Memphis Christian Brothers lineman Patrick Kutas (6-5, 280) has been busy since the college recruiting period went live June 1.
Kutas, who is being recruited by Arkansas as a defensive lineman and some other programs as an offensive lineman, has visited the Razorbacks and Illinois officially, and Purdue and Indiana unofficially.
"It’s been really good,” Kutas said. “The Zoom and stuff doesn't justify the people, the culture that you get to see and everything around it, so it's been awesome just to get out and be here.”
The Arkansas fans caught the attention of Kutas, who was hosted by Razorbacks offensive lineman and Memphis native Marcus Henderson.
“The fans are one thing,” Kutas said. “They are diehard and crazy. I like that. The atmosphere is great around here. I love the coaches around here. They are line guys, so that helps me a lot."
Razorbacks coach Sam Pittman got his philosophy across to Kutas.
“That he's really trying to change the program,” Kutas said. “Everybody I have talked to says his focus is straight. He's working hard to try to turn this place around and really make it a top program.”
He’s also impressed with new Arkansas defensive line coach Jermial Ashley, who is 6-5, 270.
“Coach Ashley is great,” Kutas said. “Obviously he's pretty big. He has enthusiasm. He's a great defensive line coach. He won at Tulsa. He did great here. It's exciting to know his history is great.”
Kutas sized up his strengths.
“I think I'm very athletic for my size,” Kutas said. “I'm quick off the ball. I strike really well with my hands. I like to maul people.”
He believes his decision to attend Christian Brothers has been a great one.
“Christian Brothers is awesome,” Kutas said. “The best decision I have ever made to go to high school. It's everybody's brotherhood. We're all tight with each other. Nobody is mean to anybody. The academics are great, the athletics are great and our facilities are amazing.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.”
Kutas, who said he doesn’t have a preference for playing offense or defense in college, has a plan for the summer.
“I have an Oregon official next week then Louisville after that,” Kutas said. “Then I might do a couple of unofficials.”
Kutas has offers from Tennessee, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Florida State, Virginia, Virginia Tech and other schools. He believes a decision will take some time.
“I don't think before the season, but maybe mid-season unless I get done with all of these and I'm just ready,” Kutas said. “We'll see how it goes.”