The Recruiting Guy

Juco lineman has Arkansas' attention

Arkansas offensive line coach Dustin Fry speaks to his players Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, during practice at the university practice field on campus in Fayetteville.

One of the more frequent questions on talk radio and messages boards is who the University of Arkansas is pursuing on the offensive line that can provide immediate help next season.

The Hogs believe highly regarded junior college offensive lineman Myron Cunningham is that guy. He plans to make an official visit to Fayetteville on Dec. 7-9 and cites the coaching staff for his desire to visit.

"I would say how the coaches have been sticking with me throughout the season," Cunningham said. "They've been showing me a lot of interest and care."

Cunningham, 6-6, 305 pounds, of Iowa Central Community College, has seen his stock sky rocket since Arkansas was the first Power 5 school to extend a scholarship offer Sept.26.

Nebraska, Pittsburgh, Indiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Missouri, Rutgers, Kentucky and Arizona have followed the Razorbacks in offering scholarships to Cunningham. He said the Hogs staff is consistent in reaching out to him.

"They text me here and there and say, 'Hope you have a good day' or something like that," Cunningham said. "Ask how my day is going."

The staff also has included Cunningham's parents in the recruiting process.

"They like them," Cunningham said. "They think it's a pretty nice school. They just want to visit and see how that goes."

Cunningham is set to graduate in December and plans to enroll at his next school in January.

"Right now, I'm mainly looking where I can go play right away," Cunningham said. "Where I can have an impact?"

Iowa Central offensive line coach coach Adam Dutcher said Cunningham is the total package as a person and player.

"I think the first thing is he comes from a great family and he's a great kid, and a great individual" Dutcher said. "He has his head on straight and he's a tremendously hard worker. He wants to perfect his craft. He works extremely hard everyday and [is always] trying to be the best."

Dutcher has seen the effort Coach Chad Morris, offensive coordinator Joe Craddock, offensive line coach Dustin Fry and others have put forth in trying to land Cunningham.

"They're very persistent," Dutcher said. "You can tell that Myron is a guy they truly want. It's been a great experience for him. They work extremely hard."

Cunningham feels comfortable about the Razorbacks staff.

"They definitely care and show they really want me," he said. "It's definitely a caring vibe."

Arkansas fans have been active on Twitter by letting Cunningham know he's wanted in Fayetteville.

"I would say the fans have definitely shown a big interest," Cunningham said. "Some of them have reached out and said congrats and stuff like that. They've definitely have shown a good interest."

Cunningham has researched Arkansas on the internet.

"I've looked up a few things like the campus and my major and stuff like that," he said. "I've seen pictures of the campus. It looks pretty nice. I've had a few people tell me it's a pretty nice campus."

He plans to major in criminal justice.

"I would like to be a state trooper or something like that, along those lines," Cunningham said.

Dutcher said college coaches see Cunningham having the tools to be successful at the next level.

"He's someone that can step in right away and play and really transition well into the Power Five schools like Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma and schools like that," Dutcher said. "I think that's the biggest thing is his natural balance and body positioning and great strength and tremendous feet."

Bryant junior offered

Outside linebacker-defensive end Catrell Wallace, 6-6, 210, of Bryant, visited Arkansas on Saturday and received a scholarship offer prior to the Razorbacks' game against Vanderbilt.

He's the second in-state junior to have an offer from the Razorbacks. Quarterback Jacolby Criswell of Morrilton received an offer in June.

Offensive lineman Dylan Rathcke, 6-5, 290, 5.27 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of University Lab in Baton Rouge, also picked up an offer from the Hogs before the game. He and his family visited Friday and Saturday.

He has other scholarship offers from Kentucky, Louisville, Colorado State, Tulane, Arkansas State University, Southern Mississippi and others.

Email Richard Davenport at

rdavenport@arkansasonline.com

Sports on 10/28/2018