FAYETTEVILLE — The dismissal of Arkansas football coach Chad Morris on Sunday resonated with the 14 commits the Razorbacks had in their 2020 recruiting class.
Marshall (Texas) wide receiver Savion Williams (6-4, 200) de-committed via Twitter just minutes after Arkansas athletics director Hunter Yurachek officially released a statement about Morris' termination.
Houston North Shore tailback John Gentry and Austin (Texas) Westlake wide receiver Mason Mangum followed suit later in the day.
“After a long talk with my family, I would like to announce that I will be de-committing from the University of Arkansas,” Williams tweeted. “I want to thank them for the opportunity and wish them nothing but the best. With that being said, I will be re-opening my recruitment. Please respect my decision.”
Gentry's sentiments were similar.
"This is very hard to do but due to the recent coaching changes, my family and I have decided to de-commit from the University of Arkansas," he wrote. "I want to thank Coach (Jeff) Traylor for believing in me and for outstanding recruiting. Also thanks to Coach (Julian) Griffin, Coach Morris and the whole staff for amazing support. Arkansas is truly a great place. Much love for the Razorback Nation."
Mangum did the same on Sunday night.
"I’m so grateful for Coach Morris, Coach (Justin) Stepp, Coach (Mark) Smith and the entire staff at Arkansas for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be a Razorback," Mangum tweeted. "This is tough to do... in light of today’s news I have decided I will be reopening my recruitment. WPS"
Jonesboro defensive end Jashaud Stewart (6-2, 216), one of four in-state pledges in the class, wished Morris well.
“I don’t have much to say about coach Morris getting fired, but that he’s a very great guy, and good luck to him where ever he coaches moving forward,” Stewart said.
Carthage, Texas, athlete Kelvontay Dixon (6-0, 175), whose teammate, offensive lineman Ty’Kieast Crawford, de-committed from the Razorbacks earlier this year, was somewhat speechless.
“I don’t know what to say,” Dixon said. “I have no comments.”