FAYETTEVILLE — Just before the annual Southwest Classic battle with Texas A&M in Arlington, Texas, Arkansas had one of the Lone Star state’s top prep stars de-commit from its 2018 recruiting class.
Mesquite Horn wide receiver Maureese Wren (6-4, 215 pounds), the Razorbacks’ most recent pledge, announced via Twitter Thursday night that he was opening up his recruiting process
Wren, who Arkansas was recruiting as an outside linebacker, wants to play on the offensive side of the ball where he has 12 catches for 233 yards and 6 touchdowns so far this season for the Jaguars (2-1).
That's the main reason for the change of heart, said Horn coach Mike Overton.
"He loves Arkansas, but his passion is playing wide receiver and that's why he made this decision," Overton said. "He has been thinking it over for a month or so and decided this is what he wants to do.
"He loves those Arkansas coaches and it really is nothing against Arkansas other than he has decided that he does not want to play outside linebacker in college."
Wren had been hinting on Twitter the past few weeks that something was up, with posts like, "Man, I love playing wide receiver," and, “Been doing a lot of thinking lately and it’s about time to say what’s on my mind."
Arkansas coach Bret Bielema and assistants Reggie Mitchell and Chad Walker had been recruiting Wren, who had chosen Arkansas over Colorado, Baylor, Washington and Missouri among some 20 schools.
"There's really been no new offers since he committed to Arkansas back in August," Overton said. "It really is just about playing wide receiver."
Wren's decision tweet began with, “Please Respect my Decision.
“First off I would like to thank Coach B, Coach Mitch, Coach Walker and every other Arkansas Coach for blessing me with the opportunity to play for such an elite program,” Wren wrote.
“I just wanted to thank you guys for being so supportive and by my side throughout this whole process…but after praying and talking with my brothers and my dad I’ve decided that I am going to decommit from the University of Arkansas.
“It’s been a tough decision, but I feel this is the right decision for me. I’m sorry if I let you down, but I just doing what is best for me. God Bless.”
His defection leaves Arkansas with 11 commitments and 13 spots accounted for, including two blue shirts in a limited class expected to have only 15 to 18 scholarships available.