Fordyce defensive lineman Billy Ferrell commits to Arkansas

Fordyce defensive lineman Billy Ferrell was on his way home from his official visit from Arkansas and decided he was ready to be a Hog. He called Barry Lunney Jr. and Coach Chad Morris to tell them he wanted to be a Razorback.

"I called Coach Lunney and told him and he gave the phone to Coach Morris," Ferrell said. "He said I made his day. He believes I can come in and make something happen."

Ferrell chose Arkansas over scholarship offers from Alabama, Tennessee, Louisville, Wisconsin, Colorado State, Memphis, Arkansas State and others. His player-host was linebacker Jamario Bell, whom Ferrell had previously known.

"He was already like a brother to me," Ferrell said. "He just put me around other people that was there and they made me feel like I was at home and I needed to be there. I connected with a lot of the players. I connected with Coach Morris and his staff and I feel like we're going to change the program and get it it back to where it was."

He was leaning towards making a pledge to the Hogs prior to his visit.

"I already had it in mind before I took the visit and I took the visit and that made me feel stronger to go ahead and make the commitment," Ferrell said.

Ferrell, 6-3, 330 pounds, received an offer from Morris on Dec.7. He cancelled a planned official visit to UCLA this weekend to visit the Hogs.

He recorded 63 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, a sack, 2 pass deflections, 2 recovered fumbles and 4 forced fumbles while also rushing 29 times for 136 yards and 3 touchdowns. His parents are happy with his decision to be a Razorback.

"They're excited," Ferrell sad. "They loved it."

He plans to sign with Arkansas on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.