LUCAS, Texas — Being a sophomore prospect, receiver Parker Livingstone cannot have direct contact with college coaches. Instead, he has to have third-party help.
A high school coach usually acts as the go-between and sets up a time for the prospect to reach out to coaches. His contact with Arkansas receivers coach Kenny Guiton and tight ends coach Dowell Loggains is steady.
“I talk to Coach Guiton probably about once every three weeks and Coach Loggains probably about once a week,” Livingstone said. “I keep a tight communication with them.”
Livingstone, 6-4, 185 pounds, of Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy, has offers from Arkansas, Tennessee and Pittsburgh. He attended a summer camp in Fayetteville and visited for the Texas game.
“They’re probably the first coaching staff that’s really talking to me and really keeping an eye on me, which really means something to me,” Livingstone said. “It really does.”
Livingstone’s two trips to Arkansas have made him fond of the Razorbacks.
“It’s a great culture up there, great coaching,” Livingstone said. “It’s just amazing. Great place to be. I really love it up there.”
In Coach Chris Ross’ first year, the high-powered Leopards advanced to the Class 5A Division II state championship game before losing 52-48 to Aledo.
"The thing about Parker is he has a lot of football sense about him,” Ross said. “He understands the game. It allows him to play fast. You would never know he’s just a sophomore.
"He plays at a high level, but he’s also a very mature, focused football player.”
The Leopards are 4-0 on the season and have been dominant in their victories. They have scored 233 points and given up 49. And Livingstone has roughly 360 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.
“I’m having a great time,” he said. “Great team, great defense. It all starts at the offensive line. They protect and do their job and it gives our quarterback time to throw the ball, and we just kick everybody’s butt in the way.”
His great grandfather, A.B. Bradley, lettered for Arkansas basketball in 1942-43 before being drafted into World War II, and his grandmother’s uncle played football for the Razorbacks in the 1940s.
“It means a lot,” he said. “My family has Arkansas blood, so I think it will probably stay with me for a while.”