After accompanying her son, Jeremiah on his official visit to Arkansas in late June, Sharon Ledbetter felt good about the environment of the school and Fayetteville.
That helped Ledbetter, a junior college defensive end, make his decision to be a Razorback on Wednesday.
“My mom told me she’s had dreams about it,” Jeremiah said. “That helped. It did, it really did.”
Ledbetter, 6-4, 270 pounds, 4.72 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Hutchinson Community College in Kansas also made an unofficial visit to Arkansas for a spring scrimmage in April. He picked the Hogs over scholarship offers from Florida, Georgia, Miami and others.
Coach Bret Bielema, defensive coordinator Robb Smith offensive line coach Sam Pittman and defensive line coach Rory Segrest were involved in Ledbetter’s recruiting.
“It was a group effort,” Ledbetter said. “They’re all humble people and very respectful. I feel comfortable around them. That’s one of the reasons that made me commit. The people they are.”
He recorded 69 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, 2 pass break-ups, 3 deflected passes and a 7-yard interception return for a score last year.
During his two visits, he felt like a part of the team.
“They treated me like a part of the family,” Ledbetter said. “I was comfortable there. They showed my parents love.”
His father, Weldon played running back for Oklahoma and lettered in 1979, 1979 and 1982 and was a 7th round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1983 NFL Draft.
Ledbetter said his parents are pleased he's a Razorback.
“They agreed with my decision,” he said. “My parents and I talked it over.”
Hutchinson Community College Coach Rion Rhoades believes Ledbetter can play inside or outside.
“Some people would consider him a tweener,” Rhoades said. “Is he a D-tackle or is he an end? I think that’s real strength for him because he can do a little of both.”
He plans to graduate in December and enroll at Arkansas in January. If Florida should make contact, he said he knows what he’ll tell them.
“Well, I’m committed and I’m a Razorback,” Ledbetter said.