The Recruiting Guy

Sunday recruiting tidbits

NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANDY SHUPE University of Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema (center) laughs Saturday as he speaks to the crowd alongside Rick Schaeffer during Razorfest ahead of the University of Arkansas spring football game at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. The event drew 40,000 people in 2015 and about 8,700 pounds of food was collected.

Arkansas hosted numerous top prospects for the Red-White spring game on Saturday.

Highly recruited cornerback Chevin Calloway of Dallas Bishop Dunne said Arkansas exceeded his expectations during Saturday's visit. He wants to bring his parents up for a visit.

He made the trip with three uncles and they were trying to get him to commit. Calloway said he grew up with Arkansas running back Rawleigh Williams. Williams' father coached him in youth football.

Highly sought-after safety Todd Harris of Plaquemine, La. said the people at Arkansas stood out. He said Coach Bret Bielema was very down-to-earth.

Harris said the visit boosted Arkansas' chances a lot. He said if he announces a top five, Arkansas will be in it.

Cornerback Brad Stewart of McDonough High School in New Orleans said Arkansas' football facility is one of the best he's seen. He said the coaching staff made him feel very wanted. Stewart said the Hogs are one of his top schools.

Razorback linebacker signee Giovanni LaFrance is his cousin.

Defensive lineman Dennis Collins of West Monroe, La. said he loved the Hog coaching staff. He was shocked to hear reggae music while talking to Coach Bret Bielema in his office. He's excited to get back up to Fayetteville and is looking to attend a summer camp.

7:11 update

Hog receiver commitment Maleek Barkley said he was blown away by the Arkansas facilities and players. He said the team is like a brotherhood.

He committed sight unseen. He said he didn't expect Arkansas to be so nice.

Barkley will attend Austin (Texas) Lake Travis for his senior season. He had planned to play his last year of high school ball at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, but has decided to stay at Lake Travis.

8:45 update

Receiver Kendrick Paul of Livonia, La. said the Arkansas visit was the best he's ever had. He said it felt like home. He's also made trips to LSU, Mississippi State and Tulane. He called Coach Bret Bielema the coolest coach he's met.

He said the Hogs are at the top of his list. He plans to visit Oregon in two weeks. Paul said he may make a decision in two weeks.

Defensive end Alfred Bryant said Arkansas is one of his top schools after visiting the Hogs Friday and Saturday. He has 11 offers, including Arkansas, Colorado, California, SMU, Indiana and Fresno State.

The Hogs' academic support and the focus Bielema places on academics was the highlight of the trip for him and his parents.