Highly regarded defensive lineman Troy James has publicly committed to Arkansas.
James, 6-3, 276 pounds, of Baton Rouge Madison Prep Academy, has approximately 20 scholarship offers, including ones from Oklahoma, Kansas, North Carolina State, Wake Forest, SMU and Indiana.
He visited Fayetteville in June 21 and made a return trip for an official visit for the Alabama game on Oct. 8
“I decided to be a Razorback because I loved the atmosphere when I was up there, loved the coaching staff and just loved the people,” James said.
He visited Kansas after leaving Arkansas in June and on June 28 pledged to the Jayhawks. Two days after officially visiting the Hogs, he called the Arkansas coaches and told them he was coming.
“I told the coaches the night I decommitted from Kansas, was the night I told them I was officially committed to Arkansas,” James said.
As a junior, James recorded 73 tackles, 13 sacks, 27 quarterback hurries and 5 forced fumbles. He showed his athleticism by rushing for 468 yards, 7 touchdowns along with 246 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns.
National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network rates James a 3-star prospect.
“He’s relentless in pursuit, shows strong and violent hands and comes off the ball quickly and with a purpose,” Lemming said. “A big plus is his ability to get to the quarterback in a hurry. He can bend off the edge and show’s explosive moves to the ball.”
Receivers coach Michael Smith is his lead recruiter. He said Smith and the coaching staff will watch over him.
“They’re going to get on you when you’re doing bad,” James said. “They’re always going to be there. Anytime you need them, they’re going to be there to talk no matter what.”
James’ mother was impressed with Arkansas during the official visit.
“She mostly loved it when when we went to the academic center and they were explaining all of things they had and all the tutors they had to help us athletes to get a degree,” said James, who plans to major in Kinesiology. “She said there’s no reason for you to fail. She loved that part.”
He becomes Arkansas’ No. 20 commitment for the 2017 class.