An ESPN 4-star running back hasn’t announced a list of his top schools, but if he did, the University of Arkansas would be on it.
TreVonte Citizen, a junior running back from Lake Charles (La.) College Prep, is also ESPN’s No. 19 running back and No. 185 overall prospect in the nation for the 2022 class.
He has 10 scholarship offers from schools like Arkansas, LSU, Penn State, Mississippi State, Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee, Colorado and others.
Citizen, 6-1, 210 pounds, reasoned why the Razorbacks would make his list of top schools.
“I watched them play last year, and they have a good offense, coaching staff and they believe in me and they want me,” Citizen said.
He said he and running backs coach Jimmy Smith have straightforward talks.
“Coach Smith is a really cool guy,” Citizen said. “We have real conversations and real talk. He keeps it real 100 with me. We talk about life.”
Citizen rushed 62 times for 615 yards, 8 touchdowns and had 5 receptions for 48 yards to help the 10-1 Trailblazers to the Class 3A semifinals.
He also runs track and participates in the 400-, 800- and 1,600-meter relays while also running the 100, 200 and 400 meters. He reports having a best of 53 seconds in the grueling 400 meters.
Citizen tries to focus on fundamentals in the later part of the 400 meters.
“I just keep my form my coach tells me keep my legs going,” Citizen said. “When my legs gets tired I try to get my knees up and work on my stride.”
National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network rates Citizen a 4-star plus prospect.
“He has excellent vision, strength and moves,” Lemming said. “He can also block and catch. I was very impressed with him in person and on film. He can start for most Power 5 programs.”
Smith has told Citizen he can help the Razorbacks get better.
“Coach told me I was a good player and they need a guy like me to help the program,” Citizen said.
Citizen, who plans to visit Fayetteville once the NCAA lifts the dead period, said he is looking to make his college decision sometime during his season season.
The Razorback fan base is often mentioned by recruits as being one of the more active fan bases on Twitter. Citizen has been impressed with Hog fans on Twitter.
“The fan base is amazing,” he said. “The fan base is like your home already. They show a lot of love. Gives you another reason to go there. They post we need you, come here. This your new home.”