Coppell, Texas running back Charles West is high on Arkansas and plans to attend the Nicholls State game on Saturday and make an official visit to the Hogs later in the season.
West, 5-10, 190 pounds, 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, also has scholarship offers from Kansas State, Texas Tech, San Diego State, Brigham Young University, Arkansas State and others.
He received his offer from the Hogs after a good showing at the June camp. The personalities of the coaches at Arkansas is one of the factors for his interest.
“I got a long well with the coaches,” West said. “I liked everything about it. The facilities were really nice. Just the atmosphere of the team was nice.”
West rushed 145 times for 1,177 yards, an average of 8.12 yards per carry, and 10 touchdowns as a junior. He also had 6 touchdowns on 11 catches for 262 yards and a 23.8 yard average.
He has lofty goals as an individual and for his team.
“I plan to take my game to the next level, double the yards I had last year and double the touchdowns,” said West, who has recorded a time of 10.5 seconds in the 100 meters.
National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network said Coppell has several D-! prospects and West is one of them.
"He runs with surprising power, very good vision and shows enough burst to cause damage on the perimeter," Lemming said. "His coach also praised his hands and work ethic."
West is also looking to officially visit Kansas State and three other schools.
“I haven’t got much interest from Michigan, but I really like Michigan” he said. “So if I can I’ll take a visit there.”
A native of Shreveport, West moved to Texas in the 6th grade. He enjoyed learning from running backs coach Joel Thomas during the camp and can see himself playing for him.
“Oh yes, he gives me great advice and makes me feel confident when I’m out on the field,” West said. “Things I can work on and things I’m not doing right like when I was down at Arkansas’ camp, he was teaching me stuff.”
West, who had 8 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown in last week’s game against Carrollton Hebron, is focusing on education and playing time.
“Just a great opportunity, a good school to get a degree in the business field or engineering field,” West said. “And whatever school that gives me the ability to play as a true freshman. That’s what is going to catch my attention.”