The Recruiting Guy

All-Americans pick Arkansas

JUCO all-American cornerback Joseph Putu, pictured here with Arkansas defensive coordinator Robb Smith, committed to the Razorbacks Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016.

Arkansas on Saturday also added oral commitments from two junior college All-Americans during their official visits.

Cornerback Joseph Putu, 6-2, 195, 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash while playing at North Dakota State College of Science, told Coach Bret Bielema he wanted to be a Hog.

"We checked out the facilities," Putu said. "Man, it's so, so beautiful. Coming from a JUCO and now seeing that stuff, it was beautiful."

Puto earned second-team All-America honors after intercepting 10 passes this season. Born in the Ivory Coast, Putu moved to Rhode Island when he was about 6 years old.

While touring the equipment room Friday, Putu was blown away by the number of shoes the Razorbacks have for their student-athletes.

"Back in JUCO, we have to pay for our own stuff," he said. "Over here, they give you everything. All you have to worry about is football and school. That's all you have to worry about. You don't have to worry about getting a job."

Putu knows about a strong work ethic. In addition to playing football, he has to earn money.

"Me, I've got two jobs," Putu said. "I've got a work-study job and I work at Pizza Hut."

Junior college offensive tackle Paul Ramirez, 6-7, 295 pounds of San Bernardino Valley College in California, chose the Hogs over 13 scholarship offers from schools such as Louisville, Arizona State, Boise State and Purdue.

He earned first team California Community College Athletic Association All-American honors this season.

Arkansas now has 21 commitments for the 2016 class. Oral commitments are nonbinding.

Sports on 01/31/2016