Football Class of 2008 Profiles and Projections

[Tomhog™]

NAMES IN RED ARE LINKS TO ARTICLES.  STRIKETHROUGHS FOR SIGNEES NOT ELIGIBLE AT ARKANSAS
FINALLY COMPLETED THIS PROJECT OF PROFILES AND PROJECTIONS.  ENJOY THE READING AS THIS IS ENTERTAINMENT ONLY. 

photos courtesy of Scout.com

HM) Ryan Mallett        Riv    Sct    *****/*****    QB    6'7" 235lb      4.85     Texarkana, TX

What can you say about Ryan Mallett?  He has one of the strongest arms in the game of football today, including NFL QB's.  This Michigan transfer brings instant star-power to this class.  He started a few games last season as a Wolverine while Chad Henne was injured and compiled some nice stats as a true freshman.  Coming out of high school, he was rated the #2 QB in the nation by both Rivals and Scout. 

2008 impact: BACK BURNER I don't expect the waiver to be granted for him to play this upcoming season.  Expect him to be behind the scenes, improving our first team defense as he will likely man the Scout team during his required redshirt year.  We will see him start as early as the first game of 2009.

1) Joe Adams             Riv    Sct   ****/****     WR    6'1" 175 lbs     4.5     Little Rock CAC, AR

Little Rock CAC WR pulled one of the biggest surprises of the recruiting year in flipping to Arkansas from USC.  The standout player has the capability to play either side of the ball.  Petrino's style of offense is similar to that of CAC, and that was a major deciding factor for Joe.    Rated by some services as the #2 ATH in the nation, he is a welcome addition to the Razorbacks!

2008 impact: IMMEDIATE  Don't expect a redshirt to be placed on this play maker.  He can be used in several areas: a slot receiver, a kick/punt returner, or a corner back.  Most likely he will be used in the slot.  I don't foresee Petrino experimenting with him on defense any, other than Special Teams. 

2) Lavunce Askew       Riv    Sct    ***/***    DT/DE     6'3" 280 lbs   4.83   Camden Fairview, AR

Lavunce was rated by all services as the top defensive specialist in the state.  Ranked as either the 7th or 8th best player in the state, he was sought after by every school in the region.  He spurned the likes of Oklahoma, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, and OSU for the Hogs.  He is an agressive player that will give it his all

2008 impact: BACK BURNER He will have to fight his way through the depth chart as there are already 5 DT's on the roster returning from last year.  Shavers and Mitchell will likely start with Jones and Lamkin in reserve.  Expect him to redshirt for a year and be a major contributor in 2009 unless he explodes during this fall and earns the right to burn his redshirt.

3) Khiry Battle             Riv    Sct   ***/***      S      6'0" 205 lbs      4.55      Dacula, GA

Khiry is another athlete who can punish on either side of the ball.  He is known in his region for his toughness and never shies away from a hit.  Battle is also one of the more intelligent players.  His desire is to pursue a law degree while allowing athletics to fund it.

2008 impact: RESERVE Battle will get a shot at the RB position, but will be needed in the DB position.  He was recruited primarily as a strong safety, and with numbers being thin in that position next year, he should have a great shot at garnering some backup playing time.  2010 will be his breakout year.

4) Greg Childs             Riv    Sct    ***/***       WR       6'5" 200 lbs     4.50      Warren, AR

Some regard Greg Childs as the next Marcus Monk, though will have to put on a few pounds to match his size.  He was a must add to this new Petrino offense.  Most don't realize the offers he turned down to join his team mates at Arkansas.  He chose the Hogs over Tennessee, Florida, Ole Miss, Colorado, Texas Tech, and Minnesota to name a few.  Though not as highly rated as fellow Lumberjack Jarius Wright, his LOI is just as significant to the future success of the passing game.

2008 impact: RESERVE  With his size and speed, he's won't need a redshirt season to bulk up.  He will likely see a backup role in the spilt end position, where Lucas Miller and Marques Wade already occupy.  Greg will have good enough hands and good enough vision to come in and make plays.  He will likely have to fight for a starting role each year until 2011, with the talent available.

