The Recruiting Guy

Razorbacks end suspense for Hazen athlete

Blayne Toll

Hazen athlete Blayne Toll received the scholarship offer he's been waiting on when the University of Arkansas extended one Monday.

Toll, 6-5, 235 pounds, had scholarship offers from LSU, Tennessee, Houston, Louisville, Oklahoma State, TCU, Memphis, Rutgers, Southern Mississippi and others before the Hogs extended one. He could play tight end or defensive end in Fayetteville.

The junior talked to cornerbacks coach Mark Smith before speaking with Coach Chad Morris, who told Toll about his offer.

"We talked a little bit, and he gave the phone to Coach Morris, and then he told me he really loved me and wanted to offer me," Toll said. "He said I can play anything."

Toll plans to visit the Hogs in the near future. He also plans to visit Ole Miss on Feb. 2 and LSU in March.

Arkansas hopes Toll becomes the first Class of 2020 pledge.

"They said they really love me," he said. "They want me to be the first 2020."

ESPN rates Toll a four-star prospect, the No. 22 athlete and No. 299 overall prospect.

He admits the thought of being a Hog crossed his mind after receiving the offer.

"I gave it some thought, but I have to talk to mom and dad first," Toll said. "They're not back yet, they're on a trip."

Toll, who's thinking of making his college decision this summer, passed for 715 yards and 8 touchdowns while rushing for 465 yards and 6 touchdowns as a quarterback in 2017. He had 42 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 9 sacks and 3 forced fumbles as a defensive end as a sophomore. His stats as a junior were not available.

He admits he was disappointed the Hogs didn't offer sooner, but he is thrilled to have one now.

"It means a lot," Toll said. "It's just finally having my home state behind me. It really makes me proud."

Toll becomes the fourth in-state offer for the 2020 class. Morrilton quarterback Jacolby Criswell, Jonesboro defensive end Jashaud Stewart and Bryant outside linebacker Catrell Wallace also have offers.

Email Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com

Sports on 01/22/2019