• Altee Tenpenny, RB, 5-11, 200, 4.4, North Little Rock    Verbal Committment to Alabama
• Hunter Henry, TE, 6-4, 237, 4.8, Pulaski Academy          Offers from Arkansas, Alabama, Arkansas State, Auburn,  Florida, Miami, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Purdue, Tennessee, North Carolina, Texas Tech and Vanderbilt
• Austin Allen, QB, 6-2, 180, 4.7, Fayetteville                        Offers from Arkansas, Arkansas State, Ole Miss, South Florida, North Carolina and Tulsa
• Brooks Ellis, S, 6-2, 200, 4.6, Fayetteville                           Offers from Arkansas,  Illinios, and Tulsa
• Korliss Marshall, RB, 6-0, 185, 4.5, Osceola                       Offers from Arkansas State
• Jamar Criswell, RB, 5-9, 166, 4.5, Morrilton                      Offers from Arkansas State and Kansas State
• Stockton Mallett, OL, 6-3, 284, 5.4, Yellville-Summitt
• Trey Martin, OL, 6-3, 285,5.3, Lake Hamilton
• Martin Stafford, RB, 5-9, 183, 4.5, Jonesboro
• Bryce Gahagans, RB, 5-9, 175, 4.4, Fayetteville
• Brandon Cox, ATH, 5-9, 160, 4.45, Conway
• Kenny Howard, DL, 6-2, 290, 5.2, North Little Rock
• Austin Thompson, LB/DE, 6-3, 240, 4.7, Bearden
• Tearris Wallace, RB, 5-10, 184, 4.6, Bentonville
• L.J. Wallace, WR, 6-1, 170, 4.6, Pulaski Academy
• Drew Morgan, WR, 6-1, 185, 4.6, Greenwood
• J.D. Rainwater, OL, 6-3, 246, 5.2, Jonesboro
• Marque Burris, RB, 5-9, 180, 4.5, El Dorado
• Javion Clifton, OL, 6-4, 290, 5.5, Searcy
• Marquis Handley, ATH, 5-10, 195, 4.5, Watson Chapel
• C.J. Gooden, LB, 6-1, 205, 4.8, Ashdown
• Rashad Williams, ATH, 5-7, 175, 4.5, Mineral Springs
• Cordell Crisp, QB, 6-1, 165, 4.9, Bald Knob
• Bradon Kotch, OL, 6-2, 253, 5.0, Conway
• McKenzie James, DL, 6-3, 230, 4.9, Camden Fairview
• Jordan Childress, RB, 5-9, 175, 4.7, Batesville
• Alex Flemister, OL, 6-3, 235, 5.3, Pulaski Academy
• Curtis Grandison, OL, 6-3, 265, 5.4, Jacksonville
• Kendall Allen, RB, 5-10, 177, 4.5, West Memphis
• Sterling Stowers, ATH, 5-10, 168, 4.6, Highland

Several of these players of recieved other offers from schools. Looking forward to see who Arkansas will send offers to. The Arkansas Coaching staff have done a good job at keeping the best players in state. They will have their work cut out for them as some big name schools are trying to steal a couple away. Now with a full season still to play for these guys this list will change over time. Arkansas is now on the clock to land these Top players and keep them home.

Fayetteville QB Austin Allen

North Little Rock RB Altee Tenpenny

Senior All-American Jaime Pisani, ranked No. 1 in the nation on floor, set a school record on floor, (she’s the first Gymback ever to get at least one judge to score her a perfect 10 on floor for a total of 9.975. Highest floor score ever for a Gymback,) and tied the school record with a 39.725 in the all-around. These ladies compete hard every single night. For example against Auburn, on the floor event, Grable tied the school record of 9.95, but Pisani went next and set a new school mark with a 9.975. Zumwalde added a 9.825, Salsberg a 9.725 and Stephani Canizaro a 9.475. Even though they compete like they do, they are team mates first. That’s what makes them so good and so dangerous.

“We’ve been having an awesome season,” Pisani said. “We’ve had 196 points or more in every meet. It’s an amazing feeling to set the all-around record. I couldn’t do it without my teammates.”

On the season in the individual events, Arkansas is #1 on bars, #2 on floor, #6 on vault and #7 on beam. The Gymbacks are led by two #1-ranked, senior Mariah Howdeshell on bars and senior All-American Jaime Pisani on floor. In addition, sophomore All-American Katherine Grable is #2 in the country in the all-around and #2 on beam. Additional to being #1 on the floor, Pisani is also #6 on bars, #10 in the all-around and #13 on vault. Grable is #3 on floor and #9 on vault. Sophomore Shelby Salmon is #14 on bars.

The Gymbacks feature 3 Top 20 all-arounders with Grable at #2, Pisani #10 and junior Jordan Salsberg at #19.

Tonight the #2 Ranked Gymbacks (7-1 overall. 3-1 SEC) have another tough matchup and a Top 5 matchup when #5 Oklahoma visits Barnhill Arena @ 2 p.m. tonight.

Things don’t get any easier for the gymback as the return to SEC competion and hit the road to visit two straight Top 10 teams. First they will travel to #4 Georgia on Friday and then to #6 Alabama on Feb. 17. In case you can’t make the the Alabama meet, it will be recorded and replayed by ESPNU on Feb. 23 @ 5:30 p.m.

If you walked into Wal-Mart and were standing behind John McDonnell would you recognize him? Would you know who is was and what he has done and accomplished. Most of us would say no, we’ve heard about him and seen him on T.V. and newspapers but we really don’t know who he is.  Let me tell you a little about a man that came to Arkansas and created a Dynasty.

You look at the popular coaches that have dominated the sports world; John Wooden, Bear Bryant, Adolph Rupp, Pat Summit, Bob Knight, Joe Paterno, Mike Krzyzewski, Bobby Bowden and none of these coaches even come close to what Coach McDonnell accomplished at Arkansas.

