Published June 19, 2012 - 4:33pm
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Arkansas picked up two more verbal pledges over the past two weeks, to push their overall commitment total to eight. Traditionally, Arkansas does not have nearly as many commitments as the usual suspects in the recruiting wars at this time of year.
Where teams such as Alabama, Florida, Texas, and USC will have verbal pledges numbering in the high teens to maybe even 20 by the time the season begins, the Hogs use their top-notch facilities and official visit dates during and after the season to bring players to Fayetteville. It’s not unusual for the Hogs to “flip” a recruit (if he is pledged to a different school) while on campus, once they see all that the university has to offer.
Safety Khari Harding (6’1″ 205 lbs. 4.5) of Edmond, Oklahoma, chose Arkansas over offers from Colorado St, Indiana, Houston, Kansas St, Missouri and Wyoming. Harding is a hard-hitting DB with solid tackling skills, and he is not afraid to stick his helmet in the foray. Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Oklahoma St are very close to offering as well.
The second new verbal pledge for the Hogs is wide receiver Jervenski Johnson (6’5″ 190 lbs. 4.4) of Amite, Louisiana. Johnson is the cousin of current Razorback QB Brandon Mitchell, and he has blossomed into a fine athlete. He plays wideout and safety in high school, but will focus on receiver once he arrives at Arkansas.
Arkansas’ other verbal commitments:
QB Austin Allen 6’2″ 215 lbs. 4.7 Fayetteville, AR.
OLB Brooks Ellis 6’3″ 220 lbs. 4.5 Fayetteville, AR.
S Alex Brignoni 6’2″ 195 lbs. 4.4 Fayetteville, AR.
QB Tyler Cogswell 6’5″ 225 lbs. 4.8 Plantation, FL.
TE Deondre Skinner 6’4″ 230 lbs. 4.6 Patterson, LA.
RB Caleb Blanchard 6’1″ 210 lbs. 4.5 Denham Springs, LA.
The Razorbacks are very close to picking up verbal pledge number nine, with WR/Saf Dominique Alexander (6’1″ 190 lbs. 4.5) of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Head Coach John L. Smith and recruiting coordinator Tim Horton are also evaluating Yellville, Arkansas, OL Stockton Mallett (6’3″ 320 lbs. 5.2) for a possible scholarship offer. Stockton is the cousin of former Razorback and current New England Patriots QB Ryan Mallett.
Dominique Alexander has verbally pledged to Arkansas. That makes 9 commits for the Hogs, as of June 20.