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re: Arkansas Football 2022 Recruiting Thread *JUCO DT Taylor Lewis Commits*
Posted on 4/25/21 at 6:41 pm to PrescriptionPig
Posted on 4/25/21 at 6:41 pm to PrescriptionPig
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Former Missouri defensive lineman Markell Utsey is transferring to Arkansas. Utsey went public with his decision on Sunday, becoming Arkansas' third incoming scholarship transfer for the upcoming season. Utsey, 6-4, 295, is a Little Rock (Ark.) Parkview graduate who signed with the Tigers out of high school in the Class of 2016.
The defensive lineman entered the transfer portal on April 16. Most expected Utsey to land at Arkansas, given the Razorbacks' current need for interior defensive linemen and Utsey's strong connection to former Missouri head coach Barry Odom, who is now entering his second year as defensive coordinator for the Hogs.
Utsey will be a senior for the Razorbacks after taking advantage of the additional year of eligibility due to COVID-19. Last year, he finished ninth on the team in tackles with 19, which included 2 tackles for loss through 9 games. In 2019, Utsey had 9 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and a forced fumble in 12 games played.
Here's more on Utsey from Missouri's official football website:
"A powerful competitor who uses his strength and size to be a force in the trenches … A three-star recruit by ESPN, Scout.com and 247Sports and a two-star prospect by Rivals … Is a top-100 defensive tackle according to ESPN, Scout and 247Sports, ranking as high as No. 81 nationally by Scout.com … Coached by William Hardiman at Parkview High School … All-Conference All-Star and team captain as a senior … Had 65 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles and two pass deflections as a senior … All-State and team’s defensive lineman of the year as a junior and also posted the highest GPA on the team that year … Parents: Alphonso Utsey and Crystal Braadland … Cited the fact that he has wanted to play in the SEC since he was a kid and the straight-forward approach of the Mizzou coaches during his recruiting process as key reasons for his signing … Enjoys working out, swimming, playing video games and listening to R&B music away from football … Is currently undecided on his major at Mizzou … Primary recruiter: DeMontie Cross … Chose Mizzou over Arizona, Arkansas, Baylor, Memphis and North Carolina among others."
Last week, Arkansas was the first to offer Illinois State defensive tackle John Ridgeway. Since the Hogs jumped on board, Ridgeway has seen new offers roll in from Texas, Tennessee, Penn State, Iowa, Illinois, and others.
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman spoke recently about which positions outside of the defensive line that he'd like to address in the transfer portal.
"You know, probably…not. Well, we might take a tight end," Pittman said. "But I’d like to be able to get in 12-personnel, two tight ends on the field at the same time. The bottom line is whoever we took, it would have to be a D-lineman or somebody with the ball in his hand. I don’t think we’d take an offensive lineman in the portal right now."
In addition to Utsey, the Razorbacks have also landed incoming transfers in offensive lineman Ty'Kieast Crawford (Charlotte) and defensive back Trent Gordon (Penn State). The Hogs also brought in quarterback Kade Renfro from Ole Miss, but he is a walk-on for the time being.
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Illinois State defensive tackle John Ridgeway has committed to transfer to the Arkansas Razorbacks. The big 6-6, 325-pound lineman went public with his decision at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, becoming the Hogs' second transfer commitment of the day after former Missouri defensive lineman Markell Utsey announced his pledge.
Ridgeway first reported his offer from the Razorbacks last week, then saw his recruitment soar with new offers coming from Texas, USC, Michigan, Tennessee, Penn State, Iowa, Indiana, Arizona State, and others.
"I want to thank all the schools who showed interest in me and offering me," Ridgeway tweeted. "I am extremely blessed for the opportunities. But at this time after thoroughly weighing my options, I have decided to commit to the University of Arkansas!!!"
In four games last fall, Ridgeway totaled 22 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and an interception. Ridgeway had 50 tackles and 3 tackles for loss while starting 15 games in 2019.
By our calculations, Ridgeway would have two years of eligibility remaining as the 2020 COVID season was not counted against him.
Here's a closer look at Ridgeway's bio from the official Illinois State football site:
2019: All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention selection ... started all 15 games at nose guard for the Redbirds, who ranked No. 4 in the country in scoring defense (16.0) and No. 1 in sacks (52) … finished the season with 50 tackles, including 28 solo stops, and had three TFLs while often demanding double teams in the middle of the defensive front … also credited with two pass breakups and a forced fumble … posted a career-high nine tackles against No. 1 North Dakota State … had eight tackles and a TFL in the season opener at Northern Illinois … recorded a TFL and five tackles in the season finale at Youngstown State.
