Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema secured his second commitment of an in-state junior prospect on Monday since his hiring. North Little Rock running back Juan Day pledged to the Hogs after receiving a scholarship offer that morning.
Day, 6-2, 210, 4.5 seconds in the 40 yard dash, learned Bielema had called Charging Wildcats Coach Brad Bolding and was told the Hogs were extending an offer.
"Coach Bolding actually called and I was sleeping and I woke up and he told me," Day said of the Hog offer. "I was excited. I called my parents and let them know and they were all excited."
Day told Bolding he wanted to be a Hog and Bielema was told the good news before the pledge was publically announced. Day then called Bielema at 6:10 p.m. to tell himself.
"He knows how to make one cut and then getting north and south," Bolding said. "I think that's his number one attribute. Being a big back, especially at this level people aren't so apt about coming in there and trying to throw a lick on a big kid of that size."
Arkansas' offense that will likely feature a heavy dose of running suits Day, who rushed 115 times for 930 yards and 13 touchdowns in nine and half games this past season.
"For me personally, I like to get into the I-formation so I can run straight ahead and choose my holes," Day said. "I like to hit the hole hard and fast and get extra yards".
North Little Rock's offseason program will enhance Days' skill level.
"The thing I'm excited about is one more year of offseason and what we do in our offseason," Bolding said. "It's really going to benefit him and his size that's going to make him a lot better player. But I think his size and his ability to hit the hole and such great vision. He's the type of back he would fit perfect into Arkansas' system."
He and Arkansas fans would like to see Charging Wildcat running back Altee Tenpenny, who's committed to Alabama, take his talents to Fayetteville.
"I'm going to talk to him because it was fun being in the backfield with him this year," Day said. "We relieve pressure off each other and I would like to see that happen again on the college level. "
Day, who likes to study film, said he needs to improve on his pass protection and strength.
"I want to try and get my 40 time down this summer." Day said.
He looked up to his cousin, former Arkansas running back Cedric Cobbs growing up and even word Cobb's number 4 before switching to 3.
"One day my dad said 'Why don't you make your own legacy'," Day said. "That's what I'm trying to do now."