One of the top 2020 offensive linemen in the nation, Chris Morris lists the University of Arkansas as one of his top schools.
"They're pretty high for me," Morris said. "They're one of the top schools."
Morris, 6-4, 280 pounds, of Memphis Freedom Prep Academy, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Texas A&M, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Penn State, Alabama, Florida, Georgia and others.
He visited the Hogs for the LSU game last weekend, and before that he had visited Fayetteville three other times, including the Alabama game on Oct. 6.
"I got to hang with the players, chill with some of the coaches and the staff," said Morris of the latest trip. "They really made it fun."
He was able to learn about the experiences of freshman linebacker Bumper Pool and receiver Peyton Ausley.
"They were just telling me how the fans treat them and how the coaches push them to work hard," Morris said.
An ESPN 4-star prospect, Morris is rated the No. 9 offensive guard and the No. 214 overall prospect in the nation. He cites the players and his relationship with assistant to head coach Sean Tuohy, a Memphis native, as to why he has the Hogs high on his list.
"I have a pretty cool relationship with SJ," Morris said. "He's a big part of it. We have a cool relationship, like brothers."
Morris calls Tuohy often and their talks cover numerous topics.
"Pretty much everything," Morris said. "He'll send me stuff before the games and stuff during the week."
His relationship with offensive line coach Dustin Fry is also a big part of his appeal. Morris said the 35-year-old Fry is very relatable and they share similar hobbies.
"He's a pretty cool coach," Morris said. "He likes to go hunting. He seems like a young guy really. For his hobbies, he does most of the things I do which makes us kind of cool."
Morris also likes the Razorbacks fan base and facilities, but it's the people at Arkansas that make him feel so comfortable.
"All the staff members are cool," he said. "Pretty much the whole Arkansas family. Everybody up there makes you feel like family up there."
National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network said Morris can run the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds. That and his athleticism are reasons Lemming rates Morris a 4-star plus prospect.
"Chris is explosive and super strong, he can dominate the point of attack and is versatile enough to play either tackle or guard," Lemming said. "He's one of the top offensive line prospects in the nation for the 2020 class."
A fifth trip to Fayetteville for Morris is likely in the not-so-distant future.
"I don't know, I'll probably go for a baseball game," he said.
In addition to Morris, the Hogs hosted numerous other top prospects from Memphis for the LSU game. Morris said he and the others from there talked about playing together.
"Something like that," Morris said. "We talk about that."
Morris' timeline to make a decision appears to be flexible with him mentioning an announcement could come in the summer or during an All-American game.
"I won't wait too long," Morris said.
Email Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com
Sports on 11/16/2018