Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema and his staff hit the road recruiting during the first bye week after the Oct. 12 Alabama game. They did the same this week in Arkansas and several other states during the latest bye week.
The NCAA allows 42 evaluations during September, October and November in which colleges can evaluate a prospect once.
Because Bielema attended Bentonville’s home game in September against Springdale Har-Ber to watch Tigers’ tight end Jack Kraus, an Arkansas commitment, and Wildcats’ defensive line prospect Josh Frazier, the Hogs aren’t able to visit either school again until December.
Starting in December, coaches can make six in-person visits with recruits until Feb. 1.
Bielema knew going into the season the two open dates were vital for recruiting.
“We needed to maximize the 42 evaluations,” Bielema said. “We used up 41 this Friday and we’ll use the last one next week for a special prospect.”
Bielema has repeatedly said the Razorbacks would recruit Arkansas first and then spread out from there. The Hogs have used about half of the 42 evaluations for in-state schools.
“We’re looking for an Arkansas kid whether he’s in Arkansas or he’s in south Florida or if he’s in Texas or if he’s in New Jersey,” Bielema said. “Someone who upholds the academic, athletic and social values we’re looking for.”
Bielema and receivers coach Michael Smith were in Louisiana on Monday and checked on the six commitments in the state. They also hit Mississippi, New York and New Jersey before returning to Fayetteville on Wednesday morning.
A lot of planning and people are involved before the coaches go on the road.
“Logistically wise, we have a lot of people involved as far as the university plane, pilots, hotels, rental cars,” said recruiting coordinator Chris Hauser.
Under Bielema, Arkansas coaches look for prospects who would fit the Hogs’ focus academically, athletically and socially.
“We usually talk in between trips and talk about what they like and what they didn’t like,” Hauser said. “Any kind of academic concerns, any type of character concerns and social concerns.”
Bielema, defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, linebackers coach Randy Shannon and cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson were in Florida on Friday.
“It’s important for Coach Bielema to talk to the head coach and get a feel for the kid and his background,” Hauser said. “Talk to people the kid has been around in real life instead of just talking to us on the phone.”
Also on Friday, offensive coordinator Jim Chaney attended Charleston’s game against Benton Harmony Grove to watch junior quarterback commitment Ty Storey. Running backs coach Joel Thomas visited Newton, Texas, to check on running back Kevin Shorter, a Texas commitment, while Smith was in the Dallas area. Tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. also was on the road Friday.
The Razorbacks expect the prospects they sign Feb. 5 to provide immediate help.
“Not only do they have to be SEC players, but they have to be SEC players that can come in and compete for a starting position or two-deep position immediately,” Hauser said.
While the Hogs are evaluating several junior college prospects, the Hogs will be very particular. Hauser said recruits understand the goal for Arkansas’ program.
“We want kids to come here and understand that they’re coming here to change the program and get it to a championship level,” Hauser said. “They remain faithful even though the wins haven’t shown up on the field [and] they truly believe in the coaching staff and what they stand for. The process is working and is going to work once they set foot on campus.”
Arkansas kicker commitment Cole Hedlund was the national record holder with 25 field goals in a season he set as a sophomore, but after going five of five Thursday night, he set the national career field goal record of 51. Jimmy Stevens of Oklahoma City Heritage Hall was the previous record holder at 50 from 2003-2006.
Hedlund, 5-10, 170 pounds of Argyle, Texas, also broke the state career field goal record of 48 with his performance in the 57-12 victory over Krum, Texas. He made field goals of 47, 36, 33, 27 and 22 yards along with a perfect six of six on extra points.
“I give credit to my holder and snapper,” Hedlund said. “They’ve done a heck of a job this year and I wouldn’t be as successful without them.”
Hedlund is 19 of 25 on field goals, with a long of 57 yards, and 72 of 72 on extra points.
Email Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com
Sports, Pages 32 on 11/17/2013