FAYETTEVILLE — The coronavirus pandemic has kept Pinson (Ala.) Pinson Valley tailback Kenji Christian (6-2, 200, 4.58 40-yard dash) from making a visit to Arkansas, but he remains interested in getting to Fayetteville as soon as possible.
Christian, a former high school teammate of Auburn quarterback Bo Nix, is rated a 3-star prospect and the nations’ No. 59 running back by 247 Sports.
His relationship with Arkansas running backs coach Jimmy Smith is a key factor in his interest in the Razorbacks, who offered him on Feb. 11.
“They want me to come in and play running back right away, and I developed a great relationship with Coach Jimmy,” Christian said. “He texts me every morning to have a good day. I have also talked to the head coach a little bit and I feel strong about Arkansas.
“I feel like their new staff is great and they are going to have a very good year. It’s a really good staff. I think they are going to take the program far.”
Christian rushed for 787 yards and 12 touchdowns and caught 4 passes for 134 yards as a junior. He totaled 451 yards as a sophomore when Nix was his quarterback.
“I have to keep working on my balance,” Christian said. “I do feel good about my speed, my strength and my vision.”
Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Nebraska, Utah, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Duke, Kansas, Kansas State, Memphis, Southern Miss, Toledo, Arkansas State, Tulane and Western Kentucky have offered Christian.
He is also receiving interest from LSU, Alabama, Michigan, Florida State, Missouri, Kentucky, Oklahoma State and Louisville.
Christian visited Kansas, UAB, Florida State and Ole Miss earlier this year before the shutdown.
He is hoping to visit Arkansas, Tennessee and some other programs when it is allowed.
“I am still planning on doing that,” Christian said. “I would love to play in the SEC.”
Christian has done his best to stay in shape lately.
“I have been working out in my garage, going to work out with my trainer on Mondays and Thursdays and also going to the field and running routes with our quarterback on the other days,” Christian said. “It is opening up a little bit, so maybe things will pick up soon.”