Fayetteville's Byers gets Bama offer

[RazorPiggie]

Who was the last Fayetteville High kid that left the state with an UA offer?

[Wildhog]

Is Byers originally from Arkansas? 

[factchecker]

And then we wonder why so many of the best in-state players leave.

Basketball maybe.... football not so much:

TOP 5 Arkansas recruits since Coach Bielema hire (according to ESPN):

2013

Hunter Henry            Signed by Arkansas           Mackey Award Winner
Altee Tenpenny         Signed by Bama                              -
Brooks Ellis               Signed by Arkansas           Starting Linebacker
Austin Allen              Signed by Arkansas            To be determined
Jamar Criswell           ?                                                   -

2014

Bijhon Jackson          Signed by Arkansas           In 2-deep rotation
Joshua Frazier           Signed by Bama               Buried in depth chart
Jabe Burgess             Signed by Tulsa                Transfer to Mississippi Gulf Coast CC (JUCO)
Josh Liddell               Signed by Arkansas           Starting Safety
Deandre Murray         Signed by Tulsa                Transfer to D2 Pittsburg State

2015

K.J. Hill                     Signed by Ohio State                          To be determined (red-shirt?)
C.J. O'Grady              Signed by Arkansas                             Red-Shirt To be Determined
Will Gragg                 Signed by Arkansas                              Red-Shirt To be Determined
Jamario Bell               Signed by Arkansas                             Red-Shirt To be Determined
Dominique Reed         Signed by Arkansas (from JUCO)           Key weapon in passing game

2016

McTelvin Agim             Signed by Arkansas                             To be Determined
T.J. Hammonds           Signed by Arkansas                              To be Determined
John Tate                   Signed by Memphis                               To be Determined
Austin Capps               Signed by Arkansas                              To be Determined
Jordan Jones               Signed by Arkansas                              To be Determined

2013: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/databaseresults?firstname=&lastname=&collegeid=&class=2013&position=&state=3

2014: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/databaseresults?firstname=&lastname=&collegeid=&class=2014&position=&state=3

2015: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/databaseresults?firstname=&lastname=&collegeid=&class=2015&position=&state=3

2016: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/databaseresults?firstname=&lastname=&collegeid=&class=2016&position=&state=3

6 out of top 20 recruits have left state---- 3 of which had offers from Arkansas (Tenpenny, Frazier, and Hill)

[whosiskid]

I do belong to the camp of those who believe we moved too slowly and too late on Daniels, but apart from him and Josh Frazier (who we did not move too slowly on - he just didn't want to stay in Fayetteville - and how has Josh enjoyed sitting on the bench at Bama?) Bielema has done a great job keeping instate the kids he wanted to keep instate.

We will offer Byers and I believe he stay instate.

I think we will offer Pierre Strong at RB and he will commit. He pretty clearly wants to be a Razorback. They have visited him at McClellan and are aware of how good he is. I think he'll get an offer at the elite camp this summer. He might have gotten an offer this spring, but that will surely be delayed by the coaching hire.

I suspect we'll find a couple of instate offensive linemen that currently aren't getting much attention, and maybe a linebacker and defensive back. But Byers and Strong are the only two kids I would make a bet on getting offers from the Hogs. Taylor Powell is a good QB, but I don't think the Hogs will offer him.

In other words, I think Bielema will get every instate 2017 kid that he wants. The only problem is that I don't think he'll want very many, though it is always possible that a bunch of kids who have camped at Arkansas before will show a lot of improvement in a year. There may be a kid who has grown a lot physically, like Colton Jackson when he was offered at camp a couple of years ago. But the main thing is: Bielema will get his choice of the instate kids.

There really is no need for panic here. All of our recruiting battles will be out of state.

[Been10Hog]

Dude, you're arguing with Richard Davenport about Arkansas recruiting. At some point you just gotta learn when to stop.

[jkstock04]

There will probably be 120+ kids in the 2017 class that can say they have a Bama offer.  They can't take them all and most could not commit if they wanted to.

It's kind of like someone running a thread saying the Hogs signed 7 kids with Bama offers.  Over 100 kids signed with other schools in 2016 that had Bama offers as well.

Exactly. The committable offers vs contingent offers is always something glossed over on here. Especially by the so called recruiting experts that claim offer sheets are the end all be all.

Only way to have a pretty good idea that a kid has a committable offer is if he actually makes an official visit to said campus.

