BEAVERTON, Ore. — Arkansas will get a chance to make a big impression on Shai McKenzie, one of the top running back prospects in the nation in a few weeks.
McKenzie, 6-0, 212, 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Washington, Pennsylvania is one of about 163 top football prospects at The Opening at Nike Headquarters.
He rushed for 2,689 yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior and rated the No. 1 prospect in Pennsylvania and the No. 52 recruit in the nation by national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network.
He said the Hog fans are a big reason for his planned July 20th visit to Fayetteville.
"I would say the fans on social media just go crazy," McKenzie said. "The Woo Pig Sooie. I always hear that a lot. I just hear a lot of good things about the program so I'm going to take an official down there in July 20th and just see for myself."
El Dorado defensive lineman Bijhon Jackson , an Arkansas commitment and Springdale Har-Ber defensive lineman Josh Frazier have told McKenzie Fayetteville is a good place.
"They told me a lot of good things about them," McKenzie said. "Just how good the place is. I'm just trying to see for myself. "
In June, he named Florida State his top school followed by Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech and Arkansas. McKenzie is being recruited by defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, who recruits parts of Pennsylvania and running backs coach Joel Thomas.
"I have a good relationships with coach Partridge and coach Thomas," said McKenzie, who plans to visit Virginia Tech on July 13. "I talked to coach Thomas today and will continue to keep talking to him and build relationships and hopefully get down there and meet some more coaches and build relationships."
He said his conversation with Thomas wasn't focused on recruiting.
"It was basically go out and do your best," McKenzie said. " He really didn't mention any recruiting. He just wanted to congratulate me for making it and for me to give it my all."
Thomas has also talked highly of Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas.
"He said he's been to other places he said there's no place like Fayetteville," McKenzie said. "He really likes it and he feels like they're bringing the program up and it could be a real good fit for me. They're in the SEC, that's high power ball. For players being drafted that's as high as it goes."