Fort Smith Northside defensive end Daytrieon Dean became Arkansas’ sixth oral commitment for the 2015 class when he told Razorbacks Coach Bret Bielema he wanted to be a Hog.
“He was happy,” Dean said. “He was excited. He jumped up. He said he can’t wait to start working with me.”
Dean, 6-3, 260 pounds, 4.89 seconds in the 40 yard-dash, chose Arkansas over scholarship offers from Mississippi and Arkansas State. He also is drawing interest from Alabama, Auburn, Oklahoma State, Mississippi State and others.
“It’s family atmosphere and all of the great players that have come through Arkansas,” Dean said.
“I have a chance to be something special.”
Dean had 50 tackles, 6 sacks and 1 tackle for a loss this past season while missing most of two games because of an ankle injury. He said Arkansas tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. has been in communication with him on a regular basis.
“He helped me see the real reason why the U of A was special,” Dean said.
Several uncommitted prospects also were on hand Saturday and Dean said he is going to do his part to try to get others on board.
“I want to try and help this class be something special and build something special,” Dean said.
Playing for Bielema also was part of the reason he committed.
“He’s down-to-earth,” Dean said. “He wouldn’t do anything to hurt you. Everything he said was from the heart.”
Oral commitments are nonbinding.
Sports, Pages 29 on 03/02/2014