Arkansas to start Operation New Era

NWA Media/MICHAEL WOODS --03/30/2013-- University of Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema said at his first press conference the Hogs would make the state a priority and recruit the state first.

Arkansas coaches will hit the road and visit numerous schools throughout the state checking on prospects during Operation New Era on Monday, the first day of the spring evaluation period.

During the period, seven coaches are only allowed on the road at the same time but Arkansas will shuffle the times of the coaches in order for all nine assistant coaches to be on the road at some point during the day.

Some of the schools the Hogs are expected visit include, Springdale Har-Ber, Springdale, Bentonville, Greenwood and Fort Smith Southside high schools to check on defensive lineman Josh Frazier, athlete Deandre Murray, tight end Jack Kraus, quarterbacks Jabe Burgess and Isaac Jackson.

The Razorbacks will visit North Little Rock where Hog running back commitment Juan Day, cornerback Kavin Alexander and center Curtis Parker attend school. The Hogs will also check on tight end Aaron Hamaker of Little Rock Catholic and Lonoke receiver Blake Mack.

The Hogs will be at the schools of two 2015 tight ends, Daniel Sprinkle of White Hall and Will Gragg of Pine Bluff. Zebra kicker Austin McGehee is also a prospect Arkansas is recruiting.

Arkansas visit Jonesboro and West Memphis high schools to check up on defensive lineman Chuks Ota and linebacker and fullback Jarvis Cooper.

South Arkansas will see several coaches in the area. El Dorado high school will see a coach visiting to check on Arkansas defensive line commitment Bijhon Jackson.

The Razorbacks will check on offensive linemen Johnny Gibson of Dumas and Jhamahl Bell of Warren. Smackover linebacker Kevante Lowrey will see a coach visit his school.

The Hogs will stop by Junction City high school where Arkansas is looking at several athletes, including 2015 athlete Jaqwis Dancy. Arkansas will also visit Texarkana, Texas Liberty-Eylau to check on athlete Davion Hall, who has visited the Hogs.

Coaches aren't allowed to speak to the recruits other than to say hello while at their schools but will visit coaches, counselors, teachers and others to help evaluate the athlete.

Arkansas will go back on the road April 24.