Arkansas strength and conditioning Coach Ben Herbert has helped the Razorbacks add noticeable size and strength since arriving in Fayetteville. One of the Hogs’ top targets, offensive lineman Brian Wallace Jr. was able to see firsthand Herbert’s work during his visit on Friday and Saturday.
“I was very impressed with that because he was showing me before and after pictures of some of the players,” said Wallace, who has been chosen to be one of the four captains on his team. “He made one person gain 30 pounds in six months. I was actually very impressed with his style of strength and conditioning.”
Wallace, 6-6, 304, 5.2 seconds in the 40 yard dash, of St Louis Christian Brothers College High has narrowed his list of 20 plus scholarship offers to Arkansas, Iowa, Alabama, Nebraska and Ohio State. He liked what he heard from Coach Bret Bielema.
“He basically talked about me as a player and school as a whole and how they would love to have me there,” said Wallace, who was accompanied by his father. “Just going over the recruiting part with him was neat.”
Wallace Sr. said the friendliness of the people of the Arkansas was noticed as they crossed the state line. Once they got to campus, the visit was all laid out for them.
“I like the fact that they had a schedule and they were on point with everything and on time,” said the elder Wallace.
Academics is one of the main concerns for Wallace and his parents. The visit has him convinced the support system is in place to help him should he chose sports medicine or sociology as a major.
“They would give me the things that I would need to excel in both of those majors,” said Wallace, who plans to make a return trip to Fayetteville for an official visit.
Wallace, who will play in the U.S. Army All American game in San Antonio in January, also had an invite to participate in the the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Carson, Calif.
Ragean Hill, the Director of Football Academic Counseling made a strong impression.
“I was impressed with her organization and her job and how she does her best to helps guys stay on track with their academics,” Wallace Sr. said.
On Friday evening, father and son were able to ask questions with an offensive line panel filled with current players.
“They were very well mannered young men,” Wallace Sr. said. “They answered every question straight up. We asked them about social life, we asked them about academics and the transition they had to go through starting off their freshman year. The guys were from different parts of the country.“
All parts of the visit were impressive, said Wallace Sr.
“Overall just everything, not one thing in particular,” he said. “When you see a good combination of the positive things that adds up to a lot. I don’t know if I could put it in any better words. Overall the visit was pleasant.”