5) Brian Christopher    Riv   Sct     **/**      DE     6'4"  240        4.84     Camden Fairview, AR

One of the surprise nabs of the 2008 Recruiting Season, Brian was the last offer of the season.  He was a bookend defender with the other Camden Fairview Razorback commit, Lavunce Askew.  Though somewhat lighter than Lavunce, Brian was every bit as tenacious and at times, outperformed the highly rated team mate.  His tough play and on-field aggression was good enough to convince Petrino he isn't one to let slip away to Texas Tech.  Brian also held offers from Tennessee and Oklahoma State.

2008 impact: BACK BURNER Brian really needs a season in the weight room to bulk up so he will be ready for SEC play.  With the low numbers of SEC-caliber DE's, expect Brian to see significant backup time in 2009.  He should be starting by 2010.

6) DeAnthony Curtis     Riv   Sct   ****/****    RB      5'10" 210 lbs   4.41    Camden Fairview, AR

DeAnthony is a versatile back that can do it all.  He can run between the tackles, slip to the outside, catch like a receiver, field kickoffs, and field punts.  He had over 2,000 all-purpose yards his senior year.  His versatility was so known to the national recruits that he was rated the #2 dual-purpose back for 2008.  His skills were sought after by many schools in the region.  Curtis chose the Hogs over Tennessee, Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Clemson, and Texas Tech.

2008 impact: IMMEDIATE.  With the departure of Jones and McFadden, all freshmen have a shot at getting serious playing time early.  They will still have to compete against returning backs Michael Smith and Brandon Barnett.  Expect DeAnthony to start out as a backup to the upperclassmen.  But he should see an increasing role through the season as they utilize his abilty to catch passes as well as run.

7) Alfred Davis           Riv   Sct    **/**       DT     6'1" 288 lbs     5.56      College Park, GA

Alfred Davis was discovered as coaches were evaluating team mate Steven Fowlkes.  They saw a big, aggresive lineman that played both sides of the ball due to his talent.  While not a speedy DT, he makes up for it in strength and drive.  In his senior season, he logged 24 lost yard tackles.  Though he only held offers from Kent State, Middle Tennessee State, and Georgia Southern, Lorenzo Ward was impressed enough to have Petrino offer a scholarship.

2008 impact: BACK BURNER.  Arkansas is fairly deep at the DT position this year.  It would be good to redshirt him and give him a year to develop technique and reconstruct his body in the gym. He should be a starter by 2010.

8} Austin Eoff             Riv    Sct   ***/**      OL      6'5" 310 lbs     5.32       Fort Smith NS, AR

Eoff is another home-grown offensive line talent.  He was offered after a brilliant performance in the Houston Nutt Camp.  Even after late overtures by Ole Miss and Auburn, Austin remained faithful to the Hogs.  He had a dazzling senior season, recording pancake block after pancake block.  He is a welcome addition to the Razorback Family.

2008 impact: BACK BURNER.  Arkansas can afford to redshirt Austin due to the current depth at the position.  The program is in good shape when it can give OL a year to gain size and strength.  He should serve as a backup in 2009 and a likely starter in 2010.

9)  Elton Ford            Riv   Sct    **/***         SS       6'0" 200 lbs      4.47       Lithonia, GA

Elton Ford was a heck of a steal for the Razorbacks this year.  Desperately needing help, they garnered the signature of a very talented safety.  One of the few who has logged over 100 tackes each of his 3 years of varsity football.  Though he wasn't highly rated, he was a commit to North Carolina State before flipping to the Hogs.  In high school he logged his time as an outside linebacker.  He has good pursuit skills and a good open-field tackler.

2008 impact:  RESERVE.  With the great needs in the defensive back positions, all freshmen will have a chance to play this year.  Elton should be seeing plenty of playing time later in the 2008 season when he has acclimated to the SEC speed and size.  He could be starting by as early as 2009.

