re: Arkansas Football 2024 Recruiting Thread **WR Zachary Taylor Commits**

quote:

---

Six days before the traditional National Signing Day in February, one of Arkansas' highest-rated signees has been released from his National Letter of Intent with the Razorbacks. Top247 wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman of Missouri City (Texas) Ridge Point is no longer bound to the Hogs after receiving a release, and he is now expected to sign with another program next week.

Bethel-Roman originally committed to the Razorbacks under then-wide receivers coach Kenny Guiton, who has since taken the same position at Wisconsin. He was replaced in January by new assistant Ronnie Fouch, who was hired by new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino.

Bethel-Roman, 6-0, 155, was seen as an early signing day sigh of relief when he stayed on board with the Hogs despite late pushes from Missouri and Texas A&M. He messaged HawgSports to say why he chose to stick with his initial choice.

"It just felt like home," Bethel-Roman said. "Out of all of the places I’ve been to, Arkansas felt the most comfortable to me and I went with my heart."

Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman spoke at length about holding on to Bethel-Roman at his signing day presser.

"Yeah, we were on a golf cart (before entering the press conference) and I just needed a thumbs up," Pittman said. "Speed, speed. Great kid, great family, but I think he ran a 21.3 or something like that in the 200 meters, something close to that. Obviously we all know we like speed, Bobby (Petrino) loves speed. So we went out and got him. Obviously, nobody knew about Krosse Johnson. I didn't either until about 3-4 days ago when we felt like we may lose a receiver. We needed another high school receiver, we needed speed. Krosse is running 10.5 and he runs it on the field. So, we were able to add there."

With the loss of ABR, Arkansas' 2024 class drops from 27th to 30th nationally while also dipping below Mississippi State for the 15th spot in the SEC.

In addition to the Razorbacks, Aggies and Tigers, the 6-foot, 165-pound speedster also held offers from Oregon, Baylor, Ole Miss, TCU and several others. Bethel-Roman's long-awaited signature gives the Hogs a total of three new wide receivers for the 2024 haul, as three-star CJ Brown of Bentonville (Ark.) and unranked Krosse Johnson of New Orleans (La.) Holy Cross both made it official with Arkansas earlier in the day.

Here's the breakdown of Bethel-Roman's game per Gabe Brooks:

"High-level receiver prospect who's shown productivity to all levels with big-play athleticism and underneath know-how. Lean, sinewy athlete with good length and broader shoulders for listed size.

Easy long-strider who generates sneaky top-end speed that reflects track prowess. Exceptionally smooth in movement patterns with an ease of motion that belies quick-twitch redirecting ability and acceleration. Dangerous in space thanks to combination of close-quarters agility and sudden linear explosion. Elite combine tester in agility categories (short shuttle, 3-cone).

Erases off-coverage cushions in a hurry. Shows capability to get late separation to increase catch windows. Flashes impressive body control and adjustment acumen when needed. Spatially aware and knows how to win with subtle angles and IQ to leak to space, including when coming back to his QB when the play breaks down.

Outstanding multi-sport profile thanks to track and field accomplishments. Owner of long jumps beyond 23 feet and 21.5 200-meter speed. Also possesses an excellent football pedigree as the son of a 10-year NFL veteran with 100-plus starts in the secondary.

Wins contested throws, including red-zone targets, but can more consistently meet the ball as an apex high-pointer. Similarly can show more hands-catching acumen in the short-to-intermediate range. Adding some mass and gaining strength will make him that much more dangerous a 1-on-1 matchup.

Junior year revealed immense progress as a receiver, along with encouraging athletic context via combine testing and track and field environments. One of the top receivers in Texas and potentially the country entering his senior campaign. Projects as a high-major prospect with the potential to become an impact weapon and NFL Draft early-round candidate."

---

quote:

---

Arkansas 2024 wide receiver signee Ashton Bethel-Roman has been released from his letter of intent, a team spokesperson confirmed to HawgBeat.

The Missouri City, Texas, native will no longer be attending the University of Arkansas and the expectation is for him to sign with another program, per the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, which first reported the news.

Bethel-Roman was the final signee to send in his letter of intent on Early Signing Day on Dec. 20. He took a visit to Texas A&M the weekend before the start of the early signing period.

A four-star wide receiver, Bethel-Roman was the Hogs fifth-highest signee in the class of 2024. Bentonville three-star CJ Brown and New Orleans two-star Krosse Johnson are the only two receivers in the 2024 class for Arkansas now.

It's worth noting that Bethel-Roman was recruited to Arkansas by former receivers coach Kenny Guiton, who is now in the same position at Wisconsin. The Razorbacks now have a new offensive coordinator in Bobby Petrino and a new wide receivers coach in Ronnie Fouch.

---