The Recruiting Guy

Tulsa DT transfer has Hogs in top 5

Tulsa defensive lineman Jaxon Player (90) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Navy, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Arkansas has made the top five for Tulsa defensive tackle Jaxon Player, who entered the NCAA transfer portal last Friday.

"I love the fan base," said Player, who added he "most definitely" plans to visit Arkansas. 

A three-year starter and two-time All-American Athletic Conference selection, Player recorded 49 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 7 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 recovered fumble and 1 pass breakup for the Golden Hurricane this season. He is a product of Waco (Texas) Midway High School.

Player (6-0, 294 pounds) has Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU and Baylor as his finalists. He is a graduate transfer with plans to enroll at his new school for the spring semester. 

He said he likes the direction of the Arkansas program under coach Sam Pittman and is intrigued about possibly being reunited with defensive line coach Jermial Ashley, who recruited him to Tulsa. Ashley was hired by Pittman during the last offseason. 

"It’s a great school with great coaches," he said. "The way Coach Pittman turned the program around is tremendous. And the possibility of being coached by my former coach Jermial Ashley would be fun." 

As a junior, Player had 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 QB hurries and 2 blocked kicks.