10) Albert Gary           Riv   Sct    **/**         RB         5'10" 177 lbs      4.5         Citra, FL

Albert may be the steal of the 2008 class.  The shifty running back out of Florida is a three time all-state player.  He was voted the MVP of class 3A football in the state.  He accumulated more than 3,000 all-purpose yards.  He not only excels at running the ball, but catching it as well.  His on-field performance demanded attention from Florida, Tennessee, and West Virginia.  It seems that grades are the only thing that could hold this dynamo back.  He was another recruiting flip in this class of skill players.  He will be an exciting player to watch on the field.

2008 impact: IMMEDIATE.  He can be used in so many ways, that his skills will find a place to settle in quick.  Whether on defense or offense, he will make Hog fans proud.  Expect to see a lot of him through his 4 year career at Arkansas.

11) Chris Gragg           Riv    Sct    **/***        WR       6'3" 195 lbs       4.60       Warren, AR

Chris is the "slow" receiver of the bunch.  Clocking in at 4.60 forty, that's more than fast enough to be a good possession receiver.  He was pretty much an automatic first down every time the ball was thrown to him, as his average catch was about 15 yards.  Though not as tall as Greg Childs and not as fast as Jarius Wright, he will still be an effective receiver at Arkansas.  He has steady hands and sure feet, most likely to dazzle the home crowd with acrobatic catches. 

2008 impact: BACK BURNER.  With the depth of talent coming in, some will be best to redshirt.  Chris will be a good candidate.  He may surprise all and play some in 2008, but he'll have a lot of company in this freshman group to contend with.  You'll likely see him in a certain play sets and get plenty of reps by 2010.

12) Matt Hall             Riv    Sct    ****/***     OL      6'10" 320 lbs    5.62     Russellville, AR

Matt was the first to commit and the last to sign with the Hogs this recruiting year.  Like Colby Berna this year, he wasted no time committing to the Hogs after National Signing Day.  Little did we know it would be such a struggle to keep him after the coaching change.  In the end, he went with his heart and signed with Arkansas.  He is the most massive offensive lineman Arkansas has had ever, quite possibly.  Nearly tall enough to look Steven Hill in the eye, he stands at 6'10".  He turned down offers from Ole Miss, Missouri, Tulsa, and Lousiville to follow the tradition of in-state Offensive Linemen

2008 impact: BACK BURNER.  It would be nice to see him as a true freshman playing in a backup role, but the OT position has some depth to it.  It's always best when you can reshirt lineman.  But, don't be surprised if you see his redshirt burned early to mid season for his performance.  He should be a starter by 2010.

[Tomhog™]

13) Dennis Johnson    Riv  Sct    ***/**   RB    5'8" 180 lbs       4.4     Texarkana, AR

Dennis had an offer from Arkansas since February, 2007.  Under the old staff, he wasn't too sure about signing with the Hogs.  When Petrino was hired, Dennis was one of the first 'non-committed' recruits he visited.  He saw film on him and renewed the scholarship offer in person.  Dennis accepted on the spot.  He is a small, shifty back that can break a long run on any touch.  He rushed for nearly 5,000 yards in his career as a Razorback (high school).  He is another back that can catch the ball when thrown to.  I can't remember the last time Arkansas got so many versatile backs in one class.  Dennis just nees to score 2 more points on his ACT to become eligible.  He turned down offers from Oklahoma State, Louisiana Tech, and Tulsa to become a Hog.

2008 impact: IMMEDIATE.  You can't coach speed and versatility.  He has both.  He will be used somewhere that he fits in best.  Might be on kick or punt returns.  Might be as a backup running back.  He will just get better and better each year.  2010 should be his breakout year.

  14) Matt Marshall   Riv  Sct  **/*       WR    6'2"  202 lbs   4.43      Camden, NJ

A very late addition to the class of 2008, Matt excelled at both football and track.  Due to eligibility issues, most teams were cold on his recruitment.  But after he received qualified SAT scores, he was free to sign.  Originally signing a non-binding LOI with Iowa, he changed to Arkansas and will report in July. 

2008 impact: Back Burner.  Though he is fast (won indoor championships in both 55 and 110 meter hurdles), he didn't have much opportunity to display his talents his senior year.  With the amount of receivers coming in, some will no doubt redshirt.  He should have a solid career at Arkansas.

