Recruiting Guy

Segrest piques Georgia receiver's interest in Hogs

Arkansas defensive line coach Rory Segrest directs his players during practice Thursday, March 20, 2014, at the UA practice field in Fayetteville.

Building relationships is the key to recruiting.

Highly regarded junior receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe of Suwanee (Ga.) North Gwinnett is a good example of that.

"At first, I really didn't know much about Arkansas," Imatorbhebhe said.

Imatorbhebhe, 6-2, 198 pounds, 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has scholarship offers from 17 schools, including Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Michigan and Ohio State. ESPN rates him as the No. 25 wide receiver and No. 119 junior prospect in the nation.

His interest in Arkansas intensified after Razorbacks defensive line coach Rory Segrest began communicating with him. It also helped that Segrest has visited his school several times.

"I started developing a relationship with him," Imatorbhebhe said. "So I guess with time my interest in Arkansas has increased."

Imatorbhebhe said he might visit Fayetteville in the spring or summer.

"I'll definitely see if we can get some dates coordinated," said Imatorbhebhe, who had 59 receptions for 1,072 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. "I don't want to have an option and never explore it, because I'll only be shooting myself in the foot."

Education is important to Imatorbhebhe and his family. His parents came to the United States from Nigeria to continue their education.

His mother, Zizi, has a master's degree in business administration and owns a consulting business. Imatorbhebhe has a 4.0 grade-point average and said he is determined to excel in the classroom and on the field.

"I always knew I wanted to be successful," Imatorbhebhe said . "I wanted to be great. I wanted to be the best at what I did. I have to maintain a standard of excellence if football doesn't work out. I don't want to be left with nothing."

His brother Daniel committed to Florida on Monday.

"We've been extremely close," he said. "We might be different people, but we're like puzzle pieces with each other." ."

He would like to follow his brother to Florida, but it's not a sure thing.

" I guess it's more of a suggestion more than like a mandate," Imatorbhebhe said. "It's not like it has to happen, but I would really prefer for it to happen."

WELCOMED ADDITION

Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College defensive end Jeremiah Ledbetter is a welcome addition to Arkansas after signing a national letter of intent with the Hogs on Wednesday.

Ledbetter, 6-4, 270 pounds, 4.72 seconds in the 40-yard dash, chose Arkansas over scholarship offers from Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Miami, Oklahoma State and others. He is expected to battle for the starting spot vacated by senior Trey Flowers.

Defensive coordinator Robb Smith likes what Ledbetter brings to the defense.

"I think he's going to help us," Smith said. "It's been a fun recruitment process with him. I think he really believes in the same things we believe in, in terms of core values. I think he was well-coached there on the defensive side of the ball."

Ledbetter was named a National Junior College Athletic Association second-team All-American after recording 78 tackles, 24 1/2 tackles for loss, 15 1/2 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 2 recovered fumbles and 2 blocked kicks this season.

HEADED FOR REHAB

Fort Smith Northside defensive lineman Daytrieon Dean had shoulder surgery Dec. 10 and will rehab at Arkansas after enrolling in January.

Dean signed an athletic financial aid agreement with Arkansas in August,which allows academically eligible prospects to enroll at midterm. He made an official visit to Fayetteville last weekend and spoke to Arkansas trainer Matt Summers.

"I will spend six weeks in a splint and four months of rehab," Dean said.

Dean, 6-3, 255 pounds, 4.89 seconds in the 40-yard dash, also had scholarship offers from Ole Miss, Oklahoma State and Arkansas State and drew interest from others.

There is a chance he might be able to participate in he last part of spring practice.

"Maybe," Dean said. "I'm not sure."

E-mail Richard Davenport

at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com

Sports on 12/19/2014