KELLER, Texas -- The recruiting process heated up for junior prospects when college coaches could start making contact with them Sept. 1.
For receiver DJ Graham, a University of Arkansas target Keller Central in Texas, it's been a treat to communicate with coaches he grew up watching on television.
"It was surreal, all these colleges texting my phone," Graham said. "When I was a little kid, I really didn't know about the recruiting process or anything like that because no one really told me about it. As I got older, I was seeing other guys talking about it. I was like, this might could be me."
Graham, 6-1, 180 pounds, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, LSU, Oklahoma, Georgia, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Miami and others. He's been communicating with Coach Chad Morris, receivers coach Justin Stepp and others on the staff.
"We've been building a relationship," Graham said. "It's so much easier now since they can text you."
He visited the Hogs in the spring of 2017 and has plans to make a return trip.
"The campus is beautiful," Graham said. "It was beautiful. I'm not going to lie, and it's such an easy drive. The scenery, the hills, the trees. It's different from Texas."
The Razorbacks aggressive approach in recruiting has Graham interested in Arkansas.
"I've only been up there once, but they constantly keep in touch," he said. "OU and LSU, they do the same, and probably Notre Dame."
Keller Central Coach Brat Helsley said Graham's ability to play the ball in the air separates him from others.
"His ball skills are incredible, so he's able to make a play on the ball," Helsley said. "If the ball is in the air, he's more than likely going to come down with it."
In 15 years of the school's existence, the Class 6A Keller Central has had only a handful of freshmen see the field. Helsley said Graham, who was District 3-6A Offensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, is the only freshman to start all 10 games and a playoff game.
Graham had 27 catches for 556 yards and 6 touchdowns as a sophomore. He has a 3.5 grade-point average.
"I love history and I love science," Graham said. "I love like astrology. I'm really interested in the stars and the planets."