15) Basmine Jones   Riv Sct    **/**      ATH   6'0" 195 lbs      4.51     Warren, AR

Basmine Jones was part of the outstanding quartet of receivers at Warren.  He was recruited by Arkansas as an athlete.  One who could play the corner, or gain weight and even play OLB in the future.  He is an aggressive player with good instincts that would fit well on the defensive end of the ball.  He turned down an offer from Tennessee to don a Razorback uniform.

2008 impact: BACK BURNER. I believe he will be put on defense and will likely take a redshirt year to gain strength and size.  He could end up as a cover corner, but something tells me they will eventually stick him in as a line backer.  This will be a project and we might not see much of him until 2010.  The wait will be worth it though.

16) Jerico Nelson        Riv Sct    ****/***    ATH    5'10" 186 lbs      4.45     Destrehan, LA

An excellent pickup so late in the recruiting season.  Arkansas wasn't even on the radar for Jerico until the new staff came in.  It's not often that Arkansas has gone deep into LA to garner a signature, especially one as highly rated as Jerico.  He is rated the number 9 prospect out of Lousiana and can play in a number of positions.  He had offers from all over including Auburn, Florida, and Tennessee, but chose to ink with the Hogs.  What a great addition to the class.

2008 impact: IMMEDIATE. He is too talented to sit on the sidelines for a year.  He will likely be put in the safety position.  He should see some action in a backup role and may even work his way into a starting position if he matures quickly.

17) Anthony Oden       Riv Sct    **/**     OL     6'8" 295 lbs      4.8     Indianapolis, IN

The "Little" brother of 1st pick of the NBA lottery draft, Greg Oden, Anthony stands at a massive 6'8".  Many thought he was bound to follow in his brother's footsteps and play D1 basketball for some Big X team.  Little did they know that he defected to football to be a lineman plus defect to the SEC and Arkansas.  The Hogs snatched a jewel from the Midwest.  Since recruiting gurus thought he was headed the basketball direction, he was not properly evaulated and rated as an OL.  So in this case, Arkansas wins the "lottery" in getting his LOI.  His only offers were Indiana and Oregon State.  Ohio State came on late to offer, but Anthony's mind was made up.  He is all Hog!

2008 impact: BACK BURNER.  As with the other OL in this class, Anthony can afford to redshirt one year.  Only if he explodes on the practice field will I expect to see even a backup role at this point.  One of Arkansas' deepest position is the OL.  it's a great luxury to have.  I expect to see plenty of him in 2009.

18) Chris Raggett         Riv  Sct     **/**      DB     5'11" 190 lbs     4.5     Beaumont, TX

Chris was another late offer by Bobby Petrino.  He is a player that we have to trust the new staff can develop as he was not highly sought after.  Being from Texas, he had no offers from TAMU, Texas, Tech, or TCU.  Though he was getting serious looks at the end by Baylor and TAMU, he opted to go out of state to get his shot in the SEC.  He was originally pledged to McNeese State (BCS subdivision school), but when greener pastures opened up, he flipped to Arkansas.  Kirk Botkin was the assistant that found this gem.  Many believe he is under rated due to sitting out his junior year of high school.

2008 impact: BACK BURNER. There are a couple in this class that will probably be ready quicker to play the safety position than Chris.  This will give him a year to hone his skills and prepare for the daunting task of being the last line of defense in the SEC.  2011 he will establish himself as a starter.
 
19) Jelani Smith         Riv    Sct   ***/***      LB      6'1" 210 lbs       4.56     Abbeville, LA

Jelani is one of the first few targets we got out of Louisiana in years.  He never wavered in his commitment to the Hogs.  Surpringly, Arkansas was the only SEC school to offer.  As a junior, Jelani had 136 tackles, which is impressive by almost anyone's standards.  Originally a Louisian Tech commit, he flipped to Arkansas soon after being offered and visiting campus.  He turned down Tulsa, Lousiana Tech, Louisiana Lafayette, Tulane, and McNeese State to run Hog Wild.

