Arkansas running backs coach Joel Thomas' previous relationship with offensive lineman Brayden Kearsley while at Washington along with offensive line coach Sam Pittman has Kearsley ready to take an official visit to Fayetteville.
"They just seem like genuine guys that love the game of football," said Kearsley, who talked to Thomas after the Semper Fidelis All American Bowl last Friday night. "I just really like that. they have a new coaching staff and they want to bring Arkansas football back to what Arkansas football was. I really like that and I like the SEC part of it. How far away it is kind of cool."
Kearsley, 6-4, 300, 5.1 seconds in the 40 yard dash, of Aloha, Oregon reports having approximately 15 scholarships offers but has Oregon State as his top school. He hoped to officially visit Fayetteville this weekend but is looking at other options.
"Oregon State is my number one right now," said Kearsley, who reports a 325 pound bench press and 485 squat. "Oregon State and Arkansas, (California ) Berkeley and Wisconsin are my top for right now. "
The challenge of the SEC is enticing.
"Oh man, the SEC," Kearsley said. "You hear that a lot up here in the Northwest If you are the big man down there on your team, the chances of accomplishing your goal of going to the NFL is so much higher if you were the big man on campus It's just a whole different level down there.
In order for him to travel far from home he must feel comfortable while on his official visit.
"Pretty much, being that far from home I have to feel real comfortable," Kearsley said. "The feeling of being home away from home will make me feel good."
Kearsley plans to make his decision Jan. 23.
"Regardless of visits, I don't want to visit a campus a week before signing day," Kearsley said. "So I'm going to have an announcement party Jan. 23 and that's it."