The Recruiting Guy

Carter earns preferred walk-on invite

STAFF PHOTO ANDY SHUPE Damani Carter, right, sacks Siloam Springs quarterback Austin Vanpoucke during the first half Oct. 19 at Harmon Stadium. Carter, a junior at Fayetteville, started at defensive end last season and plays both linebacker and defensive line for the Bulldogs this year.

Fayetteville’s Damani Carter had planned to play his college football at Army but reconsidered after paperwork issues came up and now will be a preferred walk-on at Arkansas.

“Once I knew I wasn't going, I got into touch with (tight ends) coach (Barry) Lunney Jr.,” Carter said. “He just said come out and lets see what you can do.”

Carter, 6-0, 232 participated in Arkansas’ Advance Camp on June 20 and after received the invitation to join the program from Coach Bret Bielema as a fullback. Video highlights CLICK HERE

“Coach B said he had a spot for me,” Carter said.

He'll be a part of 105 man squad that reports for fall practice in early August.

“Just being able to stay close,” Carter said. “I don’t have to move 20 hours away and to get an opportunity to stay this close to my family is amazing. I’m really happy.”

The chance to work with running backs coach Jemal Singleton will help him in August.

“Coach Singleton is great,” Carter said. “He knows a lot and I need to learn a lot. He’a a fun guy from what I can see. It’s a serious atmosphere and I love working in an atmosphere in which that aliment of seriousness, you have a chance to have a great time. All the players love him from what I can tell. I’m just really excited to work with him.”

Because of having a 3.8 grade point average, Carter will attend Arkansas on academic scholarships. His nephew, Kedrick James is a highly recruited tight end in the 2017 class.

James visited Fayetteville earlier in June and plans to make a return trip. Carter said plans to recruit Jackson.

“I’ll do what I can, he has to make his own decision,” Carter said. “I told him that from day one, but I’ll do whatever I can to get him here if it’s the right place for him.”