2008 impact: BACK BURNER.  He's a little under sized at 210 pounds to be a linebacker in the SEC.  Give the strength and conditioning coach a year to work with him and get him up to 220-225 for 2009.  I expect to see him in a backup role in 2009 and maybe start in 2010.

20) Zack Stadther     Riv    Sct    ***/**      DT      6'2" 275 lbs      4.9     North Little Rock, AR

Zach "The Maniac" Stadther! You gotta love a nickname like that.  Shows what a fierce competitor he is in the trenches.  I believe he was largely overlooked.  He may not have the physical attributes, but I can say he will be a good one for the Hogs.  When you have 100 tackles, 20 for a loss, and 10 sacks as a defensive lineman, you are pretty special.  Kansas' loss is Arkansas' gain. 

2008 impact: BACK BURNER.  Give this guy a year to develop and mature.  Each successive year he is going to be far better.  By 2010, the Maniac will be a tackling, sacking machine!

21) Tremain Thomas   Riv    Sct    ***/**     ATH     6'2" 175 lbs     4.5     Winnie, TX

Another late addition to the class, Tremain brings athleticism to the corner back position.  He has a nice combination of speed and height that is coveted for corners.  He played a majority of the time on offense as QB, proving he can be a leader on the field.  As a corner on defense, he tallied up 105 tackles, with an astonishing 11 interceptions.  Once comitted to Arizona, it didn't take much for Kirk Botkin to have him flip to Arkansas.

2008 impact: RESERVE.  Another athlete in this class that is too talented to redshirt.  He will start out as a backup and maybe even work his way to a starter towards mid to late season.  Should be a definite 2009 starter.

22) Cruz Williams         Riv    Sct    ***/***    WR      6'4" 195 lbs     4.49     Pulaski Academy, AR

Cruz has the build and speed of a future All-SEC receiver.  He will be a tall target for the QB's to throw to as a replacement to Monk.  Defensive Backs will have trouble defending him.  In high school, he averaged over 20 yards per catch.  Cruz was one of Arkansas' best recruiters.  He was one that wanted to keep all the in-state boys in-state.  He is a leader on and off the field and will be one that you will not have to worry about getting into trouble.  He had offers from all over, most notably from Michigan, Georgia Tech, and Oklahoma State. 

2008 impact: RESERVE.  Cruz should earn his way to some playing time this year.  He will be battling Greg Childs for the tall go-to receiver position.  Expect him to see significant backup time in the new prolific offense.  We will see a lot of Cruz over the next four years!
23) Tyler Wilson         Riv    Sct    ****/***     QB    6'3" 182 lbs     4.75     Greenwood, AR   

Tyler was the first offer Bobby Petrino made after being hired and his first true commit.  Even though he had offers by many schools (Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Hawaii, Arizona, LSU, and Alabama), oddly enough, the previous staff never did.  Tyler led his team to two straight state championships.  He threw for over 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns.  Through the year, his rating sky rocketed.  Many recruiting service have him in their top 10 pro-style quarterbacks.  You can't let talent like this go out of state.  Congrats to Bobby Petrino for landing this play-maker.

2008 impact: BACK BURNER.  Tyler really needs a year to bulk up and prepare for hits from SEC size defenders.  There are already two quarterbacks now (Casey and Nathan) that are ready to play.  Though it may not be out of the realm of possibilty that they burn his redshirt by mid-season because of his accuracy.  Expect him to give Mallett a challenge in 2009.  

24) Jarius Wright        Riv    Sct    ****/****   ATH    5'11" 175 lbs    4.34    Warren, AR

Jarius was a must-get for this new style of Petrino offense.  He has the speed and the agility to consistently create separation from defensive backs and become a popular target for the as of yet to be determined starting QB.  Of the four Warren signatures, many think his was the most important.  He can be a game-changer with just one catch; a home run hitter that can score from any part of the field.  He was sought by the best in the BCS, with offers from Florida, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Minnesota, Texas Tech, Tulsa, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State.

