UA gives Floyd a walk-on offer
University of Arkansas football Coach Sam Pittman offered a preferred walk-on offer to record setting quarterback Peyton Floyd, son of former Shiloh Christian Coach Josh Floyd on Thursday.
Seeing Pittman’s recent hiring of Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator has the younger Floyd intrigued. He visited Arkansas in April.
“I really appreciate the opportunity from Coach Pittman,” Peyton said. “It’s exciting to see what the offense is going to do with Coach Petrino. Arkansas is a great place with great facilities.”
Floyd, 5-11, 180 pounds, of Trussville (Ala.) Hewitt-Trussville has a scholarship offer from Western Alabama and a preferred walk-on offer from Central Florida while also drawing interest from Alabama-Birmingham, Liberty, Alabama A&M and Jacksonville State.
Harding and Ouachita Baptist have also expressed interest.
He set an Alabama Class 7A state records in total yards with 8,263 (6,091 passing, 2,152 rushing and 20 receiving) and career touchdowns with 100 (61 passing and 39 rushing). He also set a record in total touchdowns in a season with 45.
His 70% completion rate this season also broke the Class 7A record.
He passed for 2,613 yards and 26 touchdowns this season while rushing 174 times for 930 yards and 19 touchdowns.
The elder Floyd, who won four state championships at Shiloh Christian before being hired at Hewitt-Trussville in 2014, is obviously proud of his son’s accomplishments.
“Peyton had a great year,” Josh Floyd said. “He played big in our biggest games this year. He ended up with over 3,500 yards and 45 touchdowns against great competition each week. Peyton’s a dual threat quarterback that can make every throw. The best thing about Peyton is he’s a fierce competitor and a winner.”
The Arkansas coaches have been on the road recruiting since Dec. 1 seeing commitments and other targets.
The Hogs have also been extending scholarships offers to prospects in the 2025, 2026 and 2027 classes while on the road.
Razorback running backs coach Jimmy Smith was impressed by the film of 2026 athlete Paris Melvin Jr. and on Thursday he extended an offer to the sophomore standout after visiting his school.
“Coach seems like a really cool guy,” Melvin said. “He was very personable and I can tell he builds great relationships with his players through his short talk with me.”
Melvin, 6-0, 170 pounds, of Houston (Texas) Cy Springs also has offers from Baylor, California, SMU and TexasSan Antonio.
He recorded 54 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 7 pass breakups and 2 forced fumbles as a defensive back this season while also having 500 yards of total offense and 4 touchdowns as a receiver.
Melvin also returned three punts for touchdowns while being named All-District as a defensive back and returner.
He plans to visit the Hogs in the future.
“I can’t wait to visit Arkansas and get a chance to see the campus,” Melvin said. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about how beautiful the campus is. Getting on campus is a great opportunity for me to meet the staff and players and see if Arkansas is a good fit for me.”
Melvin doesn’t care which side of the ball he plays on in college.
“I don’t really have a preference,” Melvin said. “I’m a football player and I want to be able to make an impact in all three phases.”