It’s not often that one of the nation’s best former college football coaches brings his son on a recruiting visit, but it happened at Arkansas over the weekend.
Norman, Okla., North wide receiver Isaac Stoops (5-11, 170 pounds) was one of two unofficial visitors among the 11 total prospects who visited the Razorbacks Friday through Sunday.
Stoops is one of the twin sons of former Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops, who was in Fayetteville for the visit for his son, who is a preferred walk-on candidate.
“It was probably pretty different for him, cool for me to have him around to come to stuff when normally he wouldn’t be able to,” said Isaac Stoops, who added he was impressed with Arkansas.
“It was a lot of fun. I really liked the football atmosphere and the coaching staff was amazing. The culture here, the university and everything, all the fans… I was blown away. It was really awesome.
“The fan base is absolutely insane. They are so supportive and everybody loves football and everybody is so crazy about sports here. It’s awesome.”
Stoops had 45 catches for 916 yards and 12 touchdowns this past season. His twin brother, Drake, had more than 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns receiving for the 7-4 Timberwolves.
Drake Stoops has committed to be a preferred walk-on at Oklahoma, a route that Isaac is also considering.
“I’ve always thought about venturing out from Norman, but I’ve also thought about staying,” Stoops said. “My dad doesn’t coach there now, so making my own name is kind of something I’ve been doing for awhile now, especially in high school sports. He’s not out there doing it for me.”
The recruits were welcomed with a standing ovation while walking into Bud Walton Arena during Arkansas’ 97-93 basketball win over Ole Miss on Saturday.
“It was really cool how we were welcomed coming in,” Stoops said. “It was really awesome how bad everyone wants you to come here.”
If Stoops chooses the Razorbacks, it would mean the sons of two Oklahoma coaching icons would be enrolled at the University of Arkansas simultaneously. Gavin Gundy, the son of Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy, is enrolled as a student at the UA.