2008 impact: IMMEDIATE.  You can't keep this guy on the sideline.  There are too many things he can offer as a true freshman.  Expect him to be looked at in a variety of ways, even possibly on defense.  Wouldn't it be great to see Jarius and Joe Adams as cover corners?  He will be a solid 4-year contributor.

25) Tenarius Wright     Riv    Sct     ***/***      MLB    6'2   221 lbs          4.63   Memphis, TN

"Tenacious" Tenarius is a valuable addition to the linebacker corp.  He amassed nearly 180 tackles in his last two years of high school ball.  He played as a LB at times, and DE at others.  Tenarius was one of the few out-of-state commitments that remained firm after the staff turnover.  He was one defensive prospect the team couldn't afford to lose.  His size and his attack the ball mentality will make him a valuable asset and anchor to the team.

2008 impact: RESERVE.  Already having decent size, he might get some looks from this defensive staff as a backup.  He may just work his way into a starting role come 2009.  Another solid 4-year contributor.

26) Jim Youngblood     Riv    Sct     ***/***      QB   6'3" 215 lbs     4.69     Camden Fairview, AR

In Jim's senior season, he compiled nearly 3,000 yards either through the air or on the ground and scored 33 touchdowns.  Equally dangerous with his arm and his legs, defenders have to stay honest and will get burned if caught cheating one way or the other.  Jim has been one to stay firmly committed through the whole coaching ordeal.  In fact, he can be credited with helping to keep Lavunce and DeAnthony with the Hogs.  He had mutiple SEC offers, including Ole Miss and Mississippi State, along with ASU, Tulsa, and Central Arkansas.

2008 impact: BACK BURNER.  He has the size to immediately compete in the SEC and possibly work into the #2 QB this year, it'd be best to give him a year to redshirt and hone skills.  At this time, the Dick brothers should be #1 and #2, with Jim as a #3 in case of emergencies.  Look for him to give Mallett and Wilson a run for their money in the coming years.

[Tomhog™]

Kale Pick has been removed from the list.

[Tomhog™]

Added Tenarius Wright and linked Josh Tatum's article.

[Tomhog™]

This topic has been unlocked now. 

[hoosier]

How many scholarships do we have available this year?

[Tomhog™]

How many scholarships do we have available this year?

25 is the max.  Due to DMAC and Felix going pro early (In my opinion both will go), and a transfer here or there, I'd say we will have all 25 available.  We will sign 28 to 29.

[Red Tusk]

Tomhog, is Dennis Johnson a sophmore or junior this year?  Either way..the Petrino bros. should plan a trip down to the southwest soon.  Hopefully Horton has let them know of the talent at Texarkana.

[Tomhog™]

DJ is a senior this year.

[Red Tusk]

DJ is a senior this year.

Who is he leaning toward signing with?

[NC_Hog_Fan]

Scout shows Arkansas as DJs only interest and says that an offer has been made.

[The_Hill]

DJ seems to a be a major "if" with all of his recent legal troubles and his grades. Don't know if he is neccesarily someone we would want on our team.

[adavis517]

where is tyler wilson from

[Modsquad24]

Greenwood

[ScotchHog]

I'm not exactly sure how the recruiting process works this late in the season.  Have we already made all our offers?  Are we still holding some scholarships while we wait to see who we want most?  Or have we offered scholarships to 30+ players and just tell the kids it's a "first come, first serve" basis?
I'm a little surprised we never offered a scholarship to Stockemer from Van Buren.  Skill, speed, height...  What the heck else do we need in a WR?

[Wild Bill Hog]

DJ seems to a be a major "if" with all of his recent legal troubles and his grades. Don't know if he is neccesarily someone we would want on our team.

Grades and ACT score are incredibly bad.  No way he qualifies.

[PigPusher]

NAMES IN RED ARE LINKS TO ARTICLES.  ADDITIONAL ARTICLES WILL BE LINKED UNDER THE SCHOOL COLUMN.

