HOUSTON — Today was the first day of traveling around the Houston area and talking to 2015, 2016 and 2017 prospects.
Razorback offensive tackle target Toby Weathersby, 6-5, 290, 5.0 of Houston Westfield called Arkansas O-line U after learning about Coach Bret Bielema and offensive line coach Sam Pittman's ability to produce NFL linemen. He plans to officially visit Fayetteville on Jan. 16, LSU on Jan. 23 and Ole Miss Jan. 30.
He said Pittman impressed him with his taste in rap music, including Meek Mill. Weathersby has a 405 bench press and a 515 squat.
Weathersby's teammate, junior defensive lineman Ed Oliver, 6-2, 270, 4.65 said Weatherby taking an official visit to Arkansas has peeked his interest in the Hogs and he plans to take a harder look. He has at least 20 offers.
Oliver, who has a 360 bench press and 525 squat, sees Arkansas beating Texas in the bowl game on Monday after seeing the Hogs defeat LSU.
The day started in in Beaumont where highly recruited junior running back Devwah Whaley resides.
ESPN rates Whaley the No. 5 running back and the No. 110 overall prospect in the nation in the 2016 class. He has 14 scholarship offers, including Arkansas, Texas, Texas A&M, Tennessee, TCU and Ole Miss.
Whaley, 5-11, 196, 4.45 seconds in the 40 yards dash, of Beaumont Central Senior High School said he traded direct messages on Twitter with running backs coach Joel Thomas and was jokingly told his commitment would be a great gift. Defensive backs coach Clay Jennings visited his school earlier in the month.
He likes how playing time would be favorable for a freshman coming and playing right away in the 2016 season.
Whaley rushed 172 times for 1,225 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Class 5A Jaguars. The Hogs are one of several schools he's looking to visit next spring or summer.
Junior defensive lineman Ross Blacklock, 6-4, 300 of Missouri City, (Texas) Elkins said he's planning to visit Fayetteville, A summer trip for a camp is probably more likely. He said Thomas has visited the school. Arkansas and TCU are showing him the most interest. He led the district in tackles for losses.
Highly recruited safety Eric Monroe, 6-1, 185, 4.5 of Houston North Shore plans to monitor the Hogs next season and that could increase his interest. He has about 20 offers, including Arkansas who offered him in the spring. He and Thomas communicate on Twitter.
He and other area prospects talked highly of Houston Texan defensive lineman J.J. Watt. He was impressed how Bielema developed Watt while at Wisconsin and that's a plus.
Several prospects including junior linebacker Jordan Carmouche of Manvel, Texas and offensive lineman Dixie Wooten III of Houston Lamar are expected to attend Saturday's practice at St Thomas Catholic school.
As reported in Friday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas linebacker commitment Derrick Graham, 6-4, 225, 4.56 Wauchula ((Fla.) Hardee will return Jan. 16 at his own expense to recruit a large number of Florida recruits expected to visit that weekend.
He officially visited Arkansas earlier in the season. His older brother will accompany him on the visit.