42 NCAA Championships since 1984, including 11 cross country, 19 indoor track and 12 outdoor track.  McDonnell has more National Championships than any single-gendered program coach in any sport in the history of college athletics. He had five Triple Crowns, including 3 in a row. 21 Conference Triple Crowns, 25 consecutive Conference Titles in Cross Country, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track combined. 84 Conference Championships (38 SWC and 46 SEC) Coached 184 Track All-Americans, 23 Olympians including gold, silver and bronze medalist.  The closest four NCAA coaches:  UCLA’s Al Scates (19) Mens Volleyball, UCLA’s John Wooden (10) Basketball, Tennessee’s Pat Summit (8) Basketball,  Alabama’s Paul “Bear” Bryant (6) Football. These are all Legends in their respected sports, yet no one comes close to McDonnell’s record.

“You’re never going to see anybody like him again,” Florida State coach Bob Braman said. “It’s just impossible for anybody to win 42 national championships.” from a US Today’s article.

Who would have thought a man who was born in the Country of Mayo, Ireland in 1938, who majored in Education and who started coaching in 1969 at a High School in New Providence, NJ would have come in and accomplished what he has. He transformed the Track and Field sport forever and not just in college but in the world. He has made his mark and now everyone will try and reach it. Will someone ever come close? Time will only tell.

McDonnell started coaching Arkansas’ men in 1972, when he began as the cross country coach. He then took over the whole program in 1978, transforming the program into a dynasty for the whole world to see. Now how did he do it? How was he so successful?  A thought crossed my mind that it could be the mystic magic of the Ozark Mountains? But in reality he was a great recruiter, motivator and mentor. He expected his guys to work and to be the best. He also recruited the best athletes in the country and some outside the United States.  He recruited big names like All-American and Olympians Tyson Gay and Wallace Spearman. He took their talents and made them the best in their sport. That’s what he did year after year and decade after decade.

McDonnell is Most Accomplished Coach Ever?

McDonnell is Most Accomplished Coach Ever

With the success he had, it was only fitting that McDonnell and the Track and & field program receive the best facilities money can buy and that’s what legendary Athletic Director Frank Broyles did. The new John McDonnell Field was rededicated on May 12, 2006 during the 2006 SEC Championships, which was the first meet held at the complex since renovations. In 2008 the facility hosted the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships and hosted the 2009 NCAA Outdoor Championships. The track also hosts the annual John McDonnell Invitational as well as Arkansas high school state championships. The Hogs moved into their new world-class indoor facility, the Randal Tyson Track Center, in 2001. The Center has hosted several national events including the Tyson Track & Field Invitational, NCAA Division I Indoor Track & Field Championships including the last in 2010. When you’re the best, you have to have the best, and Arkansas still has the best track facilities in the country.

After coaching for 36 years and collecting enough hardware to fill a house, including (National Track & Field Hall of Fame, United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches (USTFCCCA) Hall of Fame, USA Track and Field Hall of Fame, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, UA Hall of Honor, ULL Sports Hall of Fame, Selected as Team USA’s middle distance coach for the 2003 IAAF World Championships, National Coach of the Year 30 times, Conference Coach of the Year 50 times, Region Coach of the Year 63 times) it was time for Coach McDonnell to ride off into the sunset, in a way that any coach would dream to do, on top of his respected sport and on his own weems. He earned that right tenfold and he will be respected and worshipped not only in Arkansas but the whole sports world.  He is a Legend of our time and we should all be honored to have been able to witness his dynasty, while he conquered the sports world.  “The Most Accomplished Coach Ever”? Is it even a question? WPS

McDonnell is Most Accomplished Coach Ever!

A few twist and turns aside including a couple of surprise signees, the Hogs class is full of promising prospects at every position. In total the Razorbacks signed 23 players that were listed in the top 100 or better at their individual positions. None of the signees were rated 2-star or below.

The biggest surprise of the day was the addition of  former Alabama commitment Darius Philon (Prichard, AL) and former Fayetteville Bulldogs tight end Demetrius Dean.

Dean was a 3-star prospect who signed with Arkansas in 2011 but did not join the team for fall practices. Coming out of high school he was listed at 6’3”, 245 pounds, and was ranked as the sixth best player in the state of Arkansas per Rivals.com.

Because of Dean’s versatility, size, and athleticism he could lineup as a tight end or fullback in college. The nationally ranked 28th best tight end in the 2011 class will join the Hogs as a scholarship player this spring.

At Bobby Petrino’s National Signing Day press conference Wednesday evening, he said he was unsure if Dean’s scholarship would count against the 2011 class or the 2012 class.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was the addition of Darius Philon, 6’1”, 282 pounds. He had been an Alabama commitment since de-committing from Auburn in September.

Come signing dayAlabamahead coach Nick Saban asked Philon to grey-shirt until spring of 2013. Instead he decided to sign with the Razorbacks over Alabama joining his Vigor high school teammate Ja’Michael Winston in Fayetteville becoming of one Arkansas’ final recruits on National Signing Day.

Philon’s size and speed could make him a defensive tackle at the college level.

With one remaining scholarship left Arkansas may not be finished adding top talent to their 2012 recruiting class.

Five-star offensive tackle Jordan Diamond from Chicago, IL and five-star wide receiver Davont’e Neal from Scottsdale, AZ remain unsigned. Both players have the Hogs among their final choices.

The only recruit that was previously committed to Arkansas but opted to sign with another school was junior college wide receiver Courtney Gardner.

Gardner, a 4-star prospect from Rocklin, CA, was reportedly a couple of classes short of meeting SEC enrollment standards. To avoid taking the extra classes needed to fulfill SEC requirements, on Wednesday Gardner officially signed a letter of intent with University of Oklahoma.

