MANSFIELD, Texas -- Arkansas has one commitment from Mansfield (Texas) Legacy High School and is hoping to add two more in the future.
Defensive lineman Enoch Jackson pledged to Arkansas in early August while two teammates, safety Jalen Catalon and defensive lineman Taurean Carter have the Hogs as one of their top schools. All three will officially visit Arkansas for the Alabama game Saturday.
Catalon, 5-10, 180 pounds, has more than 20 scholarship offers, but announced Monday that he's down to Arkansas,TCU, Oklahoma and Texas. He visited Fayetteville in late July.
His relationship with Coach Chad Morris and staff is key for his interest.
"I see great things going on down there and I like the campus and the atmosphere there," Catalon said. "I'm ready to be up there again for my official next week and see what they have to offer."
Catalon will officially visit his other three finalists before announcing his decision in January.
"It's getting real tough because every school has something great to offer," Catalon said. "The coaching staff is great at every school and the relationship I have with all four is great. None of them stand out more than anyone else. They're all at the same level . That's why I want to take my officials and take some time off to just think about it with my family and see what school is best for me."
ESPN rates Catalon a 4-star recruit, the No. 11 safety and the No. 211 overall prospect in the nation for the 2019 class. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opening game of the season.
Mansfield Legacy Coach Chris Melson said Catalon is the best player the school has produced since the school opened 12 years ago and that includes Josh Doctson, who was the No. 22 player taken in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.
"Well, he's an impactful player both sides," Melson said. "He's just an incredible playmaker when he's out there and he's the best player we've ever had here."
His official visit to Arkansas will be his second trip to Fayetteville. He knows what he wants to experience on the upcoming trip and mentioned what he liked during the July visit.
"Just the game atmosphere," he said. "Everything else I saw there was great I really enjoyed it. My family had great time there. I'm just ready to see what it's like game wise. I have a feeling it's going to be great."
He said Jackson is trying his best to get him to Fayetteville.
"He always tells me Woo Pig Sooie in the hallways and tells me that's the move," Catalon said. "That's my brother. If we end up playing together its going to be live."
Carter, 6-3, 263, is an ESPN 3-star prospect and the No. 51 defensive tackle in the nation. He's also looking forward to his official visit to Arkansas.
"Just see what the school is like and get a good feel for the campus and make sure everything is all good," Carter said. "Treat us like family."
He said he plans to announce his college decision among Arkansas, Michigan State and Wisconsin on Oct. 24. The Razorbacks staff has sold him on several things.
"They already told me where I could possibly be on the depth chart if I do pick Arkansas," Carter said. "And how things will be out there ... how they'll keep their eyes on me on and off the field and on my books and keep me focused."
Melson said Carter is having his best season yet as a Bronco.
"You can't single block him," Melson said. "If you're not double-teaming him, you're not getting anything. He's a playmaker and a passionate player."
Carter, who recorded 63 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 7 sacks, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble as a junior, said the Arkansas staff is relentless in their pursuit of him.
"Basically talk to you everyday, check up on you and see how things are going with the team and see how my family is doing and talk to your parents," he said. "They're almost like a second parent, like a father."
E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com
Sports on 09/30/2018