THE RECRUITING GUY

UA doing credits check on LB who wants to be a Hog

Dodge City linebacker Josh Williams could be a late addition to Arkansas' signing class.

Junior-college linebacker Josh Williams has been in communication with Arkansas offensive line coach Sam Pittman and linebackers coach Randy Shannon and could be a late addition to the 2014 class.

Williams, 6-2, 240, 4.43 in the 40-yard dash, of Dodge City Community College in Kansas, is eligible to enroll in a four-year college, and the Hogs and Colorado are interested. Williams said Pittman has informed him about the need at his position.

"He told me how low they were on the linebacker group," said Williams, who recorded a team-high 85 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 recovered fumbles and one-half sack in 10 games last year.

Williams said approximately 40 schools, including Texas A&M as well as other SEC schools, are recruiting him for next year's class.

"I have quite a few schools wanting me to come in for 2015, but I would rather leave now," Williams said. "I would rather have three years to play instead of two years to play."

Williams received a late qualifying ACT test score out of Fort Lauderdale, (Fla.) Dillard last year, but schools had already completed their 2013 classes.

"I qualified when I graduated," he said. "I had a lot of schools like Wake Forest, Florida State and Miami."

Williams said the Hogs are looking at his transcript to make sure he's able to enroll this summer and play in the fall.

"They said they've evaluated me and now they really want me to come in," Williams said. "So now they're waiting for everything and seeing how everything goes with my credits, which is great. So everything should be good."

Incoming freshman linebacker signee Randy Ramsey, who will be reporting to Fayetteville this summer, also attended Dillard.

Williams said he likes that Shannon is on the Razorbacks staff.

"Actually I kind of have a connection with him because I've known him since he was the head coach at Miami," Williams said. "So really it's a no-brainer. He's from home, and I know what to expect from him."

Williams said he was on a mission when he arrived in Kansas.

"I came in with a strong mind to come in and play right away," Williams said. "Do what I have to do to get out because I know what level I can play on. Any conference, ACC, SEC whatever. I didn't go up there to joke around."

Williams said he expects to be moved around in the defensive scheme should he be a Hog.

"Actually like a hybrid," Williams said. "I would play a little inside, outside hybrid D-end. It depends on the package they have."

LINEBACKER LOOKING AROUND

Junior-college defensive end Jeremiah Ledbetter has Arkansas among his top schools.

Ledbetter, 6-4, 265, 4.72, of Hutchinson Community College in Kansas has seven scholarship offers but favors Arkansas, Florida, Georgia and Miami.

He visited Arkansas on April 5 along with two other teammates, including highly regarded defensive end Marquavius Lewis

Ledbetter praised the "good people" who showed him around on the visit and said he was struck by the facilities.

"The indoor facility and the outdoor fields, the weight room and how long the weight room is," he said.

Ledbetter, who attended high school in Gainesville, Ga., reports a 400-pound bench press, 505 squat and 325 power clean. He said he's been in contact with defensive coordinator Robb Smith and defensive line coach Rory Segrest.

"They have told me how I could fit into Arkansas' defensive scheme and how I could be more successful in the scheme Arkansas runs," Ledbetter said. "I think I could be successful in Arkansas scheme. They run a 4-3 defense. It's pro-style type of defense that gets to the quarterback and stops the run at the same time."

Ledbetter was second in total tackles with 69, along with 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, 2 pass breakups, 3 deflected passes and an interception return for 7 yards during his freshman season at Hutchinson.

Ledbetter, who visited Florida over the weekend, said he plans to graduate in December and have two years to play two.

When asked what he was looking for in a school, Ledbetter said, "Just an overall good atmosphere. Just me coming in and playing right away and getting a good education in my field. Probably business management or sports management."

E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com

Sports on 05/20/2014