacker verbally committed to the Hogs 2012 recruiting class joining A.J. Turner (Lepanto, Ark.) and Vin Ascolese (New Bergen, N.J.).
Razorback Recruiting Speculation
Word is 4-star junior college wide receiver Courtney Gardner may flip from Arkansas to Oklahoma due to the restrictions the SEC places on incoming JC players. Gardner would have to take extra classes if he were to enroll in any SEC school not just at Arkansas.
The Big 12 does not have the same enrollment standards as the SEC.
Recent junior college verbal commitment Demetrius Wilson is reported to not have any class restrictions delaying his ability to enroll at Arkansas once his spring semester is completed.
If Gardner de-commits the Hogs still have two possibly three scholarships remaining. Which recruits will receive the final two or three scholarships? The possibilities are debatable.
Despite the false reporting of one of the Razorbacks top recruiting prospects, Dorial Green-Beckham of Springfield, MO, committed to Missouri, the Hogs still remain in the running as his college of choice. He is still a strong possibility.
DGB is scheduled to announce his decision Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. EST on ESPNU.
Five-star offensive tackle Jordan Diamond is reportedly giving his private decision Tuesday night to the school of his choice but not making an official announcement until Friday, Feb. 3. The Hogs are among his favorites.
Diamond has taken official visits to Michigan, Auburn, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Arkansas.
Bobby Petrino and staff will hold a spot for Diamond if he privately commits. If the Hogs only sign 24 players on Wednesday chances are Diamond will be a Razorback come Friday.
With the verbal commitment of Otha Peters the likelihood of linebackers Reggie Northrup (4-star, Jacksonville, FL) or Seth Jacobs (4-star, Arroyo Grandee, CA) coming to Arkansas looks slim. Jacobs played linebacker in high school but is being looked at as a safety for the Hogs.
Four-star cornerback Davont’e Neal from Scottsdale, AZ, three-star cornerback Chris Humes from Hoover, AL, or three-star cornerback Gary Simon from St. Petersburg, FL could end up taking one of the remaining scholarships. If Jacobs chooses to play safety in college he could end up back in the conversation taking one of these final scholarships.
Should DGB choose Missouri or Texas over the Hogs, speculation is 4-star wide receiver Javon Williams from Chandler, AZ or 3-star wide receiver Brad Culp from Fayetteville, AR could take that scholarship.
Here’s a list of the 23 verbally committed Razorbacks recruits:
OG Cordale Boyd, 3-star, 6’3”, 290 pounds, Memphis, TN
OG Jeremy Ward, 3-star, 6’4”, 275 pounds, Pottsville, AR
WR D’Arthur Cowan, 3-star, 6’1’, 175 pounds, Olive Branch, MS
WR Keon Hatcher, 4-star, 6’1”, 195 pounds, Owasso, OK
WR Eric Hawkins, 3-star, 6’5”, 220, Longview, TX
WR #Demetrius Wilson, 3-star, 6’2”, 170 pounds, Glendale, AZ
RB Nathan Holems, 3-star, 6’1”, 180 pounds, Port Arthur, TX
RB Donovan Roberts, 3-star, 6’0”, 200 pounds, Norman, OK
TE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star, 6’6”, 215, White Hall, AR
RB Jonathan Williams, 4-star, 5’11”, 205 pounds, Allen, TX
WR #Courtney Gardner, 4-star, 6’3”, 215, Rocklin, CA
CB Ray Buchanan Jr., 3-star, 5’10”, 170 pounds, Suwanee, GA
CB Jared Collins, 3-star, 5’11”, 170 pounds, Tulsa, OK
DE Brandon Lewis, 3-star, 6’5”, 220 pounds, Memphis, TN
SS Defonta Lowe, 3-star, 6’2”, 180 pounds, Bearden, AR
LB A.J. Turner, 3-star, 6’3”, 200 pounds, Lepanto, AR
LB Vin Ascolese, 3-star, 6’2”, 215 pounds, New Bergen, NJ
LB Otha Peters, 4-star, 6’1”, 220 pounds, Covington, LA
DE JaMichael Winston, 3-star, 6’6”, 230 pounds, Prichard, AL
DE Deatrich Wise Jr., 4-star, 6’5”, 220, Carrolton, TX
FS Will Hines, 3-star, 6’1”, 175 pounds, Waco, TX
DE Taiwan Johnson, 4-star, 6’3”, 230 pounds, Manvel, TX
DE *#Austin Flynn, 3-star, 6’4”, 250 pounds, Los Angeles Harbor CC
*Already enrolled at University of Arkansas
# Denotes junior college player
Position by position breakdown of Arkansas 2012 verbal commitments:
Offensive line: two
Running backs: three
Wide receivers: five
Quarterbacks: none
Tight ends: one
Defensive line: five
Linebackers: three
Safeties: two
Cornerbacks: two
Kickers: none
Arkansasjumped in the recruiting rankings from No. 17 to No. 15 on Scout.com while Rivals.com moved the Hogs from No. 30 to No. 28 with the verbal commitment of Peters.
