Arkansas a top contender for RB prospect Hayden

Arkansas has put itself in position to land one of the nation’s best tailbacks.

Collierville, Tenn., St. George’s three-star standout Chase Hayden (5-foot-11, 185 pounds, 4.47 in the 40-yard dash), who rushed for 2,625 yards 37 touchdowns last season, said earlier this week that he is now focused on three schools.

“I don’t really have a top five anymore, and instead I am really focusing on three schools — Arkansas, South Carolina and Michigan,” Hayden said. “I’ll probably be ready to decide in a couple of weeks.”

Hayden, the son of former Tennessee star and NFL player Aaron Hayden, visited the Razorbacks in mid-June for the second time in the past few months.

“I had a great visit to Arkansas, and it was one of — if not the best — visits that I have had,” Hayden said. “I just love the coaches, the players and everything about the school, and the fans and their support.

“I also really love the things that Arkansas has in terms of both academic and athletic development. They have great facilities, all so new and just everything that a college athlete could want.”

Hayden, who visited Arkansas for its Red-White game on April 23, had previously released a top five of the Razorbacks, Illinois, Oklahoma State, South Carolina and Tennessee.

He has visited Arkansas, South Carolina, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma State and Tennessee so far this summer.

“I feel like I have been to enough places and have enough information to make a decision,”

Hayden said.

Hayden also caught 19 passes for 249 yards last season while being named Mr. Football in Tennessee’s Division 2A.

“I feel like I have great vision and speed and work hard every day to get better,” Hayden said. “I continue to work on every aspect of my game.” Arkansas has had quite the run lately with commitments, landing four in the past week and six since the beginning of June to run its

total to 16.

The last four include Delray Beach, Fla., American Heritage cornerback Jacques McClellion (6-1, 180), Decatur, Ga., Cedar Grove safety Korey Hernandez (6-0, 175), Katy, Texas defensive end Ryder Anderson (6-6, 230) and New Orleans, La., De Le Salle linebacker Josh Paul (6-2, 205).

The other two June commits have been Arizona Western tight end Jeremy Patton (6-6, 248) and Punta Gorda, Fla., Charlotte tailback Maleek Williams (5-11, 205).

Hayden