Arkansas has landed the commitment of running back AJ Green, one of the fastest prospects in the nation.
Green, 5-11, 180, 4.39 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Tulsa Union, announced a top 8 of Arkansas, Baylor, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, South Carolina and Texas on March 27.
“I just felt a more special connection with the coaches there. I believe and trust in the process, and I believe I can help turn this program into something greater than great definitely with the help of all the other commits,” Green said of Arkansas.
Razorbacks running backs coach Jimmy Smith and tight ends coach Jon Cooper recruited Green. He is looking forward to playing for Smith.
“He’s a very enthusiastic person,” Green said. “He’s always hyped up when he calls me and I just love the energy he brings to the table.”
Green has visited Arkansas in the past, but the coronavirus has kept him from visiting with Coach Sam Pittman and his staff in Fayetteville.
“I’ve been there before,” Green said. “I’ve seen and felt the gameday atmosphere. It’s crazy, and meeting the coaches just finished it off.”
ESPN rates Green a 4-star recruit, the No. 18 athlete and No. 183 overall prospect in the nation. National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network also rates Green a 4-star prospect.
“He’s one of the fastest players in the country,” Lemming said. “Terrific instincts on both sides of the ball. I’ve ranked him as one of the top five players in Oklahoma. Long arms, loose hips and a great burst.”
Green recorded 10.38 seconds in the 100-meter dash at the Class 6A state meet as a freshman. He also recorded a time of 21.69 seconds in the 200 meters.
As a sophomore, he dealt with hamstring problems, but still recorded 10.52. He recorded a personal best of 21.46 seconds in the 200 meters.
Green is excited to play in offensive coordinator Kendal Briles’ offense, which focuses on tempo and having great speed at all skill positions.
“I think it’ll be a great fit,” Green said. “We’ll be a pretty balanced team - be able to rush, pass and RPO really consistent I feel like.”
He also held offers from Southern Cal, Michigan State, Nebraska, Tennessee and other programs.
The Razorbacks also have the commitments of running back Javion Hunt of Midwest City (Okla.) Carl Albert and cornerback Keuan Parker of Tulsa Washington. He is eager to play with Hunt and Parker.
“It’s going to show all of our hunger,” Green said. “Oklahoma has so many ballers and we're fixing to prove that.”
Green is Arkansas’ 11th pledge for the 2021 class.