Highly regarded junior college defensive end Jeremiah Ledbetter signed a national letter of intent with Arkansas on Wednesday, the first day midyear transfers can sign.
Ledbetter, 6-4, 270 pounds, 4.72 seconds in the 40-yard dash, played for Hutchinson Community College in Kansas and chose the Razorbacks over scholarship offers from Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Miami, Oklahoma State and others.
Ledbetter, a native of Orlando, Fla., will report to Fayetteville in January and participate in spring practice.
"It's a big advantage," said Ledbetter, who is rated a four-star prospect by Rivals.com. "I get to come in and learn the plays and see how the system works, get ahead and learn more with me being a midyear [enrollee]."
Ledbetter recorded 78 tackles, 24 1/2 tackles for loss, 15 1/2 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 2 recovered fumbles and 2 blocked kicks last season and was named a second-team All-American by the National Junior College Athletic Association.
He and his parents, Weldon and Sharon, made an official visit to Fayetteville on June 25-27 and pledged to the Razorbacks on Sept. 17. Florida and Missouri continued to recruit Ledbetter but failed to sway him away from Arkansas.
Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema, defensive coordinator Robb Smith, offensive line coach Sam Pittman and defensive line coach Rory Segrest were involved in Ledbetter's recruiting.
"I've been solid with them because the coaches were always coming to see me and keeping me up to date on what's going on and the love they showed towards me and my family," Ledbetter said.
"He will bring experience and physicality to our defensive line and joins a group of outstanding future Razorbacks that will make an immediate impact with our team," Bielema said in a news release issued through the university. "The sky is the limit with Jeremiah, and we can't wait to see what he'll bring during spring practice on and off the field."
Ledbetter, who played at Gainesville High School in Georgia before going to junior college, had 69 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, 2 pass break-ups, 3 deflected passes and a 7-yard interception return for a score as a freshman.
His parents are on board with his decision.
"My parents loved it up there," Ledbetter said. "They want what's best for me and what I do in my life, so Arkansas was the best place."
Ledbetter is expected to join defensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt, quarterback Ty Storey, offensive lineman Zach Rogers, tight end Will Gragg, defensive lineman Daytrieon Dean and offensive lineman Joshua Allen as mid-term enrollees.
Sports on 12/18/2014