The Recruiting Guy

Northside end signs with UA

Fort Smith Northside football player Daytrieon Dean runs drills Wednesday evening during practice in Fort Smith.

Fort Smith Northside defensive end Daytrieon Dean on Tuesday became the third prospect to sign an athletic financial aid agreement with Arkansas during a ceremony at his school.

Dean, 6-3, 255 pounds, 4.89 seconds in the 40-yard dash, committed March 1 to Arkansas, choosing the Razorbacks over offers from Ole Miss and Arkansas State.

Prospects who are academically on track to graduate at semester are eligible sign an athletic financial aid agreement with a university. The agreement binds the school to the prospect, but it does not bind the player to the school. It does allow unlimited contact between Dean and the Arkansas coaching staff.

Dean recorded 50 tackles, 6 sacks and 1 tackle for a loss last year while missing most of two games because of an ankle injury. He signed Tuesday with his family, teammates and coaches in attendance.

"It's a very exciting day for me," said Dean, who received an offer from Oklahoma State after he orally committed to Arkansas."I'm just really proud to be a Razorback now."

Charleston quarterback Ty Storey and offensive lineman Zach Rogers of Carrollton (Texas) Hebron also have signed athletic financial aid agreements with Arkansas.

Razorbacks Coach Bret Bielema said he believes Dean is a nice addition to what he believes is a great start for the 2015 recruiting class.

"Daytrieon's hard work and dedication is what we look for in future Razorbacks." Bielema said. "We're excited to welcome him to the Razorback family and have him join us next spring to maximize his potential"

ESPN rates Dean as the No. 78 defensive tackle in the nation.

Arkansas expects to find out more about another top in-state recruit later this week when highly recruited North Little Rock receiver K.J. Hill announces his college destination.

Hill, 6-1, 192, 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash, said after Tuesday night's scrimmage against Conway that he will announce his decision Friday during the 6 p.m. hour at a yet to be determined location.

Hill was the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's All-Arkansas Preps Offensive Player of the Year as a junior last season when he he caught 63 passes for 1,143 yards and 16 touchdowns and rushed 17 times for 121 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also returned 26 punts for 502 yards with 1 touchdown, and 6 kickoffs for 194 yards another touchdown.

Hill is expected to choose between Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Ohio State and Notre Dame.

Sports on 08/27/2014