The Recruiting Guy

Hogs fighting Florida blue bloods for another recruit

NWA Democrat-Gazette/MICHAEL WOODS • @NWAMICHAELW University of Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema works with the Razorbacks during practice Thursday, April 21, 2016 in Fayetteville.

Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema has been able to go into Florida and grab several prospects sought by Florida, Florida State or Miami.

The Razorbacks hope to do the same with junior athlete Amari Burney of Clearwater Central Catholic, who received a scholarship offer from Bielema a few days ago.

When college coaches were able to interact with junior prospects via social media, Bielema messaged Burney four times.

"He said I was a big priority to them," Burney said.

Burney, 6-2, 204, 4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has other offers from Florida State, Florida, Miami, Auburn, Louisville, Michigan and others.

He said he has a high interest level in Arkansas.

"I have interest in all the schools including Arkansas with just the way they play and the way Coach B has messaged me," Burney said. "I have so much respect for them."

Burney has 12 catches for 237 yards and 5 touchdowns in five games. He also has returned 5 punts for 146 yards, a 29.2 average.

Under Bielema, Arkansas has signed offensive lineman Denver Kirkland and running back Alex Collins from south Florida, and former defensive end Derrick Graham from central Florida.

Senior defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter lived in Orlando before playing his senior year at Gainesville (Ga.). Redshirt freshman Jalen Merrick is also from central Florida. All five had offers from at least one of the major Florida schools.

Burney said leaving the state won't be an issue.

"Distance is not a factor because it's whatever is the best fit for me, from the coaches to education," he said. "It really doesn't matter how far it is, my parents just want me to go to college."

Email Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com

Sports on 09/30/2016