Here’s a list of the 2012 Arkansas Razorback recruiting class:

OG Cordale Boyd, 3-star, 6’3”, 290 pounds, Memphis, TN

OG Jeremy Ward, 3-star, 6’4”, 275 pounds, Pottsville, AR

WR D’Arthur Cowan, 3-star, 6’1’, 175 pounds, Olive Branch, MS

WR Keon Hatcher, 4-star, 6’1”, 195 pounds, Owasso, OK

WR Eric Hawkins, 3-star, 6’5”, 220, Longview, TX

WR #Demetrius Wilson, 3-star, 6’2”, 170 pounds, Glendale, AZ

RB Jonathan Williams, 4-star, 5’11”, 205 pounds, Allen, TX

RB Nathan Holmes, 3-star, 6’1”, 180 pounds, Port Arthur, TX

RB Donovan Roberts, 3-star, 6’0”, 200 pounds, Norman, OK

TE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star, 6’6”, 215, White Hall, AR

TE Demetrius Dean, 3-star, 6’4”, 235, Fayetteville, AR

CB Ray Buchanan Jr., 3-star, 5’10”, 170 pounds, Suwannee, GA

CB Jared Collins, 3-star, 5’11”, 170 pounds, Tulsa, OK

FS Will Hines, 3-star, 6’1”, 175 pounds, Waco, TX

SS Defonta Lowe, 3-star, 6’2”, 180 pounds, Bearden, AR

LB A.J. Turner, 3-star, 6’3”, 200 pounds, Lepanto, AR

LB Vin Ascolese, 3-star, 6’2”, 215 pounds, New Bergen, NJ

LB Otha Peters, 4-star, 6’1”, 220 pounds, Covington, LA

DE Brandon Lewis, 3-star, 6’5”, 220 pounds, Memphis, TN

DE JaMichael Winston, 3-star, 6’6”, 230 pounds, Prichard, AL

DE Deatrich Wise Jr., 4-star, 6’5”, 220, Carrolton, TX

DE Taiwan Johnson, 4-star, 6’3”, 230 pounds, Manvel, TX

DE Darius Philon, 3-star, 6’1”, 282,Prichard, AL

DE *#Austin Flynn, 3-star, 6’4”, 250 pounds, Los Angeles Harbor CC

*Already enrolled at University of Arkansas

# Denotes junior college player

Position by position breakdown of Arkansas 2012 verbal commitments:

Offensive line: two

Running backs: three

Wide receivers: four

Quarterbacks: none

Tight ends: two

Defensive line: six

Linebackers: three

Safeties: two

Cornerbacks: two

Kickers: none

How the recruiting services ranked Arkansas:

Scout.com No. 21

Rivals.com No. 31

247Sports.com No. 27

Peters, 4-star, 6’1”, 221 pounds, is considered the sixth best inside linebacker in the nation per Rivals.com.

Lewis noted in his report that Covington Coach Malter Scobel was worried about the instability of the Tennessee program in the upcoming years. Scobel added that Arkansas did not have the same challenges ahead of them as Tennessee.

Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and new defensive coordinator Paul Haynes have been searching for top talent to replace departing seniors Jerry Franklin and Jerrico Nelson in their linebacker unit.

Early speculation centered on mid-term enrollee Austin Flynn and his ability to play linebacker for the Hogs in 2012. Flynn may still get a chance to switch from his defensive end position to linebacker for the Razorbacks but the signing of Peters should help Haynes depth at linebacker for the upcoming season.

Peters is the third linebacker verbally committed to the Hogs 2012 recruiting class joining A.J. Turner (Lepanto, Ark.) and Vin Ascolese (New Bergen, N.J.).

Razorback Recruiting Speculation

Word is 4-star junior college wide receiver Courtney Gardner may flip from Arkansas to Oklahoma due to the restrictions the SEC places on incoming JC players. Gardner would have to take extra classes if he were to enroll in any SEC school not just at Arkansas.

The Big 12 does not have the same enrollment standards as the SEC.

Recent junior college verbal commitment Demetrius Wilson is reported to not have any class restrictions delaying his ability to enroll at Arkansas once his spring semester is completed.

If Gardner de-commits the Hogs still have two possibly three scholarships remaining. Which recruits will receive the final two or three scholarships? The possibilities are debatable.

Despite the false reporting of one of the Razorbacks top recruiting prospects, Dorial Green-Beckham of Springfield, MO, committed to Missouri, the Hogs still remain in the running as his college of choice. He is still a strong possibility.

DGB is scheduled to announce his decision Wednesday morning at 9:00 a.m. EST on ESPNU.

Five-star offensive tackle Jordan Diamond is reportedly giving his private decision Tuesday night to the school of his choice but not making an official announcement until Friday, Feb. 3. The Hogs are among his favorites.

Diamond has taken official visits to Michigan, Auburn, Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Arkansas.

Bobby Petrino and staff will hold a spot for Diamond if he privately commits. If the Hogs only sign 24 players on Wednesday chances are Diamond will be a Razorback come Friday.

With the verbal commitment of Otha Peters the likelihood of linebackers Reggie Northrup (4-star, Jacksonville, FL) or Seth Jacobs (4-star, Arroyo Grandee, CA) coming to Arkansas looks slim. Jacobs played linebacker in high school but is being looked at as a safety for the Hogs.

Four-star cornerback Davont’e Neal from Scottsdale, AZ, three-star cornerback Chris Humes from Hoover, AL, or three-star cornerback Gary Simon from St. Petersburg, FL could end up taking one of the remaining scholarships. If Jacobs chooses to play safety in college he could end up back in the conversation taking one of these final scholarships.

