FAYETTEVILLE — After flirting with Texas and Texas A&M, New Orleans Sophie B. Wright linebacker Andrew Parker decided to sign with Arkansas on Wednesday.
Parker (6-2, 225 pounds, 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash) committed to the Razorbacks on Jan. 21 at the end off his official visit, but the Longhorns and Aggies both offered him the following week. He also received offers from TCU, Ole Miss and Colorado State after pledging to Arkansas.
He visited Texas last weekend, but in the end decided to stick with Arkansas.
"I would say the biggest things are that it has been a dream for me to play in the SEC and the fact that I think Arkansas has the best defensive coordinator (John Chavis) in the nation and has another great coach like (secondary coach Ron) Cooper to help me turn into the best man and player I can be," Parker said of his decision. "So why not take that chance and come to Arkansas?"
There had been speculation that Texas had overtaken Arkansas as Parker's leader, but he said in the end he had to think about what was most important.
"I am doing great now," Parker said. "I am happy it is over with. It has been a tough process. I had to visit with a lot of people, take a look at everybody. It has been a great process, but I am glad it is over and I know I have made the right choice and sticking with what was right after putting a lot of thought into it."
Parker had 107 tackles - including 26 tackles for lost yardage - 3 forced fumble and recovered a fumble on defense as a senior. On offense, he rushed for 275 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. ESPN rates him a three-star recruit.
Parker is the second linebacker in Arkansas' 2018 class. Allen (Lovejoy), Texas, linebacker Bumper Pool signed with the Razorbacks in December.
"I can't wait to get up there with all the other Louisiana guys that are on Arkansas' roster and making something happen," Parker said. "I have proved a lot to myself and those who doubted me and I will keep playing with that chip on my shoulder."