2018: Named a FCS Freshman All-America selection by Phil Steele ... Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team pick ... played in all 11 games, with 10 starts at the nose guard position … vital component of the ISU rushing defense that was second in the conference allowing just 126.8 yards per contest … recorded 30 tackles on the season, including nine solo stops … also added a sack and 2.0 TFLs … returned a fumble 32 yards in the season finale against Youngstown State … recorded a sack and six tackles at Missouri State … tied career-high with six stops at North Dakota State … had four tackles and a half TFL in the victory at Colorado State.
2017: Redshirted.
Bloomington HS: Three-time varsity letterwinner for football under coaches Rigo Schmelzer and Joe Walters … All Big-12 offensive line selection and all-state defensive line selection in 2017 … Four-year letterwinner in wrestling, winning the Illinois state championship title in 2017 after placing fourth at the championships in 2016 … Competed in the shot put and discus during his sophomore and senior years … Named Bloomington High School’s Athlete of the Year in 2017 … Also participated in Bass Fishing as a freshman.
Personal: Full name is John Robert Ridgeway, III … Son of Katie and John Ridgeway, Jr. … Has a younger sister, Grace ... Born May 7, 1999 in Bloomington, Ill. … Intended major is criminal justice.
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Posted on 4/25/21 at 7:18 pm to RazorHawg
Huge day for us. Adding a potential starter and depth with SEC experience. That makes me feel much better about next year.
This post was edited on 4/25/21 at 8:03 pm
Posted on 4/25/21 at 8:29 pm to TheCheshireHog
Idk how many wins it will translate into but I know we will at least be competitive in every game this football season and I haven’t felt that way in a long time.
Posted on 4/25/21 at 8:39 pm to Hawgnsincebirth55
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Idk how many wins it will translate into but I know we will at least be competitive in every game this football season and I haven’t felt that way in a long time.
Ok, Devil's Advocate here. Reluctant to buy in... Sell me on why .. as a coach, (you are the one who coached FB correct?) you feel as you do please?
Thanks
Posted on 4/25/21 at 11:09 pm to Razorback Reverend
We have depth on the defensive line, size on offense, and 2 competent coordinators on both sides of the ball with a plan of attack. We have talent at the skill positions on offense. We have talent and veterans on defense. Barring an injury to either catalon or burks I don’t see how we don’t at least compete in every game this season. That doesn’t mean we’re going to win every game but I don’t see a game on the schedule where we lose by more than 14 points. To some people losing by 2 scores still isn’t competitive but to me it is.
Posted on 4/25/21 at 11:16 pm to Hawgnsincebirth55
Well, ok... I thought you would go into some schematic abilities our players would be able to do now. Or something more in depth. But, I agree with alot of it, but I am afraid we are a year or two off from what you wrote by experience with Pittman, development, etc.
I don't see us keeping it within 14 pts with Bammy, or a couple of others imho. Thanks
Posted on 4/25/21 at 11:48 pm to Razorback Reverend
I mean I think we have the athletes to do everything Kendal wants if that’s what you mean football is won and lost at the LOS and right now we look like we can compete at the line. I do love the veer and shoot the briles runs now and it’ll look different with a more mobile qb so I guess that’ll be a little different than what we saw last year. But lots of people run similar schemes, the difference between good coaches and great coaches isn’t who runs stick or mesh concepts, or who runs zone reads and who runs vertical routes or option routes. It’s the coaches that knows when to call each and every one of those plays or schemes because most offenses have west coast flavors, or air raid concepts etc. it comes down to how well you execute and when to call what or what to focus on this week vs this team, and what to change for the next week. I think both of our coordinators are really good at game prep and decent at in game management. If there is a place I feel like we could do better at it’s the latter but still light years better than Bielema or morris imo.
football is won and lost at the LOS and right now we look like we can compete at the line. I do love the veer and shoot the briles runs now and it’ll look different with a more mobile qb so I guess that’ll be a little different than what we saw last year. But lots of people run similar schemes, the difference between good coaches and great coaches isn’t who runs stick or mesh concepts, or who runs zone reads and who runs vertical routes or option routes. It’s the coaches that knows when to call each and every one of those plays or schemes because most offenses have west coast flavors, or air raid concepts etc. it comes down to how well you execute and when to call what or what to focus on this week vs this team, and what to change for the next week. I think both of our coordinators are really good at game prep and decent at in game management. If there is a place I feel like we could do better at it’s the latter but still light years better than Bielema or morris imo. Posted on 4/26/21 at 12:22 pm to Hawgnsincebirth55
Bama is the only team on the schedule that we won't keep it within 14. They are just so explosive on offense.
