SPRINGDALE — Shiloh Christian wide receiver Crosby Tuck didn’t have to go far to find the right fit when it came to choosing a college.

Tuck, 6-1, 190 pounds, signed with Arkansas on Wednesday, headlining a banner senior class that led the Saints to the Class 3 A state championship this past season.

Arkansas offered Tuck a scholarship in June, and he orally committed to play for the Razorbacks on July 3 after considering offers from Auburn, Central Florida and Troy.

“I’m not one of those people who grew up dreaming of going to Arkansas,” Tuck said. “I was really leaning toward Central Florida at first. I looked around and decided this was the best fit for me.

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“ It’s certainly a privilege for the school I chose to be 15 minutes down the road.”

Tuck caught 78 passes for 1, 622 yards and 21 touchdowns last season and finished his high school career with 219 receptions for 4, 378 yards and 53 touchdowns.

Tuck said he was disappointed when Arkansas offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn left after one season to become offensive coordinator at Tulsa, but not enough to change his decision.

“Coach Malzahn is the one that offered me,” Tuck said. “I’d been talking to him pretty much the whole time, so I owe him a lot. I didn’t decide against him.”

Tuck said he also was disappointed when quarterback Mitch Mustain and wide receiver Damian Williams decided to transfer from Arkansas.

“I was friends with those guys,” he said. “I talked to Mitch and Damian. Things didn’t work out for them for some reason.

“ I wish they were still there, but I still feel like it’s the best spot for me.”

Malzahn’s replacement, former Dallas Cowboys assistant David Lee, helped solidify Tuck’s commitment. Lee spent the past few summers helping Tuck, Simpson and many other Saints hone their skills.

“He came to all our games,” Tuck said. “He told my parents I had a chance to play Division I football. He got it all set up, so I appreciate that.”

Shiloh Christian Coach Josh Floyd said Arkansas is an ideal fit for Tuck.

“Crosby was a pretty solid commitment,” Floyd said. “I knew he liked Coach Malzahn a lot, but Crosby’s heart was here. I think everyone’s glad he’ll be close to home so we can all go watch him play.”

Four other seniors from Shiloh Christian’s championship team also signed with Division I schools Wednesday.

Quarterback Matt Simpson signed with Harvard, while linebacker Adam Herring, son of Razorbacks defensive coordinator Reggie Herring, chose Auburn.

Offensive tackle Nolan Hankins and linebacker / running back David Ingram chose Missouri State. Hankins originally gave an oral commitment to play for Tulsa but changed his mind last week.