The University of Arkansas has been aggressive in the recruitment of junior-college offensive lineman Chibueze Nwanna, and the Hogs are expected to get an official visit in the fall.
Nwanna, 6-7, 315 pounds, of Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pa., has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Louisville, Maryland, Cincinnati, San Diego State, East Carolina and Southern Miss.
"I never picked up an offer from the SEC, and just the love they've shown so far since I got the offer," Nwanna said of the Hogs. "The coaches seem really interested. They can't wait for me to get down there for a visit. That's a school that interests me."
Arkansas has worked hard to let Nwanna know he's a priority and needed in Fayetteville.
"They want everybody involved at my school, they want them on board," Nwanna said. "Even if it's talking to the coaches, mom, dad. They just want them on board. They want them to know everything else as well."
His parents are learning about the recruiting process.
"They know football, football, but they don't know much about conferences and schools, so I have to educate them," Nwanna said.
The Razorbacks are also recruiting Nwanna's teammate and offensive tackle Anthony Whigan, 6-5, 300. Nwanna said he and Whigan plan to make an official visit to Fayetteville together.
"I plan on taking a visit there during my bye week or after the season," he said.
Nwanna played at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Md., before making his way to junior college. He also played basketball as a junior.
"It helped me work on agility and more stamina wise," he said. "I think it helped me with my movement. When I got to Lackawanna, I was able to move better and become more agile."
Arkansas offensive line coach Dustin Fry's focus on his players outside of football impresses Nwanna.
"He seems like he's interested and cares about his players," Nwanna said. "That's what stands out there."
Nwanna has taken official visits to Louisville and Cincinnati.
"I'll probably take an unofficial to Maryland, but other than that Arkansas is the only visit I have planned so far," he said.
Looking to study business management, Nwanna likes what he's heard about the Sam M. Walton College of Business.
"That's a plus right there," he said.