Less than a week after receiving a preferred walk-on offer from special teams analyst Tanner Burns, punter Reid Bauer decided Monday to commit to be an Arkansas Razorback.
"One reason was because of Coach Burns and his belief in my abilities," Bauer said. "I love his passion and excitement for his players."
Bauer, 5-11, 190 pounds of Magnolia, Texas, chose the Hogs over interest from Michigan and Texas State. He averaged 41.3 yards on 27 punts, placing 11 inside the 20-yard line while having a long of 62 yards.
A preferred walk-on is allowed to be a part of the 105 that reports to fall practice. He visited the Hogs for last year's spring game and attended Arkansas’ specialists camp as well as New Mexico State and Auburn games in the fall.
Arkansas' academics and the chance to play for coach Chad Morris also played a big role in his decision.
"Excited for an opportunity to play for coach Morris and his new staff," Bauer said. "My high school coach has the utmost respect for him as a coach and the way he treats his players."
Kohl’s Kicking rates Bauer a 5-star prospect and the No. 14 punter in the nation. He's eager to be part of the future of Arkansas football.
"Looking forward to being a great teammate and contributing to the team," he said. "And I get the chance to play in front of the best fans in college football."
His uncle, Cory Adams from Cabot, helped Bauer get Hog fever.
"My Uncle Cory got me hooked on the Razorbacks at a young age," Bauer said.