Oklahoma cornerback Keuan Parker orally commits to Arkansas.
The University of Arkansas received the oral commitment of Oklahoma cornerback Keuan Parker on Friday.
Parker, 5-11, 170 pounds, of Tulsa Washington picked the Razorbacks over scholarship offers from Oregon, Baylor, Nebraska, Michigan State, Kansas, Iowa State and several others.
He narrowed his list to Arkansas, Nebraska, Baylor, Kansas, SMU and Michigan State on April 13. He privately committed to the Razorbacks about two weeks ago.
Parker visited Fayetteville three times in the past, but made his first visit on March 7 with Sam Pittman as the Hogs’ head coach.
“I believe in Coach Pittman
and his staff, and every time I’m in Fayetteville I feel like it’s a place I could picture myself being for the next three, four years,” Parker said. “I feel safe and comfortable there.”
National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network rates Parker a 4-star prospect.
“Super fast, runs 10.9 seconds in the 100 meters and a 4.4 in the 40,” Lemming said. “Physical, shows good footwork, excels in man coverage. He shows loose hips, very quick in transition and can mirror swift receivers.”
Parker, who had 45 tackles, 1 sack, 14 pass breakups and 2 interceptions as a junior, liked the makeup of the Arkansas staff, and the coaches’ vision for the program and desire to develop players beyond the field.
“They’re all experienced, and they all have the same vision and goal,” Parker said. “Get more wins and build men while we’re there. They build you as a man, not just as a player.”
His one-on-one with Pittman during the March trip swayed him toward the Hogs.
“When I talked to Coach Pittman in his office … he really believed in me as a player, and I appreciate that and he took the time to recruit me,” Parker said. “He’s from Oklahoma, and he wants to recruit Oklahoma, and I want to be a part of it.”
Parker said he expects to play cornerback and nickel back at Arkansas. His relaltionship with cornerbacks coach Sam Carter also played a big part in his desire to become a Razorback.
“He’s a real open guy, he’s a down-to-earth dude, and he’s a real person,” Parker said. “He talks to you about more than just football. He’s down to have a conversation about anything.”
He’s the Hogs’ sixth commitment for the 2021 class. Oral commitments are nonbinding.