All verbal commitments are non-binding until a letter of intent is signed.
Arkansas Razorback Recruiting: Hogs Set to Win In-State Recruiting Battles
The majority of the top players in the state of Arkansas have made their verbal commitments in preparation for National Signing Day on Feb. 1. Without any major changes come Wednesday, the Razorbacks will be the college of choice for four of the top eight in-state recruits that have made their verbal announcements.
Three-star safety Defonta Lowe from Bearden, Ark. tops the list of in-state players committed to the Razorbacks. Lowe committed to the Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino in September becoming the 14th recruit in Arkansas’ class.
Lowe was a quarterback for Bearden High Schoolbut will move to safety in college. Rivals.com ranked Lowe the third best prospect in the state of Arkansas.
Jeremy Ward, a 3-star offensive lineman from Pottsville, Ark., was the second player to commit to the Hogs in February of 2011. Before the 2011 recruiting class had a chance to fax in their letters of intent 4-star wide receiver Jalen Cobb from Warren, Ark. choose to be a Razorback.
By mid-April 3-star East Poinsett County linebacker A.J. Turner added his name to the Razorbacks list with 3-star defensive end Jeremy Sprinkle from White Hall following suit in June of 2011.
In all, the Razorbacks collected verbal pledges from five of the top seven players in the state. Unfortunately for the Hogs, Cobb’s scholarship offer was reportedly withdrawn because of possible academic issues. Cobb has not committed to another team to date.
The Hogs will lose out on the top rated player in the state for the third year in a row as 4-star running back Zac Brooks from Jonesboro will sign with Clemson. He received clearance to enroll in classes on Jan. 13.
In all fairness to the Razorback coaching staff, Brooks transferred from the east coast finishing out his college prep career in Arkansas. He has family in Georgia and let it be known early that he wanted to attend school closer to his family.
The last top ranked player from in-state to sign with the Hogs was 5-star cornerback Darius Winston fromWest Helenain 2009.
The exodus of 5-star quarterback Kiehl Frazier in 2011 and 5-star running back Michael Dyer in 2010 to Auburn can be directly linked to current Arkansas State Red Wolves head coach Gus Malzahn.
Malzahn, a former high school head coach inSpringdale, was the offensive coordinator for the Tigers from 2009-2011. His influence weighed heavily on both prospects to join him at Auburn. So much so that Michael Dyer, a sophomore with two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in the SEC, transferred from Auburn after the fall semester to follow Malzahn to Arkansas State.
Malzahn, a first year head coach on the collegiate level, has ASU in line to reap the benefit of the rest of the in-state talent not offered by the Razorbacks. Of the 22 Arkansas players set to sign with Division 1-A schools, the Red Wolves have verbal pledges from 10.
Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Purdue, and SMU have all grabbed Arkansas recruits.
Brad Culp, a 3-star wide receiver prospect from Fayetteville and the states No. 10 ranked player, has not made a verbal commitment to date. He visitedNorth Carolinaon Jan 25. and Arkansas State on Jan. 27. ASU, Memphis and Ole Miss have reportedly offered Culp a scholarship.