[jgphillips3]

One thing for those knocking the walk on program, think about who these walk on's are.  We are now doing like Nebraska did for so many years, getting three star level talent to walk on.  We can take 5 preferred a year and stay under our 105 cap reporting in the summer.  Of those 5, if one in five (20%) pans out like we hope, you just added a 4 star kid to your program and the other four still get all the honor of playing for Arkansas and having been recruited by Arkansas.  Normally, you think the preferred walk on is going to take two years to be developed to that 4 star level of production at a minimum.  Given that, we may start to see our first real infusion of help from the walk on program this year and certainly next.  How much better would we have felt if we had added one more 4 star to our recruiting class this year?  Well, we may have and just not know it because they have been up there busting their butt for a couple of years already.  Walk on programs are a long term investment.  It should start paying off very soon.

[scruf]

People who complain about the walk-on program are not all there mentally.

[Chief Mac]

Ironically enough, yes, you are quite done.

hahahaha!!  The ole Bear taking out the garbage!

[Vantage 8 dude]

For all who complain that we're too slow to offer kids, especially instate players, I have a question for ya'. Would you rather us offer a bunch of kids primarily just to be the first one in the door only to go back and possibly revoke the offer or be deliberate in our analysis and be serious about the offer when it's made? Either way it seems that you're "picking your poison".

On the one hand you may likely be the first to offer. You let a kid know you're seriously interested. Fine thus far. However, say you go back later and then say "Nope, decided we can't or won't use you". Think that will go over well with folks in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Fordyce, Texarkana, Pine Bluff, and other spots around the state? Not if I've learned anything at all about Hog fans in this state. Think that will fly well with most of the high school coaches that may host Hog staff in coming years when there's a memory that an offer was pulled out from under a kid? Not if the reaction of such instances in the past is any guide.

The other approach means the staff is taking a very deliberate, methodical process in check out a kid's grades, playing skills/performances, character and all the other factors that need to be investigated. Yes, it's certainly possible that the kid will become impatient or upset that Arkansas hasn't made a definitive offer and therefore may commit elsewhere.....and that's certainly a risk. However, I'm also assuming the U of A staff has had enough gumption and foresight to actually communicate with the kid and let him know what they're doing concerning his evaluation. I know, however, that last assumption would be a "stretch" for those who prefer to panic in such a situation.

So... there you have your two basic choices. As I said earlier, you "pick your poison" cause there's no perfect solution or approach to the game of recruiting. You take a stand and go with it.

[colbs]

Basketball maybe.... football not so much:

TOP 5 Arkansas recruits since Coach Bielema hire (according to ESPN):

2013I think some people just make things up.  I'm not sure an earlier offer would had made a difference with any of the 3 that left.  Maybe KJ but didn't he commit to Arkansas regardless before decommitting?

Hunter Henry            Signed by Arkansas           Mackey Award Winner
Altee Tenpenny         Signed by Bama                              -
Brooks Ellis               Signed by Arkansas           Starting Linebacker
Austin Allen              Signed by Arkansas            To be determined
Jamar Criswell           ?                                                   -

2014

Bijhon Jackson          Signed by Arkansas           In 2-deep rotation
Joshua Frazier           Signed by Bama               Buried in depth chart
Jabe Burgess             Signed by Tulsa                Transfer to Mississippi Gulf Coast CC (JUCO)
Josh Liddell               Signed by Arkansas           Starting Safety
Deandre Murray         Signed by Tulsa                Transfer to D2 Pittsburg State

2015

K.J. Hill                     Signed by Ohio State                          To be determined (red-shirt?)
C.J. O'Grady              Signed by Arkansas                             Red-Shirt To be Determined
Will Gragg                 Signed by Arkansas                              Red-Shirt To be Determined
Jamario Bell               Signed by Arkansas                             Red-Shirt To be Determined
Dominique Reed         Signed by Arkansas (from JUCO)           Key weapon in passing game

2016

McTelvin Agim             Signed by Arkansas                             To be Determined
T.J. Hammonds           Signed by Arkansas                              To be Determined
John Tate                   Signed by Memphis                               To be Determined
Austin Capps               Signed by Arkansas                              To be Determined
Jordan Jones               Signed by Arkansas                              To be Determined

2013: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/databaseresults?firstname=&lastname=&collegeid=&class=2013&position=&state=3

2014: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/databaseresults?firstname=&lastname=&collegeid=&class=2014&position=&state=3

2015: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/databaseresults?firstname=&lastname=&collegeid=&class=2015&position=&state=3

2016: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/databaseresults?firstname=&lastname=&collegeid=&class=2016&position=&state=3

6 out of top 20 recruits have left state---- 3 of which had offers from Arkansas (Tenpenny, Frazier, and Hill)

[bigdaddyhawg]

6 out of top 20 recruits have left state---- 3 of which had offers from Arkansas (Tenpenny, Frazier, and Hill)

We all know Frazier was not going to play QB for Bobby Petrino, and he made the right choice by going to Auburn -- at least there he had a chance to do something in Gus' high school offense.  Still he was a horrible thrower and WAY WAY over-rated.  As a DB/WR he should have been a 3* at most.

