Arkansas received an oral commitment from junior college receiver Cody Hollister Monday afternoon after taking an official visit to Fayetteville.
“They talked about me having an opportunity, which is all I need,” said Hollister, who arrived in Fayetteville on Thursday and left Saturday morning. “I just need an opportunity to come in and play and if I have that, I feel like I’ll take advantage of it.”
Hollister, 6-4, 205, 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Arizona Western Community College chose the Hogs over scholarship offers from Wyoming and Troy. He received an offer from Arkansas last week after Coach Bret Bielema visited his school.
“So in talking to coach Bielema and all the other coaches and coach Smith, the wide receivers coach, is really cool,” Hollister said. “They’re just really real with you about your position and how you would be coming in, so it’s encouraging.”
Hollister said freshman offensive lineman Dan Skipper, his player host, made him feel at home.
“He’s just one of the guys,” Hollister said. “Makes you feel like one of the guys too.”
Hollister, caught 69 passes for 934 yards and 5 touchdowns this season and was named first-team Arizona Community College Athletic Conference. Hollister will be a mid-term graduate, and he has three years to play three. Wednesday is the first day junior college enrolling at midyear can sign a national letter of intent.
Hollister’s teammate, tight end Blake Whiteley, also visited the Hogs and left Saturday morning to officially visit Texas.
“We both have the same view on it,” Hollister said. “We’ve loved it.”
Hollister is the Hogs’ No. 17 commitment. Oral commitments are nonbinding.
Sports, Pages 20 on 12/17/2013