Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Razorbacks still making strides in DFW region
DALLAS — Plans to continue playing Texas A&M at Cowboys Stadium may be in limbo, but Arkansas football Coach Bobby Petrino has made it known that he wants to continue playing in the billion dollar complex in Arlington, Texas, to help in the Hogs’ recruiting efforts in the Dallas-fort Worth area.
Junior offensive/defensive lineman Jake Raulerson of Celina, which is about 40 miles north of Dallas, will be one of the more highly recruited 2013 prospects in the nation, but he said not having the opportunity to play in Cowboys Stadium won’t be a deal breaker when it comes time to decide on a school.
“It’s an honor to play in Cowboys Stadium, but it’s not everything,” Raulerson said. “My parents are going to find a way to come see me anyway. Not playing in Cowboy Stadium isn’t that big of a deal.”
Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M and Michigan are among the more than 20 schools that already have offered a scholarship to Raulerson, 6-5, 240 pounds, 4.88 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
Raulerson traveled to Fayetteville on Sept. 17 to see the Razorbacks’ game against Troy, and he described the atmosphere as “awesome.”
“They’re definitely high on my list,” said Raulerson, who is being recruited by the Razorbacks to play defensive end. “I really do like Arkansas. I’m going to try and take a visit there soon.”
Raulerson had planned to attend one of Arkansas’ bowl practices but was unable to do so.
“They’re a great team ,” Raulerson said. “They’re a lot of fun to watch, and I can’t wait to see them play in the Cotton Bowl.”
Arkansas commitment Deatrich Wise Jr. of Carrollton Hebron said he wouldn’t mind seeing the Hogs continue to play in Cowboy Stadium, but he isn’t overly concerned either.
“It’s really not that important,” Wise said. “It’s sort of like one of those bonuses. As long I’m a Razorback, I’m fine with it.”
Wise, 6- 6, 235, 4.82, chose Arkansas over offers from several other schools, including Arizona, Vanderbilt, Purdue and Wake Forest. Wise and his father attended the Razorbacks’ Cotton Bowl practice Monday.
“It was very nice,” said Wise, who will take his official visit to Arkansas on Jan. 13-15. “It was good to see the team I’ll be playing for next year practice. I have a sense of pride and belief that I can play in the same stadium and be coached by the same coaches.”
Hebron defensive coordinator Eric Mach said Wise has a strong desire to be the best he can be.
“Deatrich is one of those kids that you’ll get two or three times in a career,” Mach said.
“He’s that type of a hard worker. He’s a coach’s kid. His father coached in the arena league with the Dallas Desperadoes. He comes from a great family, mother and father push all the right priorities in the right way.
“He’s a kid that’s destined for greatness.”
DALLAS A PLUS
Dallas Wilmer-hutchins Coach Elzie Barnett said he believes it’s important for Arkansas to continue to play in Cowboys Stadium, but he thinks the SEC rule that keeps schools from being able to host recruits at a neutral site lessens the impact.
“It helps Arkansas more than it helps anyone else because of the fan base they have and they recruit so heavily in Texas,” Barnett said.
“It gives the kids an opportunity to see Arkansas without having to take a trip Fayetteville. If they keep that rule and they can’t host recruits, then it won’t benefit them.”
Barnett’s prized pupil, safety Ladarrell Mcneil, 6-2, 195, 4.5, is committed to Tennessee but is planning to take an official visit to Arkansas on Jan. 27 after visiting the Volunteers on Jan. 13 and Oklahoma State on Jan.20.
Mcneil is one of the more physical safeties in the nation, and he has scholarship offers from schools across the “I’m hoping he gives Arkansas a good look,” Barnett said. “It’s a great program. The defensive coordinator [Paul Haynes] is a great guy. I like what I see. I’ve always liked the program. That program is going in the right direction.”
Barnett said he also believes Mcneil would benefit by playing in the SEC West. “I like the division,” Barnett said. “I think that portion of the SEC, you can take any one of those teams from that division and put them in any conference and they would finish near the top or at the top.” E-mail Richard Davenport at: