Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema is making Fayetteville an attractive option for recruits, once again building another strong class — particularly from within the state.
Bielema’s class currently ranks No. 30 in the nation, according to 247Sports Composite rankings, down from No. 23 last year. But recruiting season isn’t over yet and the Hogs are in the running to land several five-star and four-star athletes, which would improve the team’s ranking dramatically. Plus, Arkansas is ranked higher in the SEC (No. 10) than last year’s class, which finished ranked No. 11, according to the website.
One priority for Arkansas should be holding onto De’Jon Harris to add needed depth to the team’s linebacking corps. The three-star Harris is the lone inside linebacker in the 2016 class, joining outside linebackers Jordan Carmouche and Alexy Jean-Baptiste among those at the position committed to the Hogs. Harris, however, is expected to take an official visit to Alabama prior to signing day.
This year’s recruiting class is loaded with defensive tackles and pass catchers, with four defensive linemen, three wide receivers and a tight end among their 2016 commits.
The centerpiece of the class as of right now is DE McTelvin Agim, a four- or five-star recruit depending on which recruiting website you consult. Agim is considered the No. 1 recruit in the state.
Bielema is still hoping to bulk up his defense and is awaiting the last-minute decisions from several elite prospects ahead of Feb. 6’s signing day. Arkansas could also use some depth out of the backfield and are hoping to still be in the running for four-star backs Devwah Whaley, Devin White and Kyle Porter.
The class also includes three-star pro-style QB Cole Kelley, who is expected to compete with Southern California transfer Ricky Town, who is eligible next season.
ASSESSING ARKANSAS’ 2016 CLASS
Current commits or enrollees: 16 (avg. star 3.31; last year: 3.28)
Current big-name targets: DT Rashard Lawrence, OLB Rahshaun Smith, S Brandon Jones, CB Kristian Fulton
Biggest positions of need: RB, OL and CB
National/SEC rank: 30/10
NOTABLE COMMITS
| NAT RANK | PLAYER | STAR | POSITION | HEIGHT | WEIGHT |
| 51 | McTelvin Agim | 5 | SDE | 6-2.5 | 268 |
| 179 | Terrance Malone | 3 | OG | 6-4 | 308 |
| 226 | Austin Capps | 4 | DT | 6-3.5 | 307 |
| 280 | T.J. Hammonds | 4 | ATH | 5-11.5 | 195 |
Chris Wuensch is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers South Carolina and Tennessee.
