Junior LB planning visit a "Baller"

Junior LB Roquan Smith is a playmaking machine.

Arkansas cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson has been able to convince highly regarded junior linebacker Roquan Smith to visit the Hogs in a short period of time.

“We had been chatting with each other for two weeks,” Smith said. “He asked if I’m really interested in coming out to Arkansas and I was like ‘Yes sir’. We started building up the relationship and I sent in my transcript in.”

Smith, 6-2, 204 pounds, 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Montezuma (Ga.) Macon County has 10 scholarship offers, including Clemson, South Carolina, Tennessee, UCLA and Ole Miss. The Hogs recently offered.

In six games, Smith has recorded numbers that resembles a full season of play with 79 tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, a pass deflection, 2 recovered fumbles and 3 forced fumbles. He’s determined to get to Fayetteville at some point.

“We talked and he really wants me to come up during the fall,” Smith said. “But if I can’t, it will be the first thing in the offseason. My coach said whenever he gets a little time he’ll be willing to take me out there.”

Smith, who’s also plays basketball, baseball and participates in the 100 and 200 meters along with the 4x100 relay in track, has 305 pound bench press and 515 squat. He attributes his work ethic for much of his success.

“Hard work man,” said Smith, who recorded a 37.5 inch vertical at an Auburn camp. “Doing what my coaches tell me to do and stay over and do extra and try and be the best that I can be.”

Johnson had a simple explanation on why Smith should be a Razorback.

“Coach said I’m a baller and he needs me out there,” Smith said.