The Recruiting Guy

Visit helps land Arkansas on top DB's list

Arkansas cornerback target Eric Cuffee.

— One of the Hogs' key defensive back targets, cornerback Eric Cuffee named Arkansas one of his top eight schools a day after participating at The Opening.

Cuffee, 6-0, 188 of Waco, Texas has more than 30 scholarship offers but has narrowed his list in no order to Arkansas, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Michigan, Texas, Baylor, TCU and Notre Dame.

He visited Fayetteville in early June and learned about Coach Bret Bielema’s program and that helped the Hogs make the cut.

“There’s a great environment around there,” Cuffee said. “A lot of good people, a good fan base. The atmosphere is tremendous.”

Cuffee, who recorded 34 unassisted tackles, 62 assisted tackles and 9 pass breakups as a junior, is the No. 9 cornerback and No. 105 overall prospect in the nation by ESPN. His relationship with defensive backs coach Clay Jennings plays in Arkansas’ favor.

“Coach Jennings is from my hometown and being around him will make me a lot better as well,” Cuffee said. “That’s one of the reasons I boasted them up in my top schools. Coach Jennings and I get along well. He knows a lot of people in Waco, Texas that I know. He knows my dad and they get along well. My dad knows his family and he knows my family.”

Cuffee Sr. also liked the atmosphere around the program.

“It was a really great family oriented environment,” Cuffee Sr. said. “Coach B and coach Jennings really seem to care about the players and their well being. They have a lot of good stuff to offer at Arkansas.”

Fayetteville was just one of the things that impressed the elder Cuffee.

Yeah, it’s beautiful,” he said. “The facilities are incredible, first class.”

Eating at a local restaurant was one of the highlights of the trip for Cuffee and his father and that allowed them the opportunity to meet running back Alex Collins, who works there.

“Everybody in the restaurant was wearing Arkansas apparel,” Cuffee Sr. said.

The Razorback fans also add to a positive atmosphere.

“God almighty there’s a strong fan base there.” Cuffee Sr. said. “I see it on my son’s Twitter. I mean it’s a huge fan base.”