If you are going to compete for championships in the Southeastern Conference, it is paramount that you recruit well within your state.

That goes for programs located in states with large talent pools (Florida, Georgia, Texas A&M and LSU) as well as those located in smaller talent pools (Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee). And it also holds true for Arkansas.

Though not very deep in numbers, there is good talent in the Natural State. That’s been a reality for years. It’s also true that the Razorbacks, when they are trending up as a program, tend to corral most of it.

Quietly, Bret Bielema and his staff have closed the borders. Consider this:

  • In the current 2016 recruiting cycle, the top four in-state prospects per 247Sports Composite rankings have committed to the Razorbacks, led by elite defensive end McTelvin Agim of Hope.
  • In the 2015 cycle, one of the deepest of the last decade, Arkansas landed nine of the top 11 in-state prospects. No. 1 prospect K.J. Hill did sign with Ohio State, but nearly every other in-state player with Power 5-level options signed with the Hogs.
  • In the 2014 cycle, coming off of a winless mark in the SEC during Bielema’s first season, Arkansas still managed to land five top 10 in-state prospects.

So as you can see, Arkansas continues to trend not just toward landing their share of in-state talent, but toward totally shutting down the borders of the state.

The Razorbacks have improved each season under Bielema and their roster, should this trend continue, will perpetually be in excellent shape to continue to fight battles in the brutal SEC West on Saturdays.