Should DGB choose Missouri or Texas over the Hogs, speculation is 4-star wide receiver Javon Williams from Chandler, AZ or 3-star wide receiver Brad Culp from Fayetteville, AR could take that scholarship.

Here’s a list of the 23 verbally committed Razorbacks recruits:

OG Cordale Boyd, 3-star, 6’3”, 290 pounds, Memphis, TN

OG Jeremy Ward, 3-star, 6’4”, 275 pounds, Pottsville, AR

WR D’Arthur Cowan, 3-star, 6’1’, 175 pounds, Olive Branch, MS

WR Keon Hatcher, 4-star, 6’1”, 195 pounds, Owasso, OK

WR Eric Hawkins, 3-star, 6’5”, 220, Longview, TX

WR #Demetrius Wilson, 3-star, 6’2”, 170 pounds, Glendale, AZ

RB Nathan Holems, 3-star, 6’1”, 180 pounds, Port Arthur, TX

RB Donovan Roberts, 3-star, 6’0”, 200 pounds, Norman, OK

TE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star, 6’6”, 215, White Hall, AR

RB Jonathan Williams, 4-star, 5’11”, 205 pounds, Allen, TX

WR #Courtney Gardner, 4-star, 6’3”, 215, Rocklin, CA

CB Ray Buchanan Jr., 3-star, 5’10”, 170 pounds, Suwanee, GA

CB Jared Collins, 3-star, 5’11”, 170 pounds, Tulsa, OK

DE Brandon Lewis, 3-star, 6’5”, 220 pounds, Memphis, TN

SS Defonta Lowe, 3-star, 6’2”, 180 pounds, Bearden, AR

LB A.J. Turner, 3-star, 6’3”, 200 pounds, Lepanto, AR

LB Vin Ascolese, 3-star, 6’2”, 215 pounds, New Bergen, NJ

LB Otha Peters, 4-star, 6’1”, 220 pounds, Covington, LA

DE JaMichael Winston, 3-star, 6’6”, 230 pounds, Prichard, AL

DE Deatrich Wise Jr., 4-star, 6’5”, 220, Carrolton, TX

FS Will Hines, 3-star, 6’1”, 175 pounds, Waco, TX

DE Taiwan Johnson, 4-star, 6’3”, 230 pounds, Manvel, TX

DE *#Austin Flynn, 3-star, 6’4”, 250 pounds, Los Angeles Harbor CC

*Already enrolled at University of Arkansas

# Denotes junior college player

Position by position breakdown of Arkansas 2012 verbal commitments:

Offensive line: two

Running backs: three

Wide receivers: five

Quarterbacks: none

Tight ends: one

Defensive line: five

Linebackers: three

Safeties: two

Cornerbacks: two

Kickers: none

Arkansasjumped in the recruiting rankings from No. 17 to No. 15 on Scout.com while Rivals.com moved the Hogs from No. 30 to No. 28 with the verbal commitment of Peters.

All verbal commitments are non-binding until a letter of intent is signed.

Three-star safety Defonta Lowe from Bearden, Ark. tops the list of in-state players committed to the Razorbacks. Lowe committed to the Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino in September becoming the 14th recruit in Arkansas’ class.

Lowe was a quarterback for Bearden High Schoolbut will move to safety in college. Rivals.com ranked Lowe the third best prospect in the state of Arkansas.

Jeremy Ward, a 3-star offensive lineman from Pottsville, Ark., was the second player to commit to the Hogs in February of 2011. Before the 2011 recruiting class had a chance to fax in their letters of intent 4-star wide receiver Jalen Cobb from Warren, Ark. choose to be a Razorback.

By mid-April 3-star East Poinsett County linebacker A.J. Turner added his name to the Razorbacks list with 3-star defensive end Jeremy Sprinkle from White Hall following suit in June of 2011.

In all, the Razorbacks collected verbal pledges from five of the top seven players in the state. Unfortunately for the Hogs, Cobb’s scholarship offer was reportedly withdrawn because of possible academic issues. Cobb has not committed to another team to date.

The Hogs will lose out on the top rated player in the state for the third year in a row as 4-star running back Zac Brooks from Jonesboro will sign with Clemson. He received clearance to enroll in classes on Jan. 13.

In all fairness to the Razorback coaching staff, Brooks transferred from the east coast finishing out his college prep career in Arkansas. He has family in Georgia and let it be known early that he wanted to attend school closer to his family.

The last top ranked player from in-state to sign with the Hogs was 5-star cornerback Darius Winston fromWest Helenain 2009.

The exodus of 5-star quarterback Kiehl Frazier in 2011 and 5-star running back Michael Dyer in 2010 to Auburn can be directly linked to current Arkansas State Red Wolves head coach Gus Malzahn.

Malzahn, a former high school head coach inSpringdale, was the offensive coordinator for the Tigers from 2009-2011. His influence weighed heavily on both prospects to join him at Auburn. So much so that Michael Dyer, a sophomore with two 1,000-yard rushing seasons in the SEC, transferred from Auburn after the fall semester to follow Malzahn to Arkansas State.

Malzahn, a first year head coach on the collegiate level, has ASU in line to reap the benefit of the rest of the in-state talent not offered by the Razorbacks. Of the 22 Arkansas players set to sign with Division 1-A schools, the Red Wolves have verbal pledges from 10.

Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Purdue, and SMU have all grabbed Arkansas recruits.

Brad Culp, a 3-star wide receiver prospect from Fayetteville and the states No. 10 ranked player, has not made a verbal commitment to date. He visitedNorth Carolinaon Jan 25. and Arkansas State on Jan. 27. ASU, Memphis and Ole Miss have reportedly offered Culp a scholarship.

