UA commitment inspired by Greater, Burlsworth
Arkansas offensive line commitment Kirby Adcock has some advice to anyone going to see Greater, the newly released movie about former Razorbacks offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth.
“Bring your tissue boxes,” Adcock said. “You’ll definitely cry.”
Burlsworth is one of the more beloved players to ever don an Arkansas uniform after walking on in 1994 and becoming a two- time All- SEC pick and an All American his senior season. He was selected in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, but was tragically killed in a car accident 11 days after the draft.
Adcock, of Nashville, saw the movie with his mother, Cindi, in Texarkana on Sunday.
“It’s a great movie. It really shows when you work really hard, it pays off,” Adcock said. “Not everything is just given to you. You have to work for it.”
Burlsworth was strong in his faith and was traveling to his hometown of Harrison from Fayetteville to attend church with his mother when the crash occurred. Adcock said he was inspired by Burlsworth’s devotion.
“I want to try and lead my myself and my team in being even more faithful,” Adcock said. “Just be faithful in everything I do and trust in Him.”
In 2010, the Burlsworth Trophy was created to honor the most outstanding player in college football who began his career as a walk- on. Adcock received the Brandon Burlsworth Award for being named the most outstanding player for Nashville after helping the Scrappers win their fifth Class 4A state championship against Prairie Grove last season.
“I was kind of amazed at everything he did and was able to do,” Adcock said.
Adcock said seeing the movie made him proud of his commitment to the Hogs.
“I really liked the highlights from some of the older games and when he told Houston Nutt that he didn’t want him to bench all the seniors and rebuild,” Adcock said.
He said his mother’s eyes flowed with tears.
“She cried through the whole movie,” Adcock said.
LOYAL FROM START
When Arkansas received the commitment of cornerback Jarques McClellion in late June, the Hogs got a very athletic prospect with loads of potential.
McClellion, 6- 1 , 180 pounds, 4.41 seconds in the 40- yard dash, of Delray Beach ( Fla.) American Hertiage chose the Hogs over about 25 other scholarship offers, including ones from Nebraska, Michigan State, Louisville, Stanford and Wisconsin.
In his first two games this season, he has recorded 10 unassisted tackles, 3 assisted tackles, 2 pass breakups and has not allowed a completed pass against him.
He explained his mentality on the field.
“I just felt like when those lights turn on and Coach tells me, ‘ It’s man- on- man coverage,’ it’s over,” McClellion said. “I love to compete. I don’t care who you are — a 5- or 4- star [ recruit] — you are going to feel me.”
McClellion’s athleticism also shines in track and field. He has been timed at 10.50 seconds in the 100 meters and 22.7 in the 200, and he has a best effort of 25 feet, 9 inches in the long jump.
McClellion’s relationship with Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema and linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves convinced him to pledge to the Hogs without seeing the campus. A few weeks later, he visited Fayetteville and said he was very pleased with his decision.
Arkansas will be the only school McClellion plans to officially visit.
“It shows loyalty to your school,” he said. “Arkansas has always been there, so there is no reason not to trust them.”
Email Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com