Recruits react to Smith being let go

NWA Media/ANDY SHUPE Arkansas coach John L. Smith runs off the field Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, after the Hogs' 20-13 loss to LSU at Razorback Stadium.

Several Arkansas commitments expected the news of John L. Smith being let go as Arkansas' head coach.

Here's a sampling of what they're thinking.

TE Hunter Henry of Pulaski Academy is eager to get to know the new coach and his offensive philosophy and the use of the tight end. He didn't say it but it sounded like a good hire could keep him from visiting other schools.

John McClure, the father of Butler C. C. offensive lineman Johnathan McClure said his son is ready to get to Fayetteville and the coaching situation will not be an issue.

QB Tyler Cogswell of Plantation, Fla. wasn't surprised but is anxious to see who the new coach will be. He committed to the school, not the coaches, he said.

DE Tevin Beanum of Forrest City said he's confident that Arkansas AD Jeff Long will make the right hire and he's not worried about the coaching situation.

CB Carroll Washington of Hartnell College said he will reach out to the new coach and see where he stands with the new hire. He hopes the new hire is someone he can talk to and go to with any issuse he may have. He cited receivers coach Kris Cinkovich and how he feels like he can go to him about anything.

He hasn't thought about what might happen if the entire staff is let go.

5:11 update

LB Myke Tavarres of College of the Siskiyous said he expected Smith not being retained but will be very uneasy if the entire staff is let go. He wants to see who Arkansas hires. He has cancelled his visit to Texas A&M but plans to visit Arizona and Boise St.