Posted on 4/26/21 at 3:27 pm to dchog
Ole Miss?
I am afraid Kiff will have that team humming soon on Offense.
I am afraid Kiff will have that team humming soon on Offense.
Posted on 4/26/21 at 3:30 pm to Razorback Reverend
They did lose Elijah Moore and Yeboah and their defense still needs work but yeah they'll probably still put up some points for sure
Posted on 5/3/21 at 7:24 pm to RazorHawg
Third transfer DL pick-up out of the transfer portal.
Tre Williams from Missouri.
Tre Williams from Missouri.
Posted on 5/3/21 at 7:25 pm to RazorHawg
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Former Missouri and defensive end Tre Williams has announced his transfer to Arkansas. Williams, 6-5, 260, had initially planned to transfer to Houston after entering the transfer portal in December.
Williams, played in 42 games for the Tigers, where he played for former head coach Barry Odom, who now serves as Arkansas' defensive coordinator. Williams recorded 85 tackles, 15 for a loss and 8.5 sacks during his time in Columbia.
Williams is Arkansas' second incoming transfer from Missouri, joining defensive tackle Markell Utsey. The Hogs have also added a defensive tackle in John Ridgeway of Illinois State.
Here's more information from Missouri's official site:
2019 SEASON
Began to establish himself as a solid pass rusher during his redshirt junior season, tallying 24 tackles with 3.0 tackles for loss and a one sack along with five QB hurries, the second-most on the team behind only NFL Draft third-round pick Jordan Elliott … Played in 11 games with eight starts … Tallied a career-high four tackles at No. 4 Georgia (11/9) … Had three tackles in five separate games, including each of the season’s final two contests against Tennessee (11/23) and at Arkansas (11/29) … First sack of the year came vs. No. 6 Florida (11/16) … Had a tackle for loss at both Vanderbilt (10/19) and at Kentucky (10/26), the latter of which was a six-yard loss … posted a season-high three QB hurries at Arkansas (11/29) and also had QB hurries against West Virginia (9/7) and Southeast Missouri (9/14).
2018 SEASON
Impact rush end who made six starts and 12 appearances overall as a sophomore, racking up 20 tackles on the season ... Notched five tackles for loss, including 2.5 quarterback sacks, and added three quarterback pressures.
2017 SEASON
Exciting young prospect who has a chance to be the next in a long line of very productive defensive ends at #DLineZou ... Saw the field extensively in his redshirt freshman season, playing in 11 games total, and he ranked 16th on the team with 20 total tackles ... While that number might not be eye-popping, consider that he had 4.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 quarterback sacks among those 20 stops, and his ability to impact a game was pretty evident ... Also ranked second on the team - despite his limited snaps -- with five quarterback pressures on the season ... Came on strong late in the year, as half of his tackles were produced in the final four games of the season, including three stops versus Tennessee (11/11) that included a pair of sacks and a forced fumble ... Followed with a tackle and a pressure at Vanderbilt (11/18), and made two tackles in MU’s exciting comeback win at Arkansas (11/24) ... Closed the season with a strong performance in the 2017 Texas Bowl, as he tied his season high with four tackles against Texas, along with a quarterback pressure ... Made his Mizzou debut against Missouri State (9/2) … Tallied his first tackle in Mizzou’s game against Auburn (9/23) ... Closed spring drills by making three tackles - including one quarterback sack - at the Black & Gold Spring Game.
2016 SEASON
Redshirt season.
PERSONAL
Cited Mizzou’s ability to develop defensive linemen and defensive ends as one of the primary reasons why he committed to Mizzou … Parents: Tony Crews and Teresa Williams-Crews … Enjoys basketball, music, weight lifting and socializing with friends and teammates when away from football … Cited the fact that Columbia is his hometown and that he grew up watching Mizzou football and basketball as key factors to his signing … Also cited the professionalism of the Mizzou staff and players and their dedication to him as another key factor … Plans to major in medicine at Mizzou to treat gastrointestinal ailments, a disease that he lost his great grandfather to – his close relationship with his grandfather has led him to dedicate his career in his honor … Chose Mizzou over offers from Arizona State, Arkansas, Cal, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, New Mexico, TCU and Tulsa.
Posted on 5/4/21 at 1:11 am to RazorHawg
Sounds like we're going for instant depth on the DL. I like it.
Posted on 5/6/21 at 12:22 pm to Ham Solo
Some speculation that Florida State QB commit Nicco Marchiol may set up an OV with us, Seminoles just got a commit from another QB. Seems like we're uncertain if we want to take a QB in this class or not.
