Winkel labels Arkansas visit as game changer

Ryan Winkel

— It’s readily apparent that Memphis Christian Brothers offensive lineman Ryan Winkel’s official visit to Arkansas this weekend made quite the impression.

“I had a great time this weekend,” Winkel said. “I think it was a real game changer. I’ll go back to Memphis, think about my options and probably have a decision within a couple of days.”

It was the first visit to Fayetteville for Winkel (6-7, 280).

“It was just awesome,” Winkel said. “I mean, this was the first time I’d ever been up here. I had a great time. I really enjoyed the coaches, the facilities are top notch and I just had a blast.”

After his visit concluded, Winkel named a top three of Arkansas, Mississippi State and Tennessee - all schools that have offered in the last month.

“It’s definitely been a whirlwind of a month,” Winkel said. “I’m just glad that I waited it out and kept patient with the process. I’m happy now.”

He has taken official visits to Arkansas and Mississippi State, but doesn't plan to take one to Tennessee.

“I’ve grown up there all my life, so I know what their facilities are like, their education and all of that,” Winkel said.

New Arkansas offensive line coach Dustin Fry impressed Winkel.

“He’s a very smart coach,” Winkel said. “He knows what he wants to do. He’s very fundamentally sound and he’s going to teach you technique.”

Winkel’s host for the weekend was Razorback freshman offensive lineman Shane Clenin.

“He’s really excited about the new staff and it’s been a great place for him,” Winkel said. “He’s from Missouri, which is just under five hours away, too, and he’s really enjoyed it.”

Winkel plans to major in business, a program Arkansas is nationally-known for with its Walton School of Business.

“Obviously the Walton School of Business is a great place,” Winkel said. “You’ll be set for the rest of your life if you make the decision to go there. The opportunities and the jobs are second to none.”