FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas picked up one of its prime recruiting targets on Sunday night when Collierville, Tenn., St. George's Independent School tailback Chase Hayden committed to the Razorbacks.
Hayden (5-10, 190 pounds, 4.47), who rushed for 2,265 yards and 37 touchdowns last season and was one of the top prospects at The Opening this summer, chose Arkansas over Oklahoma State, Missouri, Michigan, Florida, Tennessee, Nebraska and others.
"There were a lot of schools that came in on me late, but Arkansas has been with me throughout the process and always showed me the most love," Hayden said. "I believe in the coaches and I think the program is on the rise and has everything it needs to win championships and I want to be a part of that."
He noted that Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema and running backs coach Reggie Mitchell were big factors in his decision.
"The main thing was my relationship with Coach B and Coach Mitchell," Hayden said. "My parents and I talked about an hour and 45 minutes with Coach B on June 23 just getting to know him, really just talking to him and how he handles himself. That was the main thing."
Arkansas offensive coordinator Dan Enos plans to move the versatile Hayden in different spots in the offense to create mismatches.
"Coach Enos and Coach B talked about moving me around," Hayden said. "They said I could be a speed back and I could line up in the slot and run routes and they need that."
He becomes Arkansas first commitment from Tennessee in 1,854 days - or more than five years.
Hayden, whose dad Aaron was a star running back at Tennessee and played in the NFL, joins Punta Gorda, Fla., Charlotte tailback Maleek Williams ( 5-11, 215 pounds, 4.42) as the two tailbacks in Arkansas' 2017 recruiting class.
Bielema talked to the Haydens on Saturday night.
"I think my mom was the most excited," Hayden said. "She felt real comfortable with Coach B. I think he had a really good conversation with him last night. She was real comfortable with the decision."
Hayden said his dad will now become a Razorback fan while he is in college.
"That is what he says he is going to do," Hayden said. "I am sure he will be buying a lot of T-shirts and things like that."
He is listed as a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, but a four-star by some other recruiting services, including those of Tom Lemming of CBS Sports.
"First I would like to thank my family and God for helping me be in the position that I am today," Hayden tweeted in announcing the decision. "I couldn't have done anything like this without them. I am truly blessed to say I am committing to the University of Arkansas."