The Recruiting Guy

Hogs offer sought-after DB looking to visit

Arkansas assistant coach Sam Carter speaks with media members on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020, in Fayetteville.

Arkansas entered the running for highly sought-after cornerback John Howse IV last week by offering him a scholarship, and the interest appears mutual.

“The offer was great, you know? A big-time program in the SEC, so I was for sure excited about it,” Howse said. “I like them and the staff. It’s a consideration.”

Howse, 6-2, 185 pounds, of Brentwood, Tenn., has close to 30 offers from schools such as Ole Miss, Kentucky, Penn State, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Missouri, Michigan, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, Virginia and other programs.

He said he is talking to Razorbacks Coach Sam Pittman and cornerbacks coach Sam Carter the most.

“Great coaches and great guys. It’s also pretty cool how their DB coach is the youngest in the league,” Howse added.

Carter, who turned 30 in October, has impressed Howse.

“He’s a really knowledgeable guy for him to be so young and proves that age doesn’t mean anything,” Howse said.

Howse, who recorded 25 tackles, 4 tackles for loss and a sack as a junior, has a 3.5 grade point average. ESPN rates him a 3-star prospect, the No. 76 athlete in the nation and No. 26 recruit in Tennessee.

Pittman and his staff are playing catch-up in recruiting after arriving in Fayetteville just eight months ago while other schools have been recruiting prospects for more than a year. Howse admits the Razorbacks have to overcome the late start and offer to him.

“Some of my top schools have been recruiting me for months and offered a while ago,” Howse said.

Regardless of Arkansas playing from behind, Howse said he does plan to visit Fayetteville once the dead period is lifted.

Arkansas redshirt sophomore punter Matthew Phillips also attended Brentwood High School. Howse hears Phillips is enjoying his time at Arkansas.

"I haven’t talked to him, but my coaches have. He says he loves it,” Howse added.