Here’s a list Arkansas recruits that have a verbal commitment to Division 1-A schools:
Recruit/Rating/Location/School
RB Zac Brooks, 4-star, Jonesboro, Clemson
FS Defonte Lowe, 3-star, Bearden, Arkansas
LB A.J. Turner, 3-star, Lepanto, Arkansas
OL Jeremy Ward, 3-star, Pottsville, Arkansas
OL Jemar Clark, 3-star, McCrory, Arkansas State
DE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star, White Hall, Arkansas
RB Kenneth Dixon, 3-star, Louisiana Tech
QB Neal Burcham, 3-star, Greenbrier, SMU
CB Marquis Walker, 3-star, Rison, Arkansas State
OG Jason King, 2-star,Pulaski Academy (Little Rock), Purdue
LB Quanterio Heath, 2-star, Rison, Arkansas State
DE Jeff Savage, 2-star, Smackover, ULM
SS Quincy Hardwell, 2-star, El Dorado, ULM
QB Fredi Knighten, 2-star, Pulaski Academy(Little Rock), Arkansas State
CB Derek Keaton, 2-star, Camden, Arkansas State
WR Warren Leapheart, 2-star, Morrilton, Arkansas State
QB Dezmond Stegall, 2-star, Searcy, Louisiana Tech
OG Colton Jackson, 2-star, Ozark, Arkansas State
WR Ajalen Holley, 2-star, Lakeside (Hot Springs), ULM
RB DeKeathan Williams, not rated, Central (Little Rock), Arkansas State
OG Austin Moreton, not rated, Southside (Fort Smith), Arkansas State
DE Darrius Rosser, not rated, Marion, Arkansas State
National Signing Day is Feb 1. All verbal commitments are non-binding.
Arkansas Razorback Recruiting: Hogs Add another Verbal Commitment
Linebacker Vin Ascolese from North Bergen, New Jersey made an official announcement on Friday that he will be calling the Hogs on National Signing Day.
Ascolese is listed at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds and runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. He was the only New Jerseyhigh school player that made the Parade All-American list this season.
Ascolese played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Game in Phoenix, Arizona January 3. He was one of 100 players selected for the game.
Vin Ascolese reported offers from South Carolina, Illinois, Cincinnati, and Michigan State. Texas A&M offered a scholarship on Jan. 24 but to no avail.
The Illinois coaching staff did an in-home visit on Thursday with Ascoles followed by an in-home visit from Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino.
The Razorbacks have four scholarships remaining. Speculation is the Hogs have four private commitments waiting to announce on National Signing Day.
Edward Pope, a 4-star athlete fromCarthage,Texaswas scheduled to visit Fayetteville this weekend but the coaching staff canceled his visit. Chances are the Hogs would not have canceled his visit if they did not think they were set come Feb. 1.
Pope committed to TCU on Feb. 27, 2011.
Here’s a list of the 21 verbally committed Razorbacks recruits:
OG Cordale Boyd, 3-star, 6’3”, 290 pounds, Memphis, TN
OG Jeremy Ward, 3-star, 6’4”, 275 pounds, Pottsville, AR
WR D’Arthur Cowan, 3-star, 6’1’, 175 pounds, Olive Branch, MS
WR Keon Hatcher, 4-star, 6’1”, 195 pounds, Owasso, OK
WR Eric Hawkins, 3-star, 6’5”, 220, Longview, TX
RB Nathan Holems, 3-star, 6’1”, 180 pounds, Port Arthur, TX
RB Donovan Roberts, 3-star, 6’0”, 200 pounds, Norman, OK
TE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star, 6’6”, 215, White Hall, AR
RB Jonathan Williams, 4-star, 5’11”, 205 pounds, Allen, TX
WR Courtney Gardner, 4-star, 6’3”, 215, Rocklin, CA
CB Ray Buchanan Jr., 3-star, 5’10”, 170 pounds, Suwanee, GA
CB Jared Collins, 3-star, 5’11”, 170 pounds, Tulsa, OK
DE Brandon Lewis, 3-star, 6’5”, 220 pounds, Memphis, TN
DB Defonta Lowe, 3-star, 6’2”, 180 pounds, Bearden, AR
LB A.J. Turner, 3-star, 6’3”, 200 pounds, Lepanto, AR
DE JaMichael Winston, 3-star, 6’6”, 230 pounds, Prichard, AL
DE Deatrich Wise Jr., 4-star, 6’5”, 220, Carrolton, TX
FS Will Hines, 3-star, 6’1”, 175 pounds, Waco, TX
LB Vin Ascolese, 3-star, 6’2”, 215 pounds, New Bergen, NJ
DE Taiwan Johnson, 4-star, 6’3”, 230 pounds, Manvel, TX
DE *Austin Flynn, 3-star, 6’4”, 250 pounds, Los Angeles Harbor CC
*Already enrolled at University of Arkansas
Arkansas has five 4-star and 16 3-star commitments.
