Sam Pittman has had a busy day addressing the depth on his defensive line. Hours after landing Mizzou transfer Markell Utsey, Arkansas picked up a second defensive lineman commitment.

Illinois State John Ridgeway made the announcement on his Twitter account.

“I want to thank all the schools who showed interest in me and offering me. I am extremely blessed for the opportunities. But at this time after thoroughly weighing my options, I have decided to commit to the University of Arkansas!!! #WPS” Ridgeway tweeted.

Ridgeway played in Illinois State’s four-game spring season in February and March of 2021, logging 22 tackles, including three for loss. He previously played in 26 games over the 2018 and ’19 seasons.

Per his Illinois State bio, Ridgeway was an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Honorable Mention selection after starting all 15 games at nose guard for the Redbirds, who ranked No. 4 in the country in scoring defense (16.0) and No. 1 in sacks (52). Ridgeway finished the season with 50 tackles, including 28 solo stops, and 3 TFLs. In 2018 he was recognized as an FCS Freshman All-America selection by Phil Steele and a Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team pick after playing in all 11 games, with 10 starts at the nose guard position.

Ridgeway’s other offers in the transfer portal included Tennessee, Texas, Penn State, Indiana, Iowa and Arizona State.