The student in student-athlete is important for junior defensive end Daytrieon Dean, who took an academic tour of Arkansas on Wednesday.
“I talked to advisors about information that could help me get enrolled and all that,” said Dean, who’s a straight A student. “Information about classes and internships and studying abroad.”
Dean, 6-3, 250, 4.89 seconds in the 40 yard dash, of Fort Smith Northside realized a dream on Nov. 2 when he received a scholarship offer from Arkansas before the Auburn game. He called the visit very educational.
“I talked to a student in chemical engineering,” he said. “I want to go into engineering so he gave me lot of information about the engineering programs and internships they have and all of the scholarships. Some of the basic stuff for him and some of the stuff that was kind of hard for him and some of the things that prepared him for college. It was very helpful.”
Dean spoke to tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. on Tuesday about his planned trip.
“He wanted me to stop by but it wasn’t possible,” Dean said.
Even though it’s been a few week since his offer, Dean said he’s still in awe of his offer from the Razorbacks.
“Everyday I have to wakeup and pinch myself and realize I have a scholarship from a team I’ve been watching all my life,” said Dean, who also has an offer from Ole Miss. “It’s a dream come true. It’s something you always dream of and always hope it comes. It came and I’m still amazed.”
During the offseason, Jen Bielema, wife of Coach Bret Bielema created a new hand sign that creates an A. Dean is a fan of the sign.
“I like it, I like it a lot,” Dean said. “I saw Alex Collins do it in a game and I thought it was pretty neat.”