Position by position breakdown of Arkansas 2012 verbal commitments:
Offensive line: two
Running backs: three
Wide receivers: four
Quarterbacks: none
Tight ends: none
Defensive line: six
Linebackers: two
Safeties: two
Cornerbacks: two
Kickers: none
Arkansas fell in the recruiting rankings from No. 13 to No. 17 on Scout.com. Rivals.com dropped the Hogs one spot from No. 29 to No. 30.
All verbal commitments are non-binding until a letter of intent is signed.
Arkansas Sports Quick Hits
Arkansas Sports Quick Hits
Five players with ties to the state of Arkansas will be playing in this year’s Super Bowl inIndianapolis.
The New York Giants have three players on their roster: OT Stacy Andrews (Camden, Ark), Mitch Petrus fromCarlisleHigh School (University of Arkansas) in his second season, and Tony Ugoh (University of Arkansas) in his fifth season in the NFL.
The New England Patriots have two players with Arkansas connections with rookie quarterback Ryan Mallett (University of Arkansas) and practice squad linebacker Markell Carter (University of Central Arkansas).
Mallett is listed as the Pats third string quarterback behind Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer.
Carter was a 2011 sixth round draft pick of the Pats.
A Transfer for the Razorbacks Basketball Team
According to Hot100Hoops.com 6’2” guard Fred Gulley has transferred from Oklahoma State to the Hogs.
Gulley, a redshirt sophomore fromFayetteville,Ark., enrolled at mid-term and will be allowed to play for the Hogs after the fall semester is completed in 2012 once he is cleared by the NCAA.
To date Gulley has not been officially offered a scholarship by Arkansas head coach Mike Anderson.
Gulley averaged 16.4 points per game on the 2009FayettevilleHigh Schoolteam that went 30-0 and won the state championship.
Long Time Coming for Jeff Long
After a Top Five finish for the Razorbacks in football what else could athletic director Jeff Long hope for with Arkansas’ athletic program?
Long can boast that the gymnastics team that is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation, the men’s track team that is ranked No. 1 (first time since 2009), the women’s track team that is ranked No. 3, men’s golf is No. 3, and the baseball team preseason No. 4.
Congratulations to Jeff Long, the Arkansas athletic department, the coaching staffs, and the players.
Arkansas College Football Recruiting Update
Arkansas commitment defensive end JaMichael Winston, 3-star, is scheduled to visit Michigan State this weekend. He visited Clemson this past weekend. Clemson has not officially offered Winston a scholarship, Michigan State has.
Defensive tackle Tyler Nero is not visiting Arkansas this weekend.
4-star defensive end Tawain Johnson was visited at school by Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and offensive line coach Chris Klenakis on Monday. Johnson visited Clemson this past weekend.
Dalton Santos is scheduled to make an official visit toTexasnext weekend. Santos, a University of Tennessee commitment, visited the Hogs this past week.
3-star Arkansas wide receiver commitment Eric Hankins was reported to have an in-school visit from Petrino and cornerbacks coach Bobby Allen on Tuesday.
Quarterback Nick Schuessler may only visit Arkansas on Friday. He is scheduled to visit Mississippi State on Saturday.
