Arkansas pulled off a major recruiting coup the day after losing to Alabama when highly recruited running back Knile Davis of Missouri City (Texas ) Marshall orally committed to the Hogs.

Davis, 6-0, 212 pounds, 4. 48 seconds in the 40-yard dash, attended the game on an official visit and chose the Razorbacks over Oklahoma, Nebraska, Missouri and several other schools.

Davis initially scheduled a visit to Missouri but canceled it because of Hurricane Ike.

“It just so happened I was free that weekend and I hooked up with Arkansas,” Davis said. “I wanted to go to Arkansas because they were No. 1 on my list, but I wanted to see it first and make sure I felt good about it.

“ I went down there, and I mean at no point during the visit did I feel uncomfortable. I felt it was the right decision. I just went with my gut. I’m pretty much happy with my decision.” Davis said he probably won’t make any other visits, but that hasn’t stopped schools from callg.

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“I told them that I pretty much had made my mind up,” he said. “Some of them said they didn’t care and some said all right.” After arriving at Arkansas on Friday afternoon, Davis ate lunch and then toured the academic center and the Walton School of Business.

“That was one of the most exciting parts,” said Davis, who plans to major in accounting. “I got to see where I would be taking my classes.” Davis praised running backs coach Tim Horton and defensive ends coach Kirk Botkin, who was the lead recruiter for Davis.

“Most of the coaches I’ve had in practice, they’ll be yelling and screaming and cussing and carrying on,” said Davis, who has rushed for 278 yards in two games. “Coach Horton wasn’t really like that. It surprised me. He’s a laid-back kind of dude. He pretty much told you what he expected and wanted you to get it done.

“ Coach Botkin, he’s got a real high spirit. He’s always trying to make a joke and have you laughing. He’s a real people person. I enjoyed his company while I was down there. He’s a real good dude.” BIG VISITS PLANNED Defensive end Sheldon Richardson, 6-4, 270, 4. 69, of St. Louis Gateway High School said Tuesday night he would take his fifth official visit to Arkansas. Richardson said he and running back Ronnie Wingo Jr., 6-3, 212, 4. 41 of St. Louis University High School will visit on the same weekend. Both are good friends and are considered among the best prospects in the nation at their positions.

MAKING PROGRESS Arkansas is monitoring the progress of defensive lineman Darius Dunaway of Monroe, La. Dunaway, 6-6, 230, 4. 8, of Carroll High School, suffered a major setback when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during preseason practice last year and missed his entire junior season. Determined to make up for lost time, Dunaway has performed well in his first two games into the season. He’s recorded 8 unassisted tackles, 2 assisted tackles, 4 sacks and 5 quarterback hurries despite playing at 90 to 95 percent. Arkansas has requested film and is evaluating Dunaway. Dunaway doesn’t have any scholarship offers but is receiving interest from LSU, Colorado, Ole Miss, Arkansas State, Louisiana-Monroe and Louisiana-Lafayette.

E-mail Richard Davenport at: rdavenport@arkansasonline. com