Frazier was not an Arkansas kid, so it's a little disingenuous for anyone to include him in a discussion of "home state kids we've lost".

Tenpenny was lost mainly due to the disaster at the end of CBP and CBB's very short window to recruit AT.  But IMO he was another vastly over-rated recruit, and never should have been the top-rated recruit from the state that year.  He wasn't even the best RB on his HS team.

So, Grizzlyfan, who the hell are all these great players we keep losing that we should be getting?

[PorkRinds]

We all know Frazier was not going to play QB for Bobby Petrino, and he made the right choice by going to Auburn -- at least there he had a chance to do something in Gus' high school offense.  Still he was a horrible thrower and WAY WAY over-rated.  As a DB/WR he should have been a 3* at most.

Frazier was not an Arkansas kid, so it's a little disingenuous for anyone to include him in a discussion of "home state kids we've lost".

Tenpenny was lost mainly due to the disaster at the end of CBP and CBB's very short window to recruit AT.  But IMO he was another vastly over-rated recruit, and never should have been the top-rated recruit from the state that year.  He wasn't even the best RB on his HS team.

So, Grizzlyfan, who the hell are all these great players we keep losing that we should be getting?

I do believe he's talking about Josh, not Keil.

[Arkiebarkie]

   

    When Arkansas offers an Arkansas kid and he commits to us, we take him regardless if he has an ACL injury while
in HS. That offer stays with our kids. Hell, Bama may completely drop him one  week before signing day, Arkansas will not drop an Arkansas kid , UNLESS, he becomes (uncommon) for some reason.  We want them to attend a summer camp
to better gage his skill set.  If all goes well he may be offered after camp. Byer's will not have a committable offer from Bama until signing day, Bama has shown to hide the truth to only turn them away when someone they like better comes along. By that time the Player will be scrambling to find a team that needs him that has space left. That's becoming the ugly side of recruiting.

[Wildhog]

SIAP, but Mizzou and Ole Miss offered Byers today, per RD.

[Vantage 8 dude]

SIAP, but Mizzou and Ole Miss offered Byers today, per RD.

That's great for him. However, it still means nothing as far as the Hogs are concerned. We'll bide out time and in due course and if, and when, our staff feels comfortable with the young man's situation when we will likely extend an offer. In the meantime that's causing "heartburn" with some our "nervous nellie" and "chicken little" posters. And that's fine, nothing unusual or unexpected in that respect. Some things in life are just so darn predictable and true to form.

[Vantage 8 dude]

   

    When Arkansas offers an Arkansas kid and he commits to us, we take him regardless if he has an ACL injury while
in HS. That offer stays with our kids. Hell, Bama may completely drop him one  week before signing day, Arkansas will not drop an Arkansas kid , UNLESS, he becomes (uncommon) for some reason.  We want them to attend a summer camp
to better gage his skill set.  If all goes well he may be offered after camp. Byer's will not have a committable offer from Bama until signing day, Bama has shown to hide the truth to only turn them away when someone they like better comes along. By that time the Player will be scrambling to find a team that needs him that has space left. That's becoming the ugly side of recruiting.



Yep, you hit a major point with this post, especially when it comes to our willingness to be men of our word when it comes to offers, even when they involved injuries. Sure easy to take back the offer if a kid is the victim of an injury. It takes far more gonads and class to stick with your offer of assistance even in that unfortunate circumstance.

[Grizzlyfan]

1. Walk-ons are on the team to provide moving tackling dummies.  Not to be developed into a Heisman trophy winner.

2.  there is no way that the University of Arkansas shouldn't be able to complete their evaluation of a player that plays 200 yards from their campus in less time than the University of Alabama.  For whatever reason, it's one of Bielema's hang-ups.  Will the kid probably be a Razorback?  Probably so.  It's just not a good look.

[PLHawg]

Looks like Ole Miss has offered him also.

