The Recruiting Guy

Hogs land coveted Florida athlete

An Arkansas football helmet sits on the sideline during a game between the Razorbacks and Mississippi State on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Fayetteville.

Arkansas has dipped into Florida to gain the commitment of athlete Raheim Sanders without the benefit of a visit.

Sanders, 6-2, 210 pounds, of Rockledge (Fla.) High School, named a top five of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Florida State, Missouri and South Carolina on May 19. He was recruited by Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman, offensive coordinator Kendal Briles, receivers coach Justin Stepp and special teams coordinator Scott Fountain.

National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network rates Sanders a 3-star-plus recruit.

"He’s a big, thick, athletic wide receiver with strong hands with deceptive speed," Lemming said. "Very difficult to bring down. He can also play linebacker and safety."

Despite not having a chance to visit Fayetteville because of the coronavirus, Sanders felt an immediately positive vibe with the Razorbacks.

“Arkansas, I felt the vibe right away,” he said. “I think I can go there and play and display my talent - not just my talent, but do good academically.

“With Arkansas, overall, it’s a lot of things they said,” Sanders continued. “Just telling me they’re going to take care of me. Not just telling me, but I feel like they’re going to show they’re going to take care of me. With them, man, I just feel a vibe. I can’t explain the vibe, but I just felt a vibe.”

Sanders, who has a 3.2 grade point average, is looking to major in business.

He becomes the Razorbacks' ninth commitment for the 2021 class.

Arkansas could add more commitments later this week. Quarterback Lucas Coley is announcing his college decision on Thursday and offensive lineman Devon Manuel is expected to announce on Wednesday.