Posted on 5/6/21 at 12:31 pm to gohogs141
I’m guessing if they feel like they can get a qb who’s elite they’ll take him but if not it’s not a big deal
Posted on 5/9/21 at 1:56 pm to Hawgnsincebirth55
E’Marion Harris is about to commit
Posted on 5/9/21 at 2:01 pm to Woopigsooie20
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E’Marion Harris is about to commit
That is a massive human being.
Posted on 5/9/21 at 2:20 pm to TheOtherWhiteMeat
Harris commits to Hogs as expected. Another huge get
Posted on 5/9/21 at 2:41 pm to RazorHawg
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Little Rock (Ark.) Joe T. Robinson four-star offensive lineman E'Marion Harris has committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks. Harris went public with his decision during a ceremony at Robinson High at approximately 2 p.m. on Sunday, becoming the Hogs’ tenth commitment for the Class of 2022.
Harris, 6-7, 370, chose the Razorbacks over three other finalists in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Florida. He also held offers from Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, TCU, Tennessee, Texas A&M and several others. Harris was originally offered by former Arkansas head coach Chad Morris, but current head Hog Sam Pittman made him a priority shortly after taking over in Fayetteville. Offensive line coach Brad Davis served as Harris’ lead recruiter.
“Basically I just feel like it’s the right fit for me,” Harris said. “They’ve treated me like one of their sons. It feels like home to me. Our relationship is pretty good. Me and Coach Davis talk a lot, too.”
The industry-generated 247Sports Composite rankings have Harris as a four-star prospect, the No. 277 player in the nation regardless of position, No. 34 among offensive tackles, and No. 2 overall in the state of Arkansas. 247Sports has him as the No. 31 offensive tackle prospect nationally and the No. 3 player in the Natural State.
Harris is Arkansas’ seventh instate commitment for the Class of 2022, joining Little Rock Parkview running back James Jointer, Clarendon wide receiver Quincey McAdoo, Clarendon tight end Dax Courtney, Maumelle offensive lineman Andrew Chamblee, Greenland defensive end JJ Hollingsworth, and Shiloh Christian linebacker Kaden Henley.
The 2022 class marks Arkansas’ biggest instate haul since 2015 when then-head coach Bret Bielema landed nine from inside the state.
Now that Harris has made his move, he plans to help the Hogs recruit coveted defensive lineman Nico Davillier of Maumelle.
“I feel like we can get Nico,” Harris said. “I feel like he’s a great athlete, so that would be a good move.”
Harris' commitment moves Arkansas' 2022 class to No. 12 in the nation and No. 5 in the SEC. In addition to the instate pledges, the Razorbacks' class also includes running back Rashod Dubinion of Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove, offensive lineman Eli Henderson of Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes, and safety Myles Rowser of Detroit (Mich.) Belleville.
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The top player in the Natural State is staying home. E'Marion "Big E" Harris knew back in December what he would do but he called the Hogs on Sunday in front of friends and family at Joe T. Robinson High School, committing to Arkansas over Georgia, Oklahoma and more than a dozen other DI offers.
"Really, just getting closer with the coaches up there and them making me feel like they were going to treat me well and treat me like one of their kids basically," Harris shared on what caused him to feel sure in his decision. "I always dreamed about going to Arkansas as a little kid. It feels great, I get to play for my home state."
The Razorbacks have recruited Harris over multiple staffs and years. The 6-foot-7, 338-pound rising senior got his first offer from Alabama in 2018. He was one of the first recruits Sam Pittman reoffered when he was hired at Arkansas and he's now the third offensive line commit for second-year coach Brad Davis.
"Davis is a big factor, he told me straight up that he'll treat me as one of his own, he's going to help me through the process up there and after college as well," Harris said.
The Little Rock native has NFL aspirations and Pittman wants to help him get there as a bookend on his offensive line, like he's done with many others before him.
"I like Sam Pittman a lot, he's a funny dude and there's always character in the room," Harris said.
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Harris joins South Carolina center Eli Henderson and Maumelle offensive tackle Andrew Chamblee as well as seven other future Hogs.
"I like the commits. Some of us are really close," Harris said.
The in-state commit total, at seven for Arkansas now, is the most since Bret Bielema's 2017 class.
Harris is currently ranked No. 240 in the nation, first in Arkansas and 32nd amongst offensive tackles in his class. His commitment gives the Hogs another 110 points for their team recruiting total, moving the class from 16th to 13th in the country. The four 4-stars in the class–Harris, Quincey McAdoo, Myles Rowser and Rashod Dubinion–tops Arkansas's total in the last two classes.
Not only is Harris choosing to stay home, he's also choosing to follow in the footsteps of his father Elliott Harris who was on the Hogs' squad in the early 2000s.
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