Recruiting Guy
The University of Arkansas is making Georgia a priority in recruiting, and the Hogs extended a scholarship offer to one of the nation’s top linebackers in Smael Mondon last week.
The University of Arkansas is making Georgia a priority in recruiting, and the Hogs extended a scholarship offer to one of the nation’s top linebackers in Smael Mondon last week.
Mondon, 6-3, 220 pounds, of Dallas (Ga.) Paulding County also has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Auburn, Clemson, Oklahoma, LSU, Notre Dame and others. Razorback linebackers coach Rion Rhoades told him about the offer on Thursday.
“He’s cool. I like him,” Mondon said of Rhoades. “He told me the plans for the program.”
He plans to visit Oklahoma on March 28 and is considering a trip to Fayetteville.
“Yeah, I’m going to try and visit them this spring,” Mondon said.
Mondon’s speed and physicality stand out on his highlight film. National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network rates him a five-star recruit.
“Smael is one of the best linebackers in the country,” Lemming said. “Big, physical, super fast, instinctive, with five-star ability. He’s an impact player on the next level and one of the favorites for the Butkus Award next December.”
His athleticism translates well in track and field. He recorded 46 feet, 11/2 inches in the triple jump.
“I’ve never ran a 40, but last year I ran an 11.1 in the 100,” Mondon said.
Running backs coach Jimmy Smith, special teams coordinator Scott Fountain and defensive line coach Derrick LeBlanc recruit Georgia. Coach Sam Pittman developed good ties in the state while at the university.
“I never talked to him at Georgia, but I know of him,” Mondon said of Pittman.
Mondon, who has a 3.4 grade-point average and is looking to major in business in college, has a 300-pound bench press, 450 squat and 325 power clean. He’s open to schools far and near.
“I’m not against going away for college, but the only thing about that is like when I’m taking my unofficial visits, it’s kind of hard to visit there if it’s far,” Mondon said.
REAFFIRMING OFFER
Offensive lineman Cole Carson didn’t have high expectations early on in the recruiting process, but a scholarship offer from University of Arkansas offensive line coach Brad Davis last week changed things.
“It means a whole lot to me,” Carson said. “I never would’ve thought that one of the biggest schools in college football —Arkansas — would consider looking at me.”
Carson, 6-6, 285 pounds, of Bogata (Texas) Rivercrest had offers from Texas- San Antonio, Louisiana-Monroe and Dartmouth prior to his offer from the Hogs.
“The first thing when I started getting into this recruiting deal, I was like, ‘Dang, well I reckon I don’t need to set my sights too high because I reckon I won’t get noticed by those type of schools,’ ” Carson said.
That was until Arkansas offensive coordinator Kendal Briles direct-messaged him on Twitter on Thursday.
“Lo and behold I got a message from Kendal Briles talking about how he loved my film,” Carson said.
He was notified of the offer during a conversation with Davis.
“He told me how he loved my film and how explosive and good on my feet I was,” Carson said. “He talked about the atmosphere and how beautiful the campus is. He really sold it on me thats for sure. He’s a real good guy.”
He’s also drawing interest from TCU and SMU along with another SEC school.
“Texas A&M has shown a little interest. Maybe they’ll show a little bit more now that Arkansas offered,” Carson said.
He said he plans to visit Arkansas on March 7.