When Brownsville (Tenn.) Hayward three-star defensive back Jaylen Lewis (6-2, 175) released his top 10 on May 5, Arkansas was nowhere to be found.
But after a weekend official visit to Fayetteville, things have changed considerably for Lewis (6-2, 175), who credits Razorbacks defensive backs coach Sam Carter for talking him into visiting.
"I love Arkansas,” Lewis said. “This is my first time being here, but it won't be my last time being here. I love Arkansas."
One of the biggest reasons is current Arkansas safety Jalen Catalon, an All-SEC selection last season and a player who should be considered for All-America honors, and the Razorbacks coaches.
"Just being around Jalen Catalon,” Lewis said of highlights of the visit. “Just being around him and just seeing an All-American, a future first-round pick, seeing the facility he's in, it just blew my mind. And just being around the coaches.
"All of the coaches are laid back, fun, funny, and it's just what I like."
Lewis had visited Auburn earlier this month, but says his visit to Arkansas was better.
"The coaching staff here is way different,” Lewis said. “Auburn's coaching staff, I like them, but the coaching staff here is way different. They vibe different, they move different, they talk different. That's what I like about them.
"I took an official to Auburn earlier in the week. It was nice, but once I got here and got off the plane, I heard fans talking about 'Go Hogs' and stuff like that, so the vibe here is just different.”
Lewis’ top 10 also included Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Florida State, Indiana, Louisville, Michigan State, Oregon State and Memphis.
“My next move right now is my top five, then my commitment date is July 29,” Lewis said. “That's my next two steps."
He has an official visit to Indiana set for June 25-27.
"After I visit Indiana I should have it in my head where I want to go,” Lewis said.
Lewis also has a bond with Milan, Tenn., defensive back Anthony Brown (6-2, 192), who visited Arkansas on June 4-6.
He noted the pair plan to go to the same college with Arkansas, Auburn, Mississippi State, Indiana and Memphis among the schools both are considering.
"That's like my little brother,” Lewis said of Brown. “He's bigger than me, but I'm older. That's like my brother. Whatever he does, that's what I'm going to do. Whatever I do, that's what he'll do. That's my brother, man.
"What's so funny is we just met each other after my junior season in late December. It's been a few months, but it feels like we connected so tight and so together that it's like we've been together since (we were) young ones."