Arkansas Recruiting Update: Razorbacks hosted 18 Top Recruits over the Weekend
The Arkansas Razorbacks had perhaps their most impressive list of official visitors during the Bobby Petrino era when the Hogs hosted 17 top high school seniors and one junior college player over the weekend.
Springfield,Missouriwide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham and Spring, Texas running back Trey Williams were two of the four 5-star recruits among the official visitors the Hogs hosted. Green-Beckham and Williams are considered Top 15 players in the nation per Rivals.com.
Green-Beckham, widely considered the top recruit in the 2012 class, has not made a verbal committed to date. Williams is considered a solid Texas A&M commitment.
Offensive tackle Jordan Diamond from Simeon Vocational High School in Chicago was another 5-star that visited the Hill. Diamond has offers from seemingly every Division 1-A school possible including Alabama, Illinois, Oregon, Miami, Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, and Notre Dame along with one from the Razorbacks.
Diamond has taken official visits to Auburn, Ohio State, and Michigan. He is scheduled to visit Wisconsin next weekend.
Athlete Davonte Neal from Scottsdale, Arizona was another 5-star on campus. According to ESPN.com Neal is the eighth best player in the nation. Neal’s offer list is a “whose who” list of top programs. Among the schools to offer are LSU, USC, Auburn, Florida State, UCLA, and North Carolina.
Neal has taken official visits to Notre Dame and Ohio State and will receive in-home visits from both schools on Thursday. He is scheduled to take an official visit to North Carolina this weekend and Arizona on February 10, 10 days after signing day.
Will the Hogs hold a scholarship spot open for him 10 days after LOI Day?
The weekend was complete for the recruits with a visit to the Catfish Hole for dinner on Saturday night instead of the usual Friday night to accommodate for late arrivals, watching the Hogs beat No. 20 University of Michigan 66-64, and the traditional Arkansas pre-game experience for the recruits at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
No players officially verbally committed over the weekend.
Here’s a list of the recruits that took an official visit this past weekend:
(Position, Player, Ranking, Location, Commitment)
WR Dorial Green-Beckham, 5-Star, Springfield, Missouri, not committed
RB Trey Williams, 5-Star, committed to Texas A&M
WR Davonte Neal, 5-Star, Scottsdale, Arizona, not committed
OT Jordan Diamond, 5-Star, Chicago, Illinois, not committed
OL Jeremy Ward, 4-Star, Pottsville, Arkansas, committed to Arkansas
LB A.J. Turner, 4-Star, Lepanto, Arkansas, committed to Arkansas
LB Dalton CorSantos, 3-Star, Van,Texas, committed to Tennessee
RB Donovan Roberts, 3-Star,Norman,Oklahoma, committed toArkansas
LB Kenny Orjioke, 3-star, Marietta, Georgia, committed to UCLA
CB Gary Simon, 3-star, St. Petersburg, Florida, not committed
OG/TE Joey Warburg, 3-star, Louisville, Kentucky, committed toIllinois
WR *Demetrius Wilson, 3-star, Glendale, Arizona, not committed
OG Cordal Boyd, 3-star, Memphis, Tennessee, committed to Arkansas
DE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star,White Hall,Arkansas, committed to Arkansas
ATH Nathan Holmes, 3-star, Port Arthur, Texas, committed to Arkansas
FS Dafonta Lowe, 3-star, Bearden, Arkansas, committed to Arkansas
WR Keon Hatcher, 3-star, Owasso, Oklahoma, committed to Arkansas
WR D’Arthur Cowan, 3-star, Olive Branch, Mississippi, committed to Arkansas
*Denotes Junior College Player
Possible Official Visits that did not Visit
WR Bralon Addison, 4-star,Sugar Land, Texas, committed to Texas A&M
DE Darius English, 3-Star,Powder Springs, Georgia, committed to South Carolina
OL Germain Ifedi, 3-Star, Houston, Texas, committed to Texas A&M
DT Tyler Nero, 3-Star, Atmore, Alabama, committed to Auburn
TE Sean Price, 4-Star, Citra, Florida, committed to South Florida
Tyler Nero may visit this upcoming weekend. Nero is the son of former Arkansas Razorback player Norman Nero.