Here’s a list Arkansas recruits that have a verbal commitment to Division 1-A schools:

Recruit/Rating/Location/School

RB Zac Brooks, 4-star, Jonesboro, Clemson

FS Defonte Lowe, 3-star, Bearden, Arkansas

LB A.J. Turner, 3-star, Lepanto,  Arkansas

OL Jeremy Ward, 3-star, Pottsville, Arkansas

OL Jemar Clark, 3-star, McCrory, Arkansas State

DE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star, White Hall, Arkansas

RB Kenneth Dixon, 3-star, Louisiana Tech

QB Neal Burcham, 3-star, Greenbrier, SMU

CB Marquis Walker, 3-star, Rison, Arkansas State

OG Jason King, 2-star,Pulaski Academy (Little Rock), Purdue

LB Quanterio Heath, 2-star, Rison, Arkansas State

DE Jeff Savage, 2-star, Smackover, ULM

SS Quincy Hardwell, 2-star, El Dorado, ULM

QB Fredi Knighten, 2-star, Pulaski Academy(Little Rock), Arkansas State

CB Derek Keaton, 2-star, Camden, Arkansas State

WR Warren Leapheart, 2-star, Morrilton, Arkansas State

QB Dezmond Stegall, 2-star, Searcy, Louisiana Tech

OG Colton Jackson, 2-star, Ozark, Arkansas State

WR Ajalen Holley, 2-star, Lakeside (Hot Springs), ULM

RB DeKeathan Williams, not rated, Central (Little Rock), Arkansas State

OG Austin Moreton, not rated, Southside (Fort Smith), Arkansas State

DE Darrius Rosser, not rated, Marion, Arkansas State

Ascolese is listed at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds and runs a 4.5 40-yard dash. He was the only New Jerseyhigh school player that made the Parade All-American list this season.

Ascolese played in the Semper Fidelis All-American Game in Phoenix, Arizona January 3. He was one of 100 players selected for the game.

Vin Ascolese reported offers from South Carolina, Illinois, Cincinnati, and Michigan State. Texas A&M offered a scholarship on Jan. 24 but to no avail.

The Illinois coaching staff did an in-home visit on Thursday with Ascoles followed by an in-home visit from Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino.

The Razorbacks have four scholarships remaining. Speculation is the Hogs have four private commitments waiting to announce on National Signing Day.

Edward Pope, a 4-star athlete fromCarthage,Texaswas scheduled to visit Fayetteville this weekend but the coaching staff canceled his visit. Chances are the Hogs would not have canceled his visit if they did not think they were set come Feb. 1.

Pope committed to TCU on Feb. 27, 2011.

Here’s a list of the 21 verbally committed Razorbacks recruits:

OG Cordale Boyd, 3-star, 6’3”, 290 pounds, Memphis, TN

OG Jeremy Ward, 3-star, 6’4”, 275 pounds, Pottsville, AR

WR D’Arthur Cowan, 3-star, 6’1’, 175 pounds, Olive Branch, MS

WR Keon Hatcher, 4-star, 6’1”, 195 pounds, Owasso, OK

WR Eric Hawkins, 3-star, 6’5”, 220, Longview, TX

RB Nathan Holems, 3-star, 6’1”, 180 pounds, Port Arthur, TX

RB Donovan Roberts, 3-star, 6’0”, 200 pounds, Norman, OK

TE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star, 6’6”, 215, White Hall, AR

RB Jonathan Williams, 4-star, 5’11”, 205 pounds, Allen, TX

WR Courtney Gardner, 4-star, 6’3”, 215, Rocklin, CA

CB Ray Buchanan Jr., 3-star, 5’10”, 170 pounds, Suwanee, GA

CB Jared Collins, 3-star, 5’11”, 170 pounds, Tulsa, OK

DE Brandon Lewis, 3-star, 6’5”, 220 pounds, Memphis, TN

DB Defonta Lowe, 3-star, 6’2”, 180 pounds, Bearden, AR

LB A.J. Turner, 3-star, 6’3”, 200 pounds, Lepanto, AR

DE JaMichael Winston, 3-star, 6’6”, 230 pounds, Prichard, AL

DE Deatrich Wise Jr., 4-star, 6’5”, 220, Carrolton, TX

FS Will Hines, 3-star, 6’1”, 175 pounds, Waco, TX

LB Vin Ascolese, 3-star, 6’2”, 215 pounds, New Bergen, NJ

DE Taiwan Johnson, 4-star, 6’3”, 230 pounds, Manvel, TX

DE *Austin Flynn, 3-star, 6’4”, 250 pounds, Los Angeles Harbor CC

*Already enrolled at University of Arkansas

Arkansas has five 4-star and 16 3-star commitments.

Position by position breakdown of Arkansas 2012 verbal commitments:

Offensive line: two

Running backs: three

Wide receivers: four

Quarterbacks: none

Tight ends: none

Defensive line: six

Linebackers: two

Safeties: two

Cornerbacks: two

Kickers: none

Arkansas fell in the recruiting rankings from No. 13 to No. 17 on Scout.com. Rivals.com dropped the Hogs one spot from No. 29 to No. 30.

All verbal commitments are non-binding until a letter of intent is signed.

The Arkansas Razorback baseball team will begin practice for the 2012 season Friday Jan. 26 at Baum Stadium with high and lofty expectations.

After the Hogs finished the 2011 season 40-22, ranked No. 14, and winners of the SEC West Division, they were voted preseason No. 4 this week by Baseball America.

With 19 lettermen returning including 10 pitchers with game experience, all eyes will be on how head coach Dave Van Horn handles his deep rotation and talented team.

Aiding the Hogs preseason No. 4 ranking are three Arkansas players listed on College Baseball Daily’s Top 100-  right-handed junior pitcher DJ Baxendale is ranked No. 25, RHP sophomore pitcher Ryne Stanek No. 57 and 3B/1B sophomore slugger Dominic Ficociello rated No. 75.

