2 defenders orally commit over the weekend to Hogs
Arkansas Razorbacks football Coach Chad Morris received oral commitments from two defensive prospects who made official visits to Fayetteville over the weekend.
Linebacker Andrew Parker was the first to pledge Sunday morning.
Parker, 6-2, 225 pounds, 4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Sophie B. Wright High School in New Orleans picked the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville over offers from Georgetown, McNeese State and Houston Baptist, while drawing interest from Texas A&M, Tennessee, Colorado State and Louisiana-Lafayette.
“Well, I had a great visit first of all,” Parker said. “And I love the fans here. They showed a lot of support. Just the overall atmosphere is pretty good. I’m excited to be committed to the program.”
He recorded 107 tackles — 26 for loss — 3 forced fumbles and 1 recovered fumble while rushing for 275 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries as a senior.
Parker was recruited by defensive coordinator John Chavis and safeties coach Ron Cooper.
“Arkansas took a chance on me,” said Parker, who has a 3.8 grade-point average. “I’ve been getting recruited by some SEC schools, but they didn’t offer me, but Arkansas offered me.”
His mother accompanied him to Fayetteville and is on board with his decision.
Defensive end Courtre Alexander told Morris and the Arkansas staff he wanted to be a Hog a few hours later.
Alexander, 6-4, 250, 4.9, from Owasso, Okla. chose the Hogs over scholarship offers from Texas, Memphis, Wyoming, Tulane and several others. He officially visited the Longhorns before arriving in Fayetteville.
“The best visit I’ve ever been on,” Alexander said of the Razorbacks. “The people are very genuine. I got to know the coaches and like them pretty well. I feel like this is place I could see myself pretty soon.”
He recorded 53 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 recovered fumbles while helping Owasso to the Class 6A state title this season, the school’s first state title since 1974.
Parker, Alexander and Jonesboro offensive lineman Noah Gatlin give the Hogs three commitments for the 2018 class to go along with the eight early signees from the December.