ESPN 4-star quarterback Lucas Coley orally committed to Arkansas on Thursday, becoming the second signal caller in the Razorbacks’ 2021 class.
Coley, 6-2, 205 pounds, of San Antonio (Texas) Cornerstone Christian, chose Arkansas over more than 30 other scholarship offers, including Virginia Tech, Louisville, Houston, Illinois, Vanderbilt, Washington State, South Florida and others.
Before he announced his college decision during the KSAT Channel 12 newscast at 6 p.m., he spoke about the magnitude of his choice.
“I’m feeling blessed," Coley said. "It’s not just a four-year decision, it’s a 40-year decision, and I’m very excited and very happy with the decision I made."
When revealing his decision, Coley said he is confident Coach Sam Pittman and offensive coordinator Kendal Briles will right the ship at Arkansas.
“Man, it’s a very big family up there and Coach Briles and Coach Pittman are going to turn that around,” Coley said. “They bring great leadership and we’re going to kick off this class with a boom and go win some championships.”
ESPN also rates Coley the No. 8 dual-threat quarterback in the nation and No. 57 prospect in Texas. Little Rock Parkview quarterback Landon Rogers pledged to the Razorbacks in April.
He had approximately 2,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing as a junior and scored 30 touchdowns. He played his sophomore season at Judson High School in Converse, Texas, where he threw for 198 yards, 3 touchdowns and rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown.
He also caught nine passes for 156 yards and a score.
He and his mother, Deborah, visited Fayetteville a year ago in June while Chad Morris was Arkansas’ coach. CBS Sports Network national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming holds Coley in high regard.
“He’s the No. 1 player in the San Antonio area,” Lemming said. “Lucas can run and throw. Right now, I have him as a three-star-plus recruit for my magazine, but he does have four- and possibly five-star potential. Decent size, real good overall athletic ability.”
Coley, who will not turn 17 until Sept. 19, would typically be a 2022 prospect, but he skipped a grade. He is expected to graduate in December and enroll at Arkansas in January.
He is Arkansas’ 10th commitment for the 2021 class.