Talent Galore

In his weekly recruiting column, Dudley E. Dawson writes about how the University of Arkansas will have over 80 recruits in to see its game with Alabama this weekend. This story is free and sponsored by the Arkansas Toyota Dealers. Click on the Arkansas Toyota.

There’s also going to be several on the sidelines during pre-game – in fact a whopping 80-plus recruits - that could keep the University of Arkansas involved in such battles for years to come.

Six of those players are expected to be here on official visits including a pair of Razorback commitments from Orlando (FL) Dr. Phillips in safety Roderick Ryles (6-1, 180) and linebacker LaQuentin Smith (6-2, 220), who says he will publicly confirm his pledge this weekend.

They are bringing along a pair of highly-regarded teammates in tailback Dee Hart (5-9, 190) and safety HaSean Clinton-Dix (6-2, 190), the latter who just happens to be committed to Alabama.

Also due in on official visits are Chesapeake (VA) Oscar F. Smith wideout Quinta Funderburk (6-5, 204) and Klein (Texas) Collins cornerback Charles Jackson (5-10, 175, 4.35).

“We’re thinking the program up there is really on the way up and thinking we can be a big part of helping get it to the top of the SEC,” Ryles said. “They have great coaches and some great players and are getting a lot more with this recruiting class.”

UA commits such as quarterback Brandon Allen, tight end Demetrius Dean, offensive linemen Brey Cook, Mitch Smothers and Marcus Danenhauer, defensive linemen Robert Thomas, Grady Ollison, Demarcus Hodge and Austin Beck and defensive end Darrell Kelly-Thomas will be checking out their future teammates.

There’s also obviously a ton of other top-notch prospects on unofficial visits including the Dallas area duo of tight end Chris Barnett (6-4, 240) and linebacker Anthony Wallace (6-2, 230), Coffeyville CC wideout Duron Carter (the son of former NFL star Chris Carter), Ole Miss commits in defensive end Kameron Wood and tight end Jamal Mosley and Nebraka cornerback commit Tevin Mitchell.

Even some key 2012 recruits who already have Arkansas offers such as wide receivers Zac Brooks of Jonesboro, Warren’s Jalen Cobb and Springfield (MO) Hiilcrest’s Dorial Green-Beckham – viewed by some as the No. 1 player nationally in the class – will get a live look at things.

The four Dr. Phillips standouts along with Thunderburk all credit Arkansas graduate assistant Marty Biaggi for getting them interested in the Razorbacks.

“We’re both really looking forward to getting back up there and seeing Coach Biaggi, who really got us interested in Arkansas,” Smith said. “I also have a really good relationship with Coach Bobby Petrino and also with Dan Kabala, although I am not sure what his exact title is. They are all great guys.”

Dr. Phillips is 3-0 and ranked No. 1 in Florida and No. 19 in one national poll heading into Friday night’s game at Cypress Creek.

That comes after a 49-0 beatdown of rival Olympia last week to continue a dominant season that has seen Dr. Phillips outscore its three foes 146-14.





LaQuentin Smith





Dee Hart





HaSean Clinton-Dix





Quinta Funderburk





Charles Jackson