No. 16 Arkansas’ 20-10 victory over No. 7 Texas A&M in the Southwest Classic on Saturday played well with players the Razorbacks and coach Sam Pittman are recruiting from the Lone Star State.
One of those prospects is California defensive end commit Curlee Thomas (6-4, 240) of Fort Worth (Texas) Nolan Catholic.
“Coach Pittman has really changed the culture,” Thomas said. “Anyone who wants to play in the SEC has to consider Arkansas as a option. Been following them since season started. Like I said, you have to consider them in your recruitment, for sure.
“You can see that team and coaching staff love and believe in each other. (KJ Jefferson) playing hurt and running for that last first down shows you it’s a team mentality, not individual.”
Nolan Catholic junior defensive end Kaleb Thomas (6-5, 250), Thomas’ teammate who also has an Arkansas offer, was equally impressed and was on hand in the crowd of 57,992 at AT&T Stadium.
“I had a great time. That energy in that stadium was amazing from both teams,” James said. “I had fun doing the Hog call and rooting for the Hogs. It was a great game. I can’t wait to catch a game in Fayetteville. Arkansas really does have some great fans.”
Duncanville linebacker and Arkansas pledge Jordan Crook (6-1, 225), whose 3-1 team routed Midway 76-0 on Friday, was impressed by the Razorback defense, which limited the Aggies to 273 yards of total offense.
The top three tacklers were current Razorback linebackers Grant Morgan, Bumper Pool and Hayden Henry, who combined for 21 tackles, 2 tackles for lost yardage and 4 quarterback hurries.
“Arkansas is back,” Crook said. "Got the best trio of linebackers in the country.”
Duncanville sophomore linebacker Colin Simmons (6-1, 210), one of the nation’s top 2024 prospects, was also in attendance.
“The game was lit, energetic,” Simmons said. “I love their fans and defense and the way they play. The Razorbacks really showed me they (are) really like that, for real.”
Duncanville sophomore defensive back Ka’Davion Dotson (5-10, 180) believes Arkansas made it presence known nationally.
“It was a statement big win against a good team,” Dotson said. “Loved the defensive energy through the whole game.”
Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy linebacker Payton Pierce (6-1, 210) has made two unofficial visits to Arkansas, including the Razorbacks’ 40-21 win over Texas on Sept. 11, was also in Arlington on Saturday.
He is from the same high school that produced Pool.
“The game was super exciting and the atmosphere was once again extremely loud,” Pierce said. “Arkansas was the more physical team and definitely got after the quarterback a bunch tonight. Even when the offense was struggling a little bit, Arkansas' defense didn’t let up. I’m super excited to see what they can do the rest of the season.”
Desoto, Texas, junior and Arkansas offer Dahlyn Jones (6-2, 190) said he saw the Arkansas win coming.
“I knew they were going to win the whole time,” Jones said. “The tempo, their offense and the love and passion the defense and the whole team plays with is unmatched and they play as a team.”
Garland defensive lineman Trey Wilson loved the atmosphere.
"Arkansas fans brought a great environment to the AT&T, (the Razorbacks) played tough and hard the whole game, which helped them win the game," Wilson said. "Plus, great coaching."