When highly regarded defensive end Eric Gregory orally committed to the Hogs on July 23, he did so without the benefit of a visit to Fayetteville. He’ll get his chance this weekend as he arrives today for the start of his official visit.
“I'm really looking forward to meeting the players and coaches in person and sitting down and having a conversation with them,” Gregory said. “I want to hear how they feel the program will look in the future. I know we have one of the top recruiting classes in Arkansas history, so I want to see where their heads are and how everybody is going to fit in.”
Gregory, 6-3, 270, 4.7 seconds of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., flipped his commitment from Memphis to the Razorbacks while also holding scholarship offers from Auburn, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, LSU and others.
The Hogs’ recruiting class ranks as high as No. 14 by one service. Gregory said the highly regarded class also adds pressure to the members of the class going into next year.
“It also puts like a burden on our backs, so we have to do well,” Gregory said. “Like we’re one of the best recruiting classes to come in, so we have to perform and meet expectations.”
Gregory has been talking to coach Chad Morris, defensive coordinator John Chavis and defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell leading up to his trip.
“They said they can’t wait for me to get there and visit with me in person and for me to meet the players,” Gregory said.
His teammate and Razorbacks receiver commitment Shamar Nash has been giving him a heads up on what to expect at Arkansas.
“He just told me I was going to love it,” Gregory said. “He said it’s a great place and a great atmosphere.”
An ESPN 4-star prospect, Gregory said other schools are still in his ear.
“I hear what they have to say. They’ll say, 'We need a guy like you on our team,'” Gregory said. “I listen to what they have to say, but in the back of my mind I really don't pay attention. I really don't want to tell them off and be rude.”
Gregory, like most of the Arkansas fan base, has seen improvement from the Hogs and liked what he saw in the team's 24-17 loss to Texas A&M.
“Even though the offense has been a little rough, I saw an amazing performance out of the defense,” he said. “I saw the DBs and the D-line stopping the run and even the pass rush. So I’m really liking what I’m seeing.”