FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas quarterback commit and mid-term graduate Daulton Hyatt of Attalah, Ala., Etowah is aware that the chances of him playing as a true freshman are slim, but he’s ready to get his college career started early anyway.
Hyatt (6-4, 180 pounds) took his official visit this past weekend and will start classes in Fayetteville in January. He will be able to go through the off-season strength and conditioning program with the Razorbacks before spring practice begins in March.
"I think (enrolling early) is really beneficial, especially for a quarterback to get in and start learning the system," Hyatt said. "I'm really excited about getting in the weight room and getting started with Coach (Ben Herbert). I think he's really going to help me out as far as putting weight and muscle on.”
He’s also exited for the chance to start working with Razorbacks offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Dan Enos.
"I think he has really great knowledge of the game," Hyatt said. "I'm ready to get in here and start working with him. He knows a lot about the quarterback position and I think he can really help me reach my potential."
Hyatt chose Arkansas over Ole Miss, Louisville, Miami, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, Maryland and others. He had the chance to spend time with quarterback Austin Allen during his visit.
“It was pretty cool hanging out with Austin," Hyatt said. "He's a really cool dude. It was fun with him taking me around and showing me places. It was really fun.
"I talked to him a little bit about (what to expect in college). I had some questions about how much of a transition it was coming from high school to college. He really was honest with me and helped me out.”
Hyatt completed 121 of 184 passes for 2,240 yards and 25 touchdown passes this season. He also rushed 74 times for 419 yards and 5 touchdowns.
He even caught a couple of throwback passes for 25 yards.
“I think my running ability is something that people overlook,” Hyatt said.
Hyatt obviously visited Arkansas unofficially before committing and came to several games this season, but the official visit allowed him the opportunity to get a complete view at what the school had to offer.
"It was awesome to come visit and see the rest of the campus," Hyatt said. "I didn't get time to see it when I was up here for games and stuff because it's such a long trip, but it was good to see all the campus. I really liked it and really liked how everything is set up.”
Hyatt was one of two committed prospects - along with Cabot athlete Jarrod Barnes (5-11, 170) - among the six official visitors this weekend.
They joined Blinn, Texas, Community College defensive lineman Javier Edwards (6-3, 350); Riverside, Calif., City College defensive tackle Melvin Johnson (6-5, 285); Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Dillard defensive end Jordan Wright (6-6, 230); and Hammond, La., defensive end Chris Turner (6-4, 225).
“I got to talk to Jarrod Barnes, who's committed. I talked to him and hung out with him the whole time," Hyatt said. "I talked to some other recruits who are committed to other places, trying to get them to flip.
"I think one (Edwards) is pretty close, but we'll see what his decision is.”