Stanek (Overland Park, Kan) finished the 2011 season 4-2 with one save while posting a 3.94 ERA. He saved his best stuff for last throwing a complete game againstNevadain Regional play and shutdownAlabamain the SEC Tournament earning a win for the Hogs.

Ficociello (Fullerton, Cal) was awarded a spot on the 2011 Freshman All-American team after finishing the season with a .335 batting average and 50 RBIs. He led the Razorbacks in several major hitting categories last season including RBIs, doubles (15), and hits (75).

“Fic” was a 2010 draft pick of the Detroit Tigers.

Baxendale (Sylvan Hills High School,Ark) was the Friday starter for the Hogs much of last season. He finished the year 10-2 with a 1.58 ERA and earned All-SEC honors.

The scouting report on Baxendale is a great fastball with a lot of movement while mixing in a great breaking ball.

Contributing toArkansasNo. 27 ranked 2011 pitching staff (3.20 ERA) was two more Freshman All-Americans- Nolan Sanburn and Barrett Astin.

Sanburn worked as a closer for the Hogs earning eight saves and compiling a 2-4 record with a 3.62 ERA. Astin appeared in 27 games, starting three, and finished with a 5-2 record with a 2.71 ERA.

The Hogs will face an uphill challenge in the SEC as always. Seven SEC teams are preseason Top 25 including No. 1 Florida and No. 3 South Carolina. Stanford is ranked No. 2.

Other SEC teams in the Top 25: No. 8 LSU, No. 10 Vanderbilt, No. 11 Georgia, and No. 22 Mississippi

Arkansas opens their baseball season Feb. 17 against Villanova at Baum Stadium.

Follow HogManInLA on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/HogManInLa

Arkansas Razorbacks

had perhaps their most impressive list of official visitors during the Bobby Petrino era when the Hogs hosted 17 top high school seniors and one junior college player over the weekend.

Springfield,Missouriwide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham and Spring, Texas running back Trey Williams were two of the four 5-star recruits among the official visitors the Hogs hosted. Green-Beckham and Williams are considered Top 15 players in the nation per Rivals.com.

Green-Beckham, widely considered the top recruit in the 2012 class, has not made a verbal committed to date. Williams is considered a solid Texas A&M commitment.

Offensive tackle Jordan Diamond from Simeon Vocational High School in Chicago was another 5-star that visited the Hill. Diamond has offers from seemingly every Division 1-A school possible including Alabama, Illinois, Oregon, Miami, Auburn, Florida State, Ohio State, and Notre Dame along with one from the Razorbacks.

Diamond has taken official visits to Auburn, Ohio State, and Michigan. He is scheduled to visit Wisconsin next weekend.

Athlete Davonte Neal from Scottsdale, Arizona was another 5-star on campus. According to ESPN.com Neal is the eighth best player in the nation. Neal’s offer list is a “whose who” list of top programs. Among the schools to offer are LSU, USC, Auburn, Florida State, UCLA, and North Carolina.

Neal has taken official visits to Notre Dame and Ohio State and will receive in-home visits from both schools on Thursday. He is scheduled to take an official visit to North Carolina this weekend and Arizona on February 10, 10 days after signing day.

Will the Hogs hold a scholarship spot open for him 10 days after LOI Day?

The weekend was complete for the recruits with a visit to the Catfish Hole for dinner on Saturday night instead of the usual Friday night to accommodate for late arrivals, watching the Hogs beat No. 20 University of Michigan 66-64, and the traditional

Arkansas

pre-game experience for the recruits at Reynolds Razorback Stadium.

No players officially verbally committed over the weekend.

Here’s a list of the recruits that took an official visit this past weekend:

(Position, Player, Ranking, Location, Commitment)

WR Dorial Green-Beckham, 5-Star, Springfield, Missouri, not committed

RB Trey Williams, 5-Star, committed to Texas A&M

WR Davonte Neal, 5-Star, Scottsdale, Arizona, not committed

OT Jordan Diamond, 5-Star, Chicago, Illinois, not committed

OL Jeremy Ward, 4-Star, Pottsville, Arkansas, committed to Arkansas

LB A.J. Turner, 4-Star, Lepanto, Arkansas, committed to Arkansas

LB DaltonSantos, 3-Star, Van,Texas, committed to Tennessee

RB Donovan Roberts, 3-Star,Norman,Oklahoma, committed toArkansas

LB Kenny Orjioke, 3-star, Marietta, Georgia, committed to UCLA

CB Gary Simon, 3-star, St. Petersburg, Florida, not committed

OG/TE Joey Warburg, 3-star, Louisville, Kentucky, committed toIllinois

WR *Demetrius Wilson, 3-star, Glendale, Arizona, not committed

OG Cordal Boyd, 3-star, Memphis, Tennessee, committed to Arkansas

DE Jeremy Sprinkle, 3-star,White Hall,Arkansas, committed to Arkansas

ATH Nathan Holmes, 3-star, Port Arthur, Texas, committed to Arkansas

FS Dafonta Lowe, 3-star, Bearden, Arkansas, committed to Arkansas

WR Keon Hatcher, 3-star, Owasso, Oklahoma, committed to Arkansas

WR D’Arthur Cowan, 3-star, Olive Branch, Mississippi, committed to Arkansas

*Denotes Junior College Player

Possible Official Visits that did not Visit

WR Bralon Addison, 4-star,Sugar Land, Texas, committed to Texas A&M

DE Darius English, 3-Star,Powder Springs, Georgia, committed to South Carolina

OL Germain Ifedi, 3-Star, Houston, Texas, committed to Texas A&M

DT Tyler Nero, 3-Star, Atmore, Alabama, committed to Auburn

TE Sean Price, 4-Star, Citra, Florida, committed to South Florida

Tyler Nero may visit this upcoming weekend. Nero is the son of former Arkansas Razorback player Norman Nero.

