Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Lineman’s family taken by family feel at Arkansas
Offensive lineman Jake Heinrich said Arkansas’ family-like atmosphere was one of the key reasons he committed to the Razorbacks in July.
During a June visit, Heinrich and his parents were talking to Coach Bret Bielema and the Head Hog told them about paying for a family cruise to celebrate his parent’s wedding anniversary.
“He wa s saying the last night his dad stood up at the meal said the best thing about this, is it’s the first time in 20 years my whole family has been together for a week,” said Don Heinrich, Jakes’ father.
Don Heinrich said his wife was won over after hearing Bielema talk about his family.
“When Coach Bielema told the story about his parents, that mom was committed at that point,” he said.
Jake Heinrich, 6- 4, 290 pounds, 5.3 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Urbandale, Iowa, chose the Hogs over scholarship offers from Oregon, Iowa State, Louisville, Kansas State, Illinois, California and others. He’ll make his official visit to Fayetteville during the Jan. 22-24 weekend.
Don Heinrich said schools bombarded his son with mail talking up a family atmosphere. He said his family felt that at Arkansas.
“I think the Arkansas fans should know they’re supporting an organization that’s led by some really solid family-oriented, caring people,” Don Heinrich said. “You hear a lot of bad stuff abut college sports and recruiting and what not. We couldn’t be more pleased with our choice and looking forward to being a part of the Arkansas family.”
Another point of Bielema made also hit home with the Heinrich’s.
“He was the first one I heard make reference to the fact where you go to college to play football, it isn’t a fouryear decision. It’s a 40-year decision,” Don Heinrich said. “It affects the rest of your life.”
Prior to Jake’s commitment to the Razorbacks, Don talked to Jon Ragnow, the father of Frank Ragnow, an offensive guard for Arkansas. Ragnow told him how the Arkansas coaches truly cared for his son’s well being.
“To hear stuff like that, it really helps you crystallize your thinking,” Don Heinrich said.
Heinrich said the June trip to Fayetteville sealed the deal with his son.
“Thinking back on it, I think Jake had already made his mind up,” Don Heinrich said. He said, ‘It’s hard to describe. I just felt a comfort level, a trust and felt like they were really good guys that had their players’ best interest [at heart].’ ”
HOME COOKING
Arkansas defensive coordinator Robb Smith visited the school and home of safety commitment Deon Edwards last week and was treated to his mother’s cooking.
“My mom cooked him chicken and potatoes and corn and buttered bread,” Edwards said. “A good southern meal. Coach Smith put it away.”
Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema talks of recruiting uncommon men to the program and Edwards is that on the field and also off the field in what he eats. He’s been a vegetarian since his youth.
“I realized I wasn’t a big fan of meat around the age of 6,” Edwards said. “That’s around the age I started playing football.”
Edwards, 6-2, 200, of Clermont (Fla.) Lake Minneola, committed to the Hogs on July 29 over about 12 scholarship offers, including ones from South Carolina, Missouri, Louisville and North Carolina State.
He said he gets his protein from different sources.
“I eat beans and rice, peanut butter, humus, tofu at Chipotle,” Edwards said. “I drink a lot of Muscle Milk.”
Edwards, who recorded 79 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 3 pass breakups and an interception this season, is an aggressive, punishing tackler with excellent range.
He said he appreciated Smith visiting his school and home.
“It shows he’s dedicated to who’s dedicated to him,” Edwards said.
Edwards made an unofficial visit to Fayetteville in June and returned in November for his official visit for the Mississippi State game. His mother, Lisa Jordan, was unable to accompany him on the two trips.
“My mom loved it,” Edwards said of Smith’s inhome visit. “She hasn’t had a chance to go to the school yet, but from what Coach Smith explained to her, she has a better understanding of the school. So she feels a lot better about Arkansas.”
Edwards hasn’t wavered on his commitment to the Razorbacks, and other schools have quit trying to flip his commitment.
“No other schools have been down to see me right now,” Edwards said. “I really don’t show no other school any attention, so they don’t really show attention in me. I’m a Razorback to the fullest.”