Possible Official Visits for weekend of January 27
ATH Edward Pope, 2-star, Carthage, Texas, committed to TCU
OLB Jakarri, Thomas, 2-star, Tallahassee, FL, committed to Arkansas
DB John Gibson, 3-star, Missouri City, Texas, committed to Arkansas
DE Brandon Lewis, 3-star, committed to Arkansas
CB Jared Collins, 3-star, Tulsa ,Oklahoma, committed to Arkansas
Collins, Lewis, Gibson, and Thomas have all verbally committed to Arkansas but have not officially visited.
Recruiting Updates
Beau Hankins, a 3-star linebacker from Birmingham, Alabama, was offered by Penn State last week. Hankins has taken official visits to Arkansas, Florida International, and went to University of Central Florida during this past weekend with best friend Harding Harper, 3-star linebacker.
Arkansas is thought to be leading for Hankins signature on National Signing Day. No word howPennState’s offer may affect his decision.
Another Missouri Commitment De-commits then Recommits Somewhere Else
Will Hines, a 3-star cornerback from Waco, Texas verbally committed to the Hogs after his visit to Arkansas over the weekend of Jan. 13. The No. 35 ranked cornerback in the nation will join one of his best friends, running back Jonathan Williams, at Arkansas for the 2012 season.
Hines and Williams were both previously verbally committed to Missouri.
Whatever Happened to…
Former Arkansas commitment defensive tackle Mike Pennel, 6’5”, 340 pounds, of Scottsdale Junior College took a recruiting visit to Kansas State this past weekend. He visited Hawaii the weekend of Jan. 13.
Pennel has used four of his five official visits and remains uncommitted-Arkansas, Texas A&M, Hawaii, and Kansas State.
When Just One In-Home Visit Won’t Do
Linebacker Reggie Northup had an in-home visit from defensive coordinator Paul Haynes and receivers coach Kris Cinkovich on Monday Jan. 23. He will receive another in-home visit from new linebacker’s coach Taver Johnson this week.
Northup was committed to Miami but has reopened his recruiting due to the NCAA investigation into Miami’s program. He visited Arkansas for their home game against Tennessee in November. He visited Florida State this past weekend and is scheduled to visit Ohio State this weekend.
Another Possible Verbal Commitment
3-star linebacker Vin Ascolese from North Bergen, New Jersey let it be known on Twitter that he will announce his decision publicly at his high school on Jan. 25. Ascolese visited Illinois this past weekend after visiting the Hogs the prior weekend.
Ascolese is a Parade All-American.
Still Solid?
Razorback commitment Courtney Garner, a 4-star Junior College wide receiver from Sierra Community College in California, was supposed to visit Florida State this past weekend but did not go. Garner is scheduled to visit Oklahoma this weekend.
When a commitment continues to take visits there is always a chance that recruit may flip. Razorback fans have their fingers crossed that Garner will stay a solid commitment. He is the No. 12 ranked junior college player in the nation per Rivals.com.
The 2013 Class
North Little Rockjunior running back Altee Tenpenny, 5’11”, 200 pounds, was visited by Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and running back coach Tim Horton on Tuesday. Also visiting Tenpenny on Tuesday was the new head coach for Arkansas State, Gus Malzahn.
Tenpenny reports offers from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Auburn among others.
Alabamahead coach Nick Saban visited Tenpenny on Wednesday.
Remember Me before You Go
University of Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel tried to make a lasting impression on Dorial Green-Beckham before his visit to Arkansas. In an effort to one-up Bobby Petrino’s visit to DGB at school earlier in the day on Wednesday, Pinkel landed on the school’s Birmingham Field at the end of the school day to visit with the top recruit.
Speculation has Green-Beckham’s schools narrowed down to Arkansas and Texas with an outside chance of Missouri winning his signature. DGB has not made an official announcement to date.
HogManInLA 