Possible Official Visits for weekend of January 27

ATH Edward Pope, 2-star, Carthage, Texas, committed to TCU

OLB Jakarri, Thomas, 2-star, Tallahassee, FL, committed to Arkansas

DB John Gibson, 3-star, Missouri City, Texas, committed to Arkansas

DE Brandon Lewis, 3-star, committed to Arkansas

CB Jared Collins, 3-star, Tulsa ,Oklahoma, committed to Arkansas

Collins, Lewis, Gibson, and Thomas have all verbally committed to Arkansas but have not officially visited.

Recruiting Updates

Beau Hankins, a 3-star linebacker from Birmingham, Alabama, was offered by Penn State last week. Hankins has taken official visits to Arkansas, Florida International, and went to University of Central Florida during this past weekend with best friend Harding Harper, 3-star linebacker.

Arkansas is thought to be leading for Hankins signature on National Signing Day. No word howPennState’s offer may affect his decision.

Another Missouri Commitment De-commits then Recommits Somewhere Else

Will Hines, a 3-star cornerback from Waco, Texas verbally committed to the Hogs after his visit to Arkansas over the weekend of Jan. 13. The No. 35 ranked cornerback in the nation will join one of his best friends, running back Jonathan Williams, at Arkansas for the 2012 season.

Hines and Williams were both previously verbally committed to Missouri.

Whatever Happened to…

Former Arkansas commitment defensive tackle Mike Pennel, 6’5”, 340 pounds, of Scottsdale Junior College took a recruiting visit to Kansas State this past weekend. He visited Hawaii the weekend of Jan. 13.

Pennel has used four of his five official visits and remains uncommitted-Arkansas, Texas A&M, Hawaii, and Kansas State.

When Just One In-Home Visit Won’t Do

Linebacker Reggie Northup had an in-home visit from defensive coordinator Paul Haynes and receivers coach Kris Cinkovich on Monday Jan. 23. He will receive another in-home visit from new linebacker’s coach Taver Johnson this week.

Northup was committed to Miami but has reopened his recruiting due to the NCAA investigation into Miami’s program. He visited Arkansas for their home game against Tennessee in November. He visited Florida State this past weekend and is scheduled to visit Ohio State this weekend.

Another Possible Verbal Commitment

3-star linebacker Vin Ascolese from North Bergen, New Jersey let it be known on Twitter that he will announce his decision publicly at his high school on Jan. 25. Ascolese visited Illinois this past weekend after visiting the Hogs the prior weekend.

Ascolese is a Parade All-American.

Still Solid?

Razorback commitment Courtney Garner, a 4-star Junior College wide receiver from Sierra Community College in California, was supposed to visit Florida State this past weekend but did not go. Garner is scheduled to visit Oklahoma this weekend.

When a commitment continues to take visits there is always a chance that recruit may flip. Razorback fans have their fingers crossed that Garner will stay a solid commitment. He is the No. 12 ranked junior college player in the nation per Rivals.com.

The 2013 Class

North Little Rockjunior running back Altee Tenpenny, 5’11”, 200 pounds, was visited by Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and running back coach Tim Horton on Tuesday. Also visiting Tenpenny on Tuesday was the new head coach for Arkansas State, Gus Malzahn.

Tenpenny reports offers from Arkansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Auburn among others.

Alabamahead coach Nick Saban visited Tenpenny on Wednesday.

Remember Me before You Go

University of Missouri head coach Gary Pinkel tried to make a lasting impression on Dorial Green-Beckham before his visit to Arkansas. In an effort to one-up Bobby Petrino’s visit to DGB at school earlier in the day on Wednesday, Pinkel landed on the school’s Birmingham Field at the end of the school day to visit with the top recruit.

Speculation has Green-Beckham’s schools narrowed down to Arkansas and Texas with an outside chance of Missouri winning his signature. DGB has not made an official announcement to date.

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino Presser for the weekend wrap-up

How many SEC players will hear their names called during the 2012 NFL Draft?

Here’s a list of the top 37 players that can equal last year’s impressive transition from college football into the NFL.

*Denotes underclassman

Running Backs:

*Trent Richardson, 5’11”, 224 pounds, University of Alabama

Workhorse, power runner, game changer, break away back, the total package… However you want to describe Richardson as a dominate running back take your pick. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. The only thing that will keep him off the field as a rookie in the NFL is if he does not show the ability to pick up the blitz on passing downs.

Richardson led the SEC in rushing yards (1,679), rushing attempts (283), and rushing touchdowns (21). He also led the SEC to their sixth straight BCS National Championship.

Draft Worthy Mentions:

RB Vick Ballard, Mississippi State

RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee

RB Chris Rainey, Florida

FBBroderick Green, Arkansas

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:

*Alshon Jeffery, 6’4”, 229 pounds, University of South Carolina

Jeffery is a big target which NFL scouts like and he’s great at jumping over defenders, especially in the red zone. Jeffery lacks the blazing speed coveted by NFL teams and his route running is not crisp.

Even with the instability at quarterback for the Gamecocks, Jeffery was able to finish the season ranked No. 5 in the SEC in total receiving yards. His eight touchdown receptions were tied for third best in the SEC.

*Orson Charles, 6’3”, 242 pounds, University of Georgia

Charles may be the best tight end available in the NFL Draft much less the best tight end in the SEC. He has the speed, height, and athletic ability for the next level. His ability to stretch the field and pump against linebackers will help his draft status.

Charles was No. 12 in the SEC in total receiving yards with 574 while hauling in 45 passes and five receiving touchdowns.

