TEXAS LINEMAN
hungry to check Razorbacks out.
Baylor offensive line commitment Jackson Kimble will be arriving in Fayetteville today for the start of a two-day visit to check out the Razorbacks program.
Kimble, 6-5, 270 pounds, of Southlake (Texas) Carroll has scholarship offers from University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Baylor, Arizona State, Minnesota and Texas Tech among others.
Southlake Carroll is one of the more tradition-rich high school programs in Texas with eight state titles. Kimble is interested in experiencing the environment of Arkansas.
“I really want to see what the culture is about because that’s a big part coming from Southlake,” Kimble said. “A lot of culture, a lot of tradition and stuff. That’s really important to me so I want to see what they’re building there.”
Kimble said he video chatted with Coach Bret Bielema and the offensive staff Wednesday.
“They just wanted to check in,” Kimble said. “They ask about my family.”
He said the coaches got a chuckle about him chowing down two spicy chicken sandwiches, 2 large fries and 30 nuggets that he washed down with a large sweet tea prior to the video chat.
“They asked if I was sharing with someone,” Kimble said laughing.
Kimble likes different uniform combinations and is anxious to see what the Hogs have to offer during his visit.
“When I get there I just want to check out all the cool stuff they have jersey-wise,” he said. “I don’t know why, but I’m actually a guy that when I go to schools I wear pretty much a gray and black and white everyday, but when it comes to jerseys I feel like the brighter and crazier the better.”
Kimble has heard good things about Fayetteville and the university from several friends and a cousin that played volleyball at Arkansas for a year before transferring. His father and sister also like the look of the school.
“My dad took a trip up to Missouri with my sister, and they went through Fayetteville to check out the campus. … My dad said the stadium was one of the coolest things just because it’s in a valley,” Kimble said.
FS SOUTHSIDE PROSPECTS
Fort Smith Southside Coach Jeff Williams has been at the school for 12 years and believes sophomore Darrin Davenport is the best linebacker prospect he’s seen while coaching the Mavericks.
“Davenport is a D-I guy,” Williams said. “He’s the best linebacker we’ve had since I’ve been here which is saying a lot because every year we’ve had a guy that’s been All-State or something like that.”
Davenport, 6-2, 222 pounds, was extremely productive in 4 ½ games by recording 64 tackles, a sack, an interception and recovered a fumble before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
He also plays basketball and baseball for the Mavericks. Because of his busy schedule, Williams said Davenport hasn’t been timed in the 40-yard dash, but estimates him being in the 4.6 range.
“His instincts are very good,” Williams said. “He’s a great tackler and obviously he can run. A lot of times you throw a sophomore out there in 7A, and you don’t know if he belongs, but day one he belonged. He could play any position and be a great player.”
Davenport has accepted an invitation from Arkansas tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. to visit the campus and plans to do so April 22.
He also excels academically.
“I think he’s number six in his class academic wise,” Williams said. “He’s a great athlete, great player and a great leader.”
Williams also believes sophomore quarterback Taye Gatewood is a Division I prospect.
“He’s probably an athlete,” Williams said. “At quarterback, he has a chance. He has a nice arm. He’s that dual-threat guy.”
Gatewood, 5-11, 200, 4.62 seconds in the 40-yard dash, returned an interception 100 yards for a score against Greenwood this past season. Lunney also has requested Gatewood visit Arkansas and will make the trip to Fayetteville on Saturday.
Williams sees college coaches liking Gatewood’s versatility.
“He could play multiple spots,” Williams said. “He’s a good quarterback, smart, also a great student. He’s a good basketball player, too.”
HOOPS VISIT CANCELLED
Arkansas basketball cancelled Miami of Ohio transfer Michael Weathers’ official visit which was planned for Monday.
Weathers, 6-3, 165, had plans to officially visit Nevada today, Xavier on April 20, Oklahoma State on April 25 and Miami on April 30. The Cowboys recently hired his former coach, John Cooper, who was fired as the Redhawks coach on March 10.