      Signee               Profiles     Riv/Sct Rating  Position    Size                 40 Speed     School         

1) Lavunce Askew     Riv    Sct    ***/***      DT/DE        6'3" 280 lbs         4.83         Camden Fairview, AR

2) Khiry Battle           Riv    Sct   ***/***       S             6'0" 205 lbs         4.55          Dacula, GA

3) Greg Childs           Riv    Sct    ***/***      WR           6'5" 200 lbs          4.50         Warren, AR

4) DeAnthony Curtis   Riv    Sct   ****/****   RB            5'10" 210 lbs        4.41          Camden Fairview, AR

5) Austin Eoff            Riv    Sct   **/**          OL            6'5" 310 lbs          5.32         Fort Smith NS, AR

6) Chris Gragg           Riv    Sct    **/*           WR           6'3" 195 lbs          4.60         Warren, AR

7) Matt Hall              Riv    Sct     ****/***   OL           6'10" 320 lbs         5.62         Russellville, AR

8} Basmine Jones       Riv    Sct    **/**         LB/WR      6'0" 195 lbs           4.51        Warren, AR

9) Marcal Robinson     Riv  Sct     ***/**         CB          6'0" 165 lbs             4.40         C F Vigor, AL

10) Thomas Shuler     Riv    Sct    **/**         FB/RB       5'11" 235 lbs          4.57       Dr. Phillips, FL

11) Jelani Smith         Riv    Sct    ***/**       LB           6'1" 210 lbs           4.56       Abbeville, LA

12) Justin Smith        Riv    Sct     **/*          DE          6'3" 280 lbs           4.88        Chattahoochee, GA

13) Josh Tatum         Riv     Sct      */*           OL          6'6" 315 lbs          5.02           Marbury, AL

14) Devin Thomas      Riv   Sct     ***/***      RB        5'10"  185 lbs           4.40         Madison, TX

15) Cruz Williams       Riv    Sct     ***/***    WR          6'4" 195 lbs           4.49        Pulaski Academy, AR

16) Tyler Wilson        Riv    Sct      ***/***     QB         6'3" 182 lbs           4.75         Greenwood, AR   

17) Jarius Wright       Riv    Sct     ****/**** WR/CB/S  5'11" 175 lbs          4.34       Warren, AR

18) Tenarius Wright   Riv    Sct     ***/***      MLB       6'2   221 lbs           4.63        Memphis, TN

19) Jim Youngblood    Riv    Sct     ***/***    QB          6'3" 215 lbs            4.69       Camden Fairview, AR

Tom Mr. Wilson climbed to a four star on one and perhaps two of the services.

[Idahog]

Josh Tatum is headed to Ole Miss now. 

[Tomhog™]

Josh Tatum is headed to Ole Miss now. 

Kept forgetting to remove him.  Thanks.

[DukeOfPork]

Kept forgetting to remove him.  Thanks.

So the recruit that Nutt took away from us was the lowest rated recruit on our list?  Sweet.

[Tomhog™]

So the recruit that Nutt took away from us was the lowest rated recruit on our list?  Sweet.

Low rated, yes.  But I think he can be a heck of a lineman in a few years.  Dude has a 6'6" frame to build on.

[Idahog]

Low rated, yes.  But I think he can be a heck of a lineman in a few years.  Dude has a 6'6" frame to build on.

Agreed.  You can't really knock Markuson on not being able to build a lineman.

[Doggtown31LCC]

anybody got more info on this guy?

http://arkansas.scout.com/a.z?s=10&p=8&c=1&nid=3186837

[Throwback1]

From the Max Emfinger All American Bowl:

"However, the biggest difference in the game may have been the defensive line play by the East squad. The East featured a pair of bookend defensive linemen that proved too much for the West to handle. Florida State commitment Everett Dawkins and Arkansas pledge Lavunce Askew were dominate, each tallying three sacks in the game."

[Tomhog™]

Dennis Johnson added with article and profile links.

[jim hog]

I wish we could get several 4 star linemen

[Tomhog™]

Ryan Mallett added as an honorable mention for kicks!

[Hogdomer]

Looks like Elijah Epperson needs to be added now.

