It was just a matter of time before Arkansas extended a scholarship offer to Hope sophomore defensive end McTelvin Agim and last Wednesday morning it became a reality.
“They hinted about an offer quite a few times,” Hope Coach Jay Turley said. “But with the lost of coach (Charlie) Partridge they just wanted the new D-line coach (Rory Segrest) to get in and take a look at him. I guess he passed the eye test.”
Agim, 6-2, 245, 4.7 seconds in the 40 yard dash, recorded 77 tackles, 32 tackles for loss and 16 sacks this past season which saw Hope advance to the Class 5A semi-finals. A few hours after the Hog offer, Baylor extended an offer while at the school. Video Highlights CLICK HERE
“Clemson called this week and they’re real interested in him,” Turley said.
Agim, who was named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Sophomore Defensive Player of the Year, has the intangibles and desire to be an elite prospect on the nation level.
“That’s his goal,” Turley said. “He’s result driven and works hard in the weight room. He knows what he wants and knows what it takes to get there.”
His desire to be the best on the field bleeds over to the classroom. He finished the first semester with a 4.0 GPA.
“He’s an unbelievable student,” Turley said. “He takes pride in it. He really tries to have that 4.0 every semester. He hasn’t had it every semester, but that’s his goal every semester. He doesn’t just want to be a great football player, but a great student.”
Shortly after the season, Agim recorded a 285 pound bench press, 265 power clean and 400 squat . Turley doesn’t see him making a quick decision.
“I think he’s going to let it go for awhile,” Turley said. “I think he wants to take it in and see where it goes.”