Arkansas’ football staff dipped into Alpharetta, Ga., for one oral commitment, and it hopes to gain another.

The Razorbacks received an oral commitment from Chattahoochee defensive lineman Justin Smith over the summer and now have their sights on Chattahoochee safety Elton Ford, who was offered a scholarship by Arkansas on Wednesday.

Ford committed to North Carolina State in November, but he has been receptive to what the Razorbacks have had to say.

Arkansas offensive coordinator Paul Petrino called Ford on Wednesday night and told him the Razorbacks had extended an offer.

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“I talked to him the night before,” said Ford, 6-0, 200 pounds, 4. 47 seconds in the 40-yard dash. “He wanted to get to know me a little bit better. On Wednesday, he called me and asked how I was doing and I told him I was doing good and he said, ‘I want to offer you a football scholarship. I you want to be a Razorback.’

“ I told him I wouldn’t mind being a Razorback.”

Ford played offense and defense this season. He had 593 yards rushing and five touchdowns. On defense, Ford recorded 107 tackles, 9 pass deflections and 4 interceptions in his only season at Chattahoochee. He also was named Fulton County player of the year by one local publication, Chattahoochee Coach Terry Crowder said.

Ford, who played at Lithonia, Ga., as a junior, said he has scheduled an official visit to Arkansas for Jan. 25. He said he also might take an official visit to North Carolina.