2016 O-line prospect excited for UA visit

2016 offensive lineman Eli Johnson has numerous family members in Arkansas.

Sophomore-to-be offensive lineman Eli Johnson plans to arrive at Arkansas at 10 am today for his first look at the Hogs.

Johnson, 6-2 1/2, 290, of Oxford (Miss.) Lafayette, has already accumulated three scholarship offers from Mississippi State, Akron and Southeastern Louisiana. He's no stranger to Arkansas since his mother, Ashley is a Lake Village native.

"I kind of grew up an Arkansas fan," Johnson said. "That's one of my dream schools. I'm just really excited to see all of the facilities and get to talk to the coaches."

His mother and father have family members with a background with Arkansas.

"She has a bunch of cousins that graduated from Arkansas," he said. "My dad, had I want to say his uncle, my great uncle taught three semesters at Arkansas."

Johnson, who posted a a time of 5.55 seconds in the 40 yard dash before his freshman season, has above average strength with 19 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and 5 reps of 440 on the squat.

Receiving three offers before the start of his sophomore was unexpected.

"Yeah, I guess I was surprised," Johnson said. "I didn't think they would start rolling in until after my sophomore or junior year. Mississippi State offered me and liked my film and it all came really quick."

Johnson said his family in Arkansas have let him know where they believe he should play his college football.

"They're all huge Hog fans," he said. "They all would love to see me play at Arkansas."