Arkansas makes offer to Dollarway athlete

Pine Bluff Dollarway High School's Joshua Liddell, 12, outruns Dallas Kerley, 34, of Gravette High School Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, at Lion Stadium in Gravette. The Cardinals of Dollarway won the game, 20-13.

Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema extended a scholarship offer to Pine Bluff Dollarway athlete Josh Liddell on Thursday morning while visiting the school.

The offer is the seventh Arkansas has extended to an in-state prospect for the 2014 class.

Liddell, 6-1, 198 pounds, 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash, played quarterback and safety for the Cardinals and rushed 112 times for 1,278 yards and 21 touchdowns and completed 44 of 58 passes for 1,257 yards and 15 touchdowns.

He is orally committed to Arkansas State, but Liddell participated in Arkansas’ two summer camps in an effort to earn an offer, so the news was welcomed.

“It’s a big accomplishment for me,” said Liddell, who also has an offer from Boise State. “It means a lot to me.”

Liddell, who is being recruited as a safety/running back by the Razorbacks, recorded 24 unassisted tackles, 21 assisted tackles, 3 interceptions and 5 pass breakups.

Liddell said his decision isn’t too far off.

“I don’t know for sure, but soon,” he said. “It will be soon.”

Dollarway Coach Cortez Lee said a school would be lucky to get Liddell.

“They’re getting a first-class individual with an incredible work ethic,” Lee said. “He takes pride in his academics. His skill set is real high.”

His family was equally excited about the offer from Arkansas.

“They’re all very happy for me and excited too,” Liddell said with a chuckle. “They kept texting me while I was in class.”

Arkansas tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. accompanied Bielema during the visit.

Liddell said he plans to take an official visit to Arkansas on Jan. 31.

Sports, Pages 26 on 01/17/2014