2018 Class Update

[Rock City Razorback]

With the new signing date in effect, 9 already committed with a few that look likely this month, and it being a small numbers year, this class seems almost done. Bishop committing Saturday and one would think he'll be a Hog, but I honestly could see a surprise there for whatever reason. Jones, Fulwider and Wren are all visiting later this month and all are likely to commit. This would be Fulwider's second visit in as many months. Luke Jones is an in-state OL that earned an offer at camp, and was thought to commit same night as Nichols/Gatlin. Wren seems to be most likely get at OLB now after Geathers and Hobbs chose elsewhere, and White not likely. He's announced a decision date of September 27. That would bring the total to 13. It would be ideal to round out the class with one of the highly ranked OL of Sewell, Simpson or Dunlap (possibly Carvin), Bohanon, a WR and TE. I've heard grumblings of Erik Ezukanma for WR, but how much traction that has, I don't know. At TE, Ford would be awesome to get back and Beal has us in his Top 6. Obviously could go in different direction of taking another DL or OLB, not taking a WR at all or a change in the RB situation. It'll be interesting to see what plays out, but things seem to be coming together by the time season rolls around. Go Hogs!

[Richard Davenport]

I expect them to have the majority of the class done before the season and will try and close out the remaining spot or two during the season.

[tophawg19]

i think there will be more spots available after the season as the guys see where they fit in a 3-4 . Also I think there will be some looking to move on if the young DB's come on like i Believe they will. I also expect a bit of movement at Wr and wouldn't be shocked by a TE and an O_Line guy or two. I'm thinking this may be a transition year for the hogs

[ricepig]

Well, it looks like Bishop is MSU bound, and as RD reported, Fulwider isn't visiting anytime soon, so while some thought we would get 4 more commits real soon, it appears Jones is the only "sure" bet, anytime soon.

[King Kong]

Well, it looks like Bishop is MSU bound, and as RD reported, Fulwider isn't visiting anytime soon, so while some thought we would get 4 more commits real soon, it appears Jones is the only "sure" bet, anytime soon.

We done at DB if we don't get Bishop?

[Pig in the Pokey]

We done at DB if we don't get Bishop?

Foucha

[secneahog]

Foucha

I'm assuming this is a shot in the dark by you?

[secneahog]

Richard Davenport

Is Fulwider canceling his visit and visiting Vandy instead?

[presidenthog]

With Mincey being added to the fold, looks like we're finished at DE as he may have taken Fulwider's spot. May still add a DT, but nothing definite. Would be nice to add McNeill, but haven't heard anything on him in awhile. Calvin Avery is from Bishop Dunne, so connection there, but doesn't appear to have much interest. There's also Tart and Humphrey, both JUCO guys. With one JUCO DT already committed in Gooden, may not take another. Ezukanma is now listed as 100% CB prediction, but haven't heard of him visiting. Total commits stand at 11, so 4-5 more. Interested to hear others' theories on who will be the last few and what the total number will be. Hopefully we have a great season and have room for 1-2 more after it's completed and can bring in high-profile talent!

I think we are at 2-3 max.

Wren
Ezukanma
And a final spot will be held for bohanon. That will be your class.

All in all a very good class with alot of upside and guys who can make It to the next level.

I think now that we are out of big time tight ends we will move onto ezukanma. You don't pass up NFL talent. Had we kept Ford we might not have taken him but I believe we will now and go full court on TEs in 2019.

[redleg]

I do not see Gerry Bohanon signing with Arkansas. He may see that his running QB skill set doesn't fit Arkansas' pro-style offense. I feel he is headed for Baylor. They run a spread-option offense that is better suited for him. Personally, I think Bohanon would be a better fit for the long haul as an OLB for the Hogs...but I doubt that will happen.