Jarius Wright, 5’10”, 180 pounds, University of Arkansas

Wright is smaller wide receiver than what most scouts want in a No. 1 receiver. InArkansas’ offense he was accustomed to running routes across the middle of the field which is something he will have to do on the next level as a No. 2 option or as a slot receiver.

Wright finished the 2011 season leading the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and receiving touchdowns (12). He was one catch shy of tying Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) for most receptions-Rogers67, Wright 66.

Joe Adams, 5’11”, 190 pounds, University of Arkansas

Adamswas a consensus All-American as a punter returner in 2011. He led all players with four kickoff returns for touchdowns and his yardage per punt return average of 16.89 was second in college football. Some team will take a chance on Adams for his return ability alone. His 4.3 40-yard dash helps too.

Do not overlook Adams’ ability as a receiver. He was No. 4 in the SEC in total receptions (54) and No. 8 in total receiving yards (652).

Draft Worthy Mentions:

Greg Childs, Arkansas

*Reuben Randle, LSU

Offensive Linemen:

Cordy Glenn, 6’5”, 348 pounds, University of Georgia

Glenn has the size of a NFL tackle but played guard for the Bulldogs since his sophomore year. Either way he’s a beast to contend with especially on running plays.

He has started since his freshman season and has played against top quality defensive linemen throughout his college career. Glenn should be a late first round draft pick.

Draft Worthy Mentions:

OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama

C Ben Jones, Georgia

OG Will Blackwell, LSU

C William Vlachos, Alabama

OT Bobby Massie, Ole Miss

Linebackers:

*Dont’a Hightower, 6’4”, 260 pounds, Alabama

Hightower is a hard nosed tackler with size and good speed. If he did not have a history of being injured (tore ACL in left knee in 2009) Hightower might be considered the top outside linebacker in the NFL Draft. As it is he still will go somewhere in the first round.

Courtney Upshaw, 6’2”, 265 pounds, Alabama

Upshaw is anotherAlabamaproduct that projects high in the NFL Draft. Upshaw is an excellent fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 NFL defensive scheme. He led Bama with 9.5 sacks this season and seven in 2010.

Upshaw was a four year player for the Tide. He has 4.6 speed to go with his massive frame.

Chris Marve, 6’0”, 242 pounds, University of Vanderbilt

Marve is a typical SEC middle linebacker, always in on a play and a sound tackler. He had an off senior year due to injuries. Still he finished with 91 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Unless Marve shows tremendous speed at the combine he is likely going to drop into the third round.

Draft Worthy Mentions:

Jerry Franklin, Arkansas

Danny Trevathan, Kentucky

Defensive Linemen:

Melvin Ingram, 6’2”, 276 pounds, University of South Carolina

Ingram was the senior leader of a three-headed defensive end rotation that terrorized the SEC- Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney. Ingram had nine sacks as a junior and 10 sacks as a senior.

He has a knack for making big plays. His speed is average for a defensive end his size (4.6 40-yard dash). If he can show off some superior atheism at the combine he could work his way into a solid second round pick.

*Michael Brockers, 6’6”, 306 pounds, LSU

A disruptive force for offensive lines to deal with, Brockers easily dominates most blockers in one-on-one situations. He gets up field in a hurry and commands double teams.

He converted from defensive end to defensive tackle while inBaton Rouge. He is short on overall experience but has a ton of upside. If he does well at the combine he should hear his name called in the first round.

Josh Chapman, 6’1”, 310 pounds, Alabama

Chapman anchored the line for a great Alabama defense throughout his colligate career. His size is a little undersized for a nose tackle.  His real weapon in the trenches is his speed. He clocked a 4.92 40-yard dash.

Chapman should go before the second round his over. Early third round if he has a bad NFL Combine or pro day.

*Fletcher Cox, 6’4”, 295 pounds, Mississippi State

There is nothing bad to say about the abilities of Fletcher Cox. He has a motor that does not stop, he is quick off the ball, and played through double-teams throughout his college career. He posted 5 sacks in 2011 and 2.5 in 2010.

NFL teams will want to beef Cox up once he is drafted. Look for Cox to go somewhere in the second to third round.

Jake Bequette, 6’5”, 271 pounds, University of Arkansas

Bequette is an experienced college player having redshirted before becoming a four-year starter for the Hogs. He finished the 2011 season with 10 sacks in 10 games as a hamstring injury forced him to miss three games during the early part of the season.

Bequette is fast but not necessarily strong for a defensive end. He has been clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He might end up being a weak side defensive end in the NFL.

Draft Worthy Mentions:

DT Malik Jackson, Tennessee

DE Tim Fugger, Vanderbilt

Defensive Backs:

*Dre Kirkpatrick, 6’3”, 192 pounds, University of Alabama

Kirkpatrick has the size and speed NFL scouts drool over for cornerbacks. His background at Alabama will help him play man defense and zone defense at the next level.

Kirkpatrick had zero interceptions in 2011 but had three in 2010.

His ability on the field makes him a first round draft pick. Getting busted for marijuana in Bradenton, Florida may drop his draft status.

*Morris Claiborne, 6’0”, 185 pounds, LSU

Claiborne is considered the best corner in college football with the ability to be a shut-down corner on the next level. His speed, toughness, and athletic ability will make him a first-round pick for some lucky NFL team.

Claiborne had six interceptions during his junior campaign with one returned for a touchdown. He had five interceptions in 2010.

*Jonathan Banks, 6’1”, 185 pounds, Mississippi State

Banks is a legitimate cover corner ready for the next level. He had three picks in 2010 and five in 2011 with one returned for a touchdown. He also registered three sacks this season.

His ability to move up in draft status will depend on how well he competes at the NFL Draft Combine.

Draft Worthy Mentions:

*CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia

CB CaseyHayward, Vanderbilt

SS Mark Barron, Alabama

FS Tramain Thomas, