FAYETTEVILLE — No matter how much the SEC or Shelter Insurance pushes the Battle Line Rivalry between Arkansas and Missouri today, it’s not a real rivalry yet and won’t be until events on and off the football make it one.
Things like compelling games, bitter battles over recruits and landing players from each other’s state — and then seeing those standouts play a big role in a game — will push it over the top.
The game should named ARMOgeddon, anyway. There is no doubt that Arkansas’ quest in rebuilding its football program must start with in-state recruiting and spread first to Texas.
But the Hogs should also take a look at getting back to landing some top-notch players from Missouri such as Razorback legends Gary Anderson, Steve Atwater and Steve Little. George Bequette and his sons, Chris and Jay, were great Razorbacks from the St. Louis area. Mark Smith from Webb City, Mo., was an All-SEC for the Hogs.
The Razorbacks have also landed Ronnie Wingo, Kody Walker and current fullback Hayden Johnson recently with Arkansas offensive coordinator Dan Enos being the chief recruiter in Missouri.
“Dan does that, but because of proximity, we have several guys in that area,” Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said. “It is an area where our general student body comes from, anyway.
“I know before I came here there were some players, especially from the St. Louis area, that have been good here. It is an area that we try to hit and I consider similar to what Dallas or Houston in that it is close enough, it is driveable, let’s get in there and immerse ourselves.
“It was one of the common areas when I came down here because I had recruited St. Louis before at my prior institution, so it was unique that there was carryover from contacts to my previous job to where we are today.”
A study by USA Today listed 27 FBS signees from Missouri in 2016 while Arkansas had 15 in the same recruiting cycle, which saw 2,371 signees nationwide.
Bowl-eligible Missouri (6-5, 3-4) is doing its part in recruiting Arkansas by landing former Little Rock Christian tailback Damarea Crockett and the Fayetteville trio of quarterback Taylor Powell, defensive tackle Akial Byers and wide receiver Barrett Bannister. Powell, Byers and Bannister were not offered scholarships by the Razorback staff.
The Tigers have also offered several Arkansas prep standouts without success the past two years under head coach Barry Odom.
Crockett ran for 1,062 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman last season and has rushed for 481 yards and two scores this season.
Byers has played in six games and has three tackles while Powell is redshirting.
The last true Missouri blue-chip prospect Arkansas had a chance to get was former Springfield Hillcrest wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham, who ended up playing for both the Tigers and Oklahoma in his college career.
A proposed Arkansas-Missouri high school all-star game was pushed by Bielema and Odom.
“We’ve got an opportunity to try and develop that and continue to develop what’s happened since the rivalry’s been set,” Odom said. “I think competitively, you look on the field, and geographically, the location of each school makes it natural.”