Arkansas landed highly recruited tight end Luke Ford on Tuesday after hosting him and his parents for a two-day visit Sunday and Monday.
“It’s crazy; I’m super pumped right now,” Ford said. “I feel like I could walk through a brick wall right now.”
Ford, 6-7, 250 pounds, of Carterville, Ill., picked the Hogs over 19 other scholarship offers, including Alabama, Oklahoma, Florida, Louisville, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, North Carolina State, Rutgers and Illinois.
He felt comfortable with Coach Bret Bielema, offensive coordinator Dan Enos, tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. and other staff members.
“I just felt a huge connection with all of the coaches, that’s why,” Ford said. “I prayed about it, and I woke up this morning and I knew it was right for me. I knew it was the right decision for me, and I think I can help the Arkansas Razorbacks, and I think they think I can, too.”
Arkansas' tight end play and ability to produce NFL-ready prospects at the position along with having two Mackey Award winners in D.J. Williams and Hunter Henry played a big role in his decision.
“It’s called tight end U for a reason," he said.
Ford told the Razorback coaches of his pledge during a FaceTime session shortly before noon.
“I told them thanks so much for having me,” Ford said. “I enjoyed the visit. Thank you for the consideration. I was like you know I’m committing. I want to be an Arkansas Razorback and everybody started jumping up and down. It was crazy. I was super excited. It’s crazy. It’s like I’m in a dream right now.”
The academics along with the athletic facilities also impressed.
“The academics, I loved the academic facilities,” Ford said. “The [football] facility is super nice.”
Ford, who is strong in his faith, said Arkansas also addressed his spiritual needs.
“I just felt right there with the Lord,” Ford said.
He had high praise for Lunney, who's his lead recruiter.
"Real and genuine, smart and humble," Ford said.
He becomes Arkansas’ third oral commitment for the 2018 class. Oral commitments are nonbinding.