FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ three newest 2020 commitments didn’t even need a full official visit to know they wanted to be Razorbacks.
Suffield (Conn.) Academy cornerback Khari Johnson (6-1, 184, 4.49), Pensocola (Fla.) Booker T. Washington defensive end Eric Thomas (6-3, 230), and Woodward Academy linebacker Jacorrei Turner (6-2, 205) all pledged via Twitter on Saturday.
Johnson and Thomas talked about why after finishing up their visits on Sunday.
“The people in Fayetteville are amazing,” Johnson said. “I’m from Boston and I have a big-city vibe. I like the vibe of the town, the people here are great and I believe in what (Arkansas head) Coach (Sam) Pittman has in store for the next upcoming years for Arkansas football.”
Johnson had visited Arkansas unofficially back on Nov. 2, a week before head coach Chad Morris was let go and eventually resulted in Pittman being hired.
“The university has great things to offer, as you know being Arkansas natives,” Johnson said. “I think they have the best business school in the country and I look forward to majoring in business here.
“Coach Pittman has a vision and a dream in terms of football that I believe in and I can’t wait to get started down here in Fayetteville.”
Johnson sized up his strengths and weaknesses.
“My strengths are my ball skills, I have good eye discipline and I have good hips,” Johnson said. “Some things that I need to work on, I would say not getting too high on the highs and too low on the lows.”
Johnson feels like the program has picked up momentum since Pittman was hired with nine early signees, a graduate transfer cornerback and now six more pledges set to sign with Arkansas on Feb. 5, the national signing date.
“We have had a couple of recruits come through this weekend and commit and we are turning the page starting now,” Johnson said.
Thomas was thrilled with what he found on his first visit to Arkansas.
“I just love it here,” Thomas said. “I like how they come together as a family. They love the Hogs.”
Thomas noted the Arkansas-Kentucky basketball game was among the highlights of the visit, as was visiting the stadium and talking with coaches.
Thomas is not sure which position he is destined for on defense.
“I don't really know yet,” Thomas said. “They said I'm like athletic, so they don't know where to put me. I just get after the quarterback. I love it.”