With 11 verbals as of yesterday, these players may be some of the final four that sign (although two or three more scholies may open up after the season with transfers and dismissals):
4* WR Erik Ezukanma Keller, TX.
3* LB Maureese Wren Mesquite, TX.
4* DT Tayland Humphrey Hutchinson C.C., KS.
3* DE Nick Fulwider Tyrone, GA.
3* RB Demarcus Townsend Naples, FL.
4* WR Lawrence Keys III New Orleans, LA.
4* DT Trevor Trout St. Louis, MO.
4* OLB DaShaun White North Richland Hills, TX.
3* OL Jax Gasaway Star City, AR.

[ricepig]

I do not see Gerry Bohanon signing with Arkansas. He may see that his running QB skill set doesn't fit Arkansas' pro-style offense. I feel he is headed for Baylor. They run a spread-option offense that is better suited for him. Personally, I think Bohanon would be a better fit for the long haul as an OLB for the Hogs...but I doubt that will happen.

With 11 verbals as of yesterday, these players may be some of the final four that sign (although two or three more scholies may open up after the season with transfers and dismissals):
4* WR Erik Ezukanma Keller, TX.
3* LB Maureese Wren Mesquite, TX.
4* DT Tayland Humphrey Hutchinson C.C., KS.
3* DE Nick Fulwider Tyrone, GA.
3* RB Demarcus Townsend Naples, FL.
4* WR Lawrence Keys III New Orleans, LA.
4* DT Trevor Trout St. Louis, MO.
4* OLB DaShaun White North Richland Hills, TX.
3* OL Jax Gasaway Star City, AR.

We have 13 as of today, you have to count Henry and Clary in this class. So, potentially only 2 more, but most think it will grow another 2.

[RWQ]

Thank you for this reasonable, civil, and intelligent discussion regarding the 2018 recruiting class.

[onebadrubi]

We have 13 as of today, you have to count Henry and Clary in this class. So, potentially only 2 more, but most think it will grow another 2.

This classes sheer numbers could hurt Bielema, but we will see.  We really need front 7 bodies on D and OL, but you don't turn down Erik E if he wants to come here.  I said it last year and the previous year, those recruiting classes really did this entire football team well and covered all basis across the board.  I hate to see we slack up on that, but it's just how it worked out.

[jgphillips3]

Interestingly enough, we may finally be seeing the Bielema plan come to fruition.  With Arkansas kids or Arkansas connections we usually wind up with 10-12 kids each recruiting class that could play anywhere.  The remaining 13-15 are good, but not outstanding. 

Now that Bielema has built depth and low attrition, we may have only 18 signees a year.  However, if we are still getting 12 studs, the quality of player at every position goes up significantly.  Whereas before, perhaps 40-45% of our class were studs.  Now every class could be 65% studs. That kind of jump in talent could allow you to at least compete with Bama and win every few years with a shot to do more a couple times a decade.

[Oklahawg]

Interestingly enough, we may finally be seeing the Bielema plan come to fruition.  With Arkansas kids or Arkansas connections we usually wind up with 10-12 kids each recruiting class that could play anywhere.  The remaining 13-15 are good, but not outstanding. 

Now that Bielema has built depth and low attrition, we may have only 18 signees a year.  However, if we are still getting 12 studs, the quality of player at every position goes up significantly.  Whereas before, perhaps 40-45% of our class were studs.  Now every class could be 65% studs. That kind of jump in talent could allow you to at least compete with Bama and win every few years with a shot to do more a couple times a decade.

I can buy this thinking.

[Oklahawg]

By shooting really high for the final couple of slots the hogs are likely chasing players who will commit much closer to signing day. That means we will have a better idea on total numbers before they decide to commit.

Bohanon + Wren and a top-end OL. They will shoot for the moon with these slots as they have good fallback plans.

[presidenthog]

Speaking of wren. Anyone know how his visit is going?

[Youngsta71701]

I do not see Gerry Bohanon signing with Arkansas. He may see that his running QB skill set doesn't fit Arkansas' pro-style offense. I feel he is headed for Baylor. They run a spread-option offense that is better suited for him. Personally, I think Bohanon would be a better fit for the long haul as an OLB for the Hogs...but I doubt that will happen.