[ballhogger14u]

What about the Shuler kid from Florida, I know at one time they didn't think he would qualify, but now I'm hearing he will.  anyone know anything about this, just wondering if it was bs or not

[ConwayHog]

Agreed.  You can't really knock Markuson on not being able to build a run blocking lineman.

Fixed that for ya.

[hog_fan]

Why was EJ removed if he still committed.

[Tomhog™]

Why was EJ removed if he still committed.

he's not committed to anyone right now.  He's 50/50 Ark/OM.

[shshark00]

Tomhog, I think its about time for an update. You can add in Elton Ford and Alfred Davis.

[Tomhog™]

Not around my computer. Will update this evening.

[MuskogeeHogFan]

What about the Shuler kid from Florida, I know at one time they didn't think he would qualify, but now I'm hearing he will.  anyone know anything about this, just wondering if it was bs or not

He is headed to a JC in Mississippi per his local newspaper. Qualifier or not, I am not sure, but heading to a JC instead of Arkansas sure sounds like a non-qualifier.

[Tomhog™]

He is headed to a JC in Mississippi per his local newspaper. Qualifier or not, I am not sure, but heading to a JC instead of Arkansas sure sounds like a non-qualifier.

Non-qualifying is why he couldn't take an official visit to Fayetteville.

[Doggtown31LCC]

anybody got any info on fred rose? DB from texarkana, won 100m dash at meet of champs. i was told arkansas was looking at him. can't find any info on rivals or scout

[Hawgzilla]

anybody got any info on fred rose? DB from texarkana, won 100m dash at meet of champs. i was told arkansas was looking at him. can't find any info on rivals or scout

          Signed a track schollie to run track for the hogs and John Mac............

[hawgfandude]

          Signed a track schollie to run track for the hogs and John Mac............

Lets get him out wide and let him go

[PorkSoda]

Any way we can find out who is the lead recruiter on these guys, or is it more of a joint effort these days?

It was interesting to see who is doing most of the leg work on these guys.

[Tomhog™]

Any way we can find out who is the lead recruiter on these guys, or is it more of a joint effort these days?

It was interesting to see who is doing most of the leg work on these guys.

It's a little more difficult to get the recruiter since they all started so late.

[PorkSoda]

It's a little more difficult to get the recruiter since they all started so late.

Thats understandable.  Of all the new assistant coaches, I think I'm most excited about Lorenzo Ward.  I think he will be able to draw in some good DB recruits the next coule years.  Especially after he proves what he can do with the guys we have on hand.  A lot of people were worried that not having a DC would hurt us bad in recruiting, but the assistant coaches seem to be doing a good job of picking up the slack.  Thanks Tomhog for all the work you do keeping us updated.  It is appreciated.

[Tomhog™]

Petrino has now landed three players out of Texas this year.  He also went DEEP into Louisiana to nab Jerico.  He's off to a terrific start.

[Flatline]

If you could add Mallett to this class it would rate really well. 

[Tomhog™]

Scout has us ranked 6th in the SEC so far.  South Carolina and Tennessee are both ranked lower.  The Vols still only have 16 commits, and one might come to Arkansas (Fowlkes).

[Hog Fan from Camden]

Tomhog, thanks for keeping this list up to date.  It's truely appreciated!

[hawgfandude]

Good job Tom.

[DeltaBoy]

Adams is a HOG per live interview on the Buzz in LR

[Throwback1]

BREAKING NEWS:  (far as I know):  Drama in Camden

DE Brian Chistopher, 6'4", 260, had committed to Texas Tech University, spurning offers from Tennesse and Ole Miss, among others. At the last minute, Arkansas offered Christopher, and after praying and thinking about it, and conferring with his family, Christopher decided to join his 3 class mates, D. Curtis, J. Youngblood, and fellow DE and best friend Lavaunce Askew, and did sign a national letter of intent with Arkansas!..Congrats to Brian and WPS!!!!!!!!!!

[ihogfan]

This is my first comment. Thank You guys for following this closely so the ones of us who cant can log on and see what's up.  Ya'll are awesome. GO HOGS.