Arkansas’ recruiting class received a big boost Friday when one of the top cornerbacks in the nation, Darius Winston of Helena-West Helena Central, orally committed to the Razorbacks.

Winston, 6-0, 175, 4. 38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, received more than 30 scholarship offers, including offers from Ole Miss, Michigan, Clemson, Tennessee, Miami and LSU. He narrowed his list to the Razorbacks and Rebels.

He committed to the Hogs in February but reopened his recruiting June 13.

“I thought long and hard about it, and Arkansas came out on top,” Winston said. “I knew if I played at Arkansas I would have a whole lot of people backing me up.” Razorback cornerbacks coach Lorenzo Ward’s reputation helped sway Winston to the Hogs.

“Coach Ward has coached guys like DeAngelo Hall, Junior Williams,” Winston said. “He coached a lot of great cornerbacks at Virginia Tech, and he has a great resume. I feel like with him, he’s the coach for me. He fits my style of play.” The chance to develop into a great player was a key reason for Winston choosing the Razorbacks.

“The big factor was me reaching my full potential,” he said. “I didn’t want to go to a school and be a good corner. I wanted to be the best I know I can possibly be.” CBS College Sports national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming ranks Winston as the No. 3 cornerback in the nation and No. 44 overall.

“I think it’s making a good statement to keep him from all the national powerhouses,” Lemming said. “For Arkansas to be successful, they have to keep everyone at home first. They’re also on a lot of the other top guys around the country.

“ This year Arkansas is on more [high-profile ] kids then I’ve seen in a long, long time.” Winston has become good friends with Tulsa Jenks cornerback Gabe Lynn, whom Lemming ranks as the No. 2 cornerback in the nation.

“Me and Gabe text every now and then,” he said. “He sounds like he’s very excited about the Hogs, and I feel like the Hogs have a great chance [with him ].” Winston is Arkansas’ 13 th commitment for the 2009 recruiting class. Oral commitments are nonbinding.