[PorkRinds]

1. Walk-ons are on the team to provide moving tackling dummies.  Not to be developed into a Heisman trophy winner.

2.  there is no way that the University of Arkansas shouldn't be able to complete their evaluation of a player that plays 200 yards from their campus in less time than the University of Alabama.  For whatever reason, it's one of Bielema's hang-ups.  Will the kid probably be a Razorback?  Probably so.  It's just not a good look.

These already a reason that's been given for him not getting an offer.  If he gets that stuff done, he gets one. It's actually a good look, and that's been explained to you as well.

[RazorPiggie]

1. Walk-ons are on the team to provide moving tackling dummies.  Not to be developed into a Heisman trophy winner.

2.  there is no way that the University of Arkansas shouldn't be able to complete their evaluation of a player that plays 200 yards from their campus in less time than the University of Alabama.  For whatever reason, it's one of Bielema's hang-ups.  Will the kid probably be a Razorback?  Probably so.  It's just not a good look.

Someone suggested grades might be an issue. If it is maybe they are waiting til the spring semester to "Officially" offer. They know the kid is a player. Like many people have said: Its easier for an out of state school to tell a kid "No" after they have already offered.

I'm not sure why this is so hard for people to understand.

Baker Mayfield is a Walk on. The Renfro kid from Clemson that had a TD catch or two in the NCG is a walk on if memory serves me correct. Clay Matthews @ USC. Jordy Nelson @ KSU. Colt Brennan @ Hawaii. JJ Watt @ Wisky. Santana Moss @ Miami. And of course Brandon Burlsworth. None won the Heisman but they ended up doing pretty good in college and the pros.

[Bubba's Bruisers]

Would suck if this kid doesn't get his stuff done.  If that's actually an issue.

[Hawgndaaz]

Lots of programs wait to offer the instate kids. Nothing new.

[Wildhog]

Lots of programs wait to offer the instate kids. Nothing new.

[a0ashle]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1680129-25-greatest-walk-ons-of-the-bcs-era

Lot of Wisconsin/Kansas State players in that list... that's interesting.

[Vantage 8 dude]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1680129-25-greatest-walk-ons-of-the-bcs-era

Lot of Wisconsin/Kansas State players in that list... that's interesting.

And not surprisingly the #1 player on that list, above the likes of J.J. Watts and Clay Matthews, was one Brandon Burlsworth.

[RazorWhacker]

1. Walk-ons are on the team to provide moving tackling dummies.  Not to be developed into a Heisman trophy winner.

2.  there is no way that the University of Arkansas shouldn't be able to complete their evaluation of a player that plays 200 yards from their campus in less time than the University of Alabama.  For whatever reason, it's one of Bielema's hang-ups.  Will the kid probably be a Razorback?  Probably so.  It's just not a good look.

Please tell me you're just trolling.

[HogNDas]

When a signee is interviewed, what do we often hear them say?...."they got on me early and established a relationship"....Personally, I believe our staff gets "outworked"on recruiting...here we have a NWAR D-1 athlete and there are already 2 West teams that have offered....and this is one we know about...wanna know how other teams go outta state and get recruits, THEY GET ON THEM EARLY!!!!

[ricepig]

When a signee is interviewed, what do we often hear them say?...."they got on me early and established a relationship"....Personally, I believe our staff gets "outworked"on recruiting...here we have a NWAR D-1 athlete and there are already 2 West teams that have offered....and this is one we know about...wanna know how other teams go outta state and get recruits, THEY GET ON THEM EARLY!!!!

We've been on him, I guess you've failed to understand that.

[HogNDas]

yes it is!...maybe in a state where there is only one team, but trust me, Bama/Aub DON't WAIT on in-state recruits...they offer!...OM/MSU, OFFER in-state players...it is a 2-way street....sure, they make 120 offers, but they let the recruit know the boat will only hold so many and if they "meet their position" quota, that player may get left on shore....of course, every team holds a few spots for the MUST HAVES, can't deny type players....

[HogNDas]

We've been on him, I guess you've failed to understand that.

okay, I'll rephrase, "they offered me early"....

[HogNDas]

QUESTION:  Why would we NOT offer???  Seems to be working for Bama!

[ricepig]

QUESTION:  Why would we NOT offer???  Seems to be working for Bama!

You haven't read this thread, have you?

