Rison junior defensive back Malik Chavis had made four previous unofficial visits to Arkansas, but there is no doubt that Saturday’s fifth one was his favorite.
That’s because Chavis (6-2, 187, 4.43) was offered by the Razorbacks and became the eighth in-state 2019 prospect offered by Arkansas’ new coaching staff.
“It feels good,” Chavis said. “Arkansas is where I grew up so it is where I want to be at. I am just going to take my time and find out where I want to go, but Arkansas is home.”
New Razorback head coach Chad Morris made the offer - Chavis’ first Division I one - Saturday after the Razorbacks finished up a prospect day that had some 40 or so underclassman on campus.
“He just came in and told me I like you a lot and I want to offer you,” Chavis said. “I was like ‘yes, sir.’”
Chavis was an Class AA all-state selection for the second straight year after rushing 128 times for 998 yards and 14 touchdowns and catching 13 pass receptions for 201 yards and a pair of TDs and seven two-point conversions.
He had 29 tackles on defense and a pair of interceptions, taking one back for a score.
Arkansas had gotten in touch Thursday with long-time Rison head coach Clay Totty, who Chavis notes only has a landline phone
“He still does not have a cell phone,” Chavis said.
Chavis loves the new Razorback coaching staff.
“It is different from when it was when (former Arkansas head) Coach (Brett) Bielema was here,” Chavis said. “I like the coaches a lot.”
Arkansas defensive staff - headed up by defensive coordinator John Chavis (no relation) - sees the player as a versatile one.
“He said cornerback, but if cornerback don’t work, he will try me at safety,” Chavis said. “(Corner) was where I started out in high school.”