With 11 verbals as of yesterday, these players may be some of the final four that sign (although two or three more scholies may open up after the season with transfers and dismissals):
4* WR Erik Ezukanma Keller, TX.
3* LB Maureese Wren Mesquite, TX.
4* DT Tayland Humphrey Hutchinson C.C., KS.
3* DE Nick Fulwider Tyrone, GA.
3* RB Demarcus Townsend Naples, FL.
4* WR Lawrence Keys III New Orleans, LA.
4* DT Trevor Trout St. Louis, MO.
4* OLB DaShaun White North Richland Hills, TX.
3* OL Jax Gasaway Star City, AR.

Russell Wilson didn't do to bad in Bret Bielema's pro-style offense. Just a thought...

[hawg IQ]

We have 13 as of today, you have to count Henry and Clary in this class. So, potentially only 2 more, but most think it will grow another 2.

can you post a list of the ones already committed-thanks in advance

[ricepig]

can you post a list of the ones already committed-thanks in advance

Add Ty Clary and Hayden Henry

http://arkansas.247sports.com/Season/2018-Football/Commits/

[onebadrubi]

Add Ty Clary and Hayden Henry

http://arkansas.247sports.com/Season/2018-Football/Commits/

Man we need to find a big OL recruit to add to this. 

[HogCzar1]

Speaking of wren. Anyone know how his visit is going?

Not sure, but heard he tweeted that he was going to visit Colorado after his visit here.

[nwahogfan1]

Not sure, but heard he tweeted that he was going to visit Colorado after his visit here.

I really want the kid but I totally understand him visiting lots of schools.

[HOGINTENNESSEE]

Would be tough to lose another to CU after Edwards spurned us for them, we settled on Melvin Johnson and he never made it to campus. Edwards would have been a big boost on a thin DL this year transitioning to the 3-4. That being said, I do feel confident in landing Wren. Coaches are going all in on him, as we've lost out on previous OLB targets this year, and DaShaun White seems headed elsewhere as well.

Baylor is the bigger concern for Wren. Colorado was able to convince Edwards by offering his best friend on his Juco team a spot

[onebadrubi]

CU lost there D.C. After last season who was really good.  I expect them to take a step back in play this year.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

Would be tough to lose another to CU after Edwards spurned us for them, we settled on Melvin Johnson and he never made it to campus. Edwards would have been a big boost on a thin DL this year transitioning to the 3-4. That being said, I do feel confident in landing Wren. Coaches are going all in on him, as we've lost out on previous OLB targets this year, and DaShaun White seems headed elsewhere as well.

Last I heard we hadn't lost Melvin Johnson but that his arrival was delayed to just before school starts. Has that changed?

[King Kong]

Last I heard we hadn't lost Melvin Johnson but that his arrival was delayed to just before school starts. Has that changed?

The option for him to arrive in January is still an open. However some believe due to our limited number of scholarships we may move on to other prospects that we like better

The coaches really wanted Johnson to come in and Redshirt a year under Herb to get him ready.

[secneahog]

The option for him to arrive in January is still an open. However some believe due to our limited number of scholarships we may move on to other prospects that we like better

The coaches really wanted Johnson to come in and Redshirt a year under Herb to get him ready.

This.  The process has worked out nicely for Juco Gabe Richardson. He's going to get a lot of PT.

[ricepig]

Last I heard we hadn't lost Melvin Johnson but that his arrival was delayed to just before school starts. Has that changed?

January at the earliest, is my understanding.

[Peter Porker]

Last I heard we hadn't lost Melvin Johnson but that his arrival was delayed to just before school starts. Has that changed?

I thought CBB said he would be a December enrollee now.

[ricepig]

I thought CBB said he would be a December enrollee now.

That's the plan as of today.

[parallaxpig]

I thought CBB said he would be a December enrollee now.

If he passes his classes.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

January at the earliest, is my understanding.

That really is too bad. I hope he makes it, for him.