[Wildhog]

yes it is!...maybe in a state where there is only one team, but trust me, Bama/Aub DON't WAIT on in-state recruits...they offer!...OM/MSU, OFFER in-state players...it is a 2-way street....sure, they make 120 offers, but they let the recruit know the boat will only hold so many and if they "meet their position" quota, that player may get left on shore....of course, every team holds a few spots for the MUST HAVES, can't deny type players....

Our strategy has worked thus far under CBB.  Until it doesn't, I'm not concerned.

[HogNDas]

Our strategy has worked thus far under CBB.  Until it doesn't, I'm not concerned.

it has?  I think our recruiting class was not in the top 5 in the nation like Bama's... But if you say so!....Okay (lemming-like)

[Wildhog]

it has?  I think our recruiting class was not in the top 5 in the nation like Bama's... But if you say so!....Okay (lemming-like)

I was talking about our in-state strategy.

[ricepig]

I was talking about our in-state strategy.

Everyone understood that, well, maybe one poster didn't.

[cc]

This is not surprising at all actually. This staff does not seem to start recruiting next years kids until it is next year... and then on top of that, they don't worry about the in-state kids at all... ignore them and take them for granted mostly... expecting to only use a scholly on them if others happen to notice them. He will get an offer now that this story has been published.... if he has his ACT in order that is.... 

If this was the case, why was Austin Capps offered before his 10th grade year? Sosa and other players offered before their senior year?  You have no idea what they are doing recruiting.

[Trey1981]

Can count USC-E as another offer for Akial

[Wildhog]

Can count USC-E as another offer for Akial

Wow.

[CallThoseHawgs]

So 5 SEC offers, we need to offer this kid now.

[Wildhog]

So 5 SEC offers, we need to offer this kid now.

I bet we offer soon.

[lumphog]

1. Walk-ons are on the team to provide moving tackling dummies.  Not to be developed into a Heisman trophy winner.

2.  there is no way that the University of Arkansas shouldn't be able to complete their evaluation of a player that plays 200 yards from their campus in less time than the University of Alabama.  For whatever reason, it's one of Bielema's hang-ups.  Will the kid probably be a Razorback?  Probably so.  It's just not a good look.

You serious ? Clark

[Nosboar Accubond]

1. Walk-ons are on the team to provide moving tackling dummies.  Not to be developed into a Heisman trophy winner.

2.  there is no way that the University of Arkansas shouldn't be able to complete their evaluation of a player that plays 200 yards from their campus in less time than the University of Alabama.  For whatever reason, it's one of Bielema's hang-ups.  Will the kid probably be a Razorback?  Probably so.  It's just not a good look.

You really just don't get it...

[Nosboar Accubond]

So 5 SEC offers, we need to offer this kid now.

So 1 more poster that doesn't get it, he needs to refrain from posting idiocy now.

[CallThoseHawgs]

So 1 more poster that doesn't get it, he needs to refrain from posting idiocy now.

What don't I get? I get that this kid is getting offers from from SEC programs and getting them quickly, even from the national champions Alabama. This kid can really play and needs a razorback offer before we mess around and wait to late

[Southpointhog]

Don't worry, our preferred walk on program is on fire!

Doucher award!!

[Nosboar Accubond]

What don't I get? I get that this kid is getting offers from from SEC programs and getting them quickly, even from the national champions Alabama. This kid can really play and needs a razorback offer before we mess around and wait to late

Re-read all three pages of this thread. If after that you don't get it read them again. If then you still don't understand then just cancel your account. It's been stated multiple times and I'm not going to repeat the obvious.

[HogNDas]

Re-read all three pages of this thread. If after that you don't get it read them again. If then you still don't understand then just cancel your account. It's been stated multiple times and I'm not going to repeat the obvious.

I think he gets it, he just doesn't agree that we should be LAST to offer a kid that plays 300 yds from our stadium and 5 other SEC teams have already offered...no one, short of being a pure sunshine pumper, would think that is wise....Let's go CBB!, make it happen.
I agree we'll probably get him, but don't agree we should wait on offering...simple!

[Vantage 8 dude]

1. Walk-ons are on the team to provide moving tackling dummies.  Not to be developed into a Heisman trophy winner.

2.  there is no way that the University of Arkansas shouldn't be able to complete their evaluation of a player that plays 200 yards from their campus in less time than the University of Alabama.  For whatever reason, it's one of Bielema's hang-ups.  Will the kid probably be a Razorback?  Probably so.  It's just not a good look.

Glad to hear that you for a absolute fact that the walk ons are nothing but live tackling dummies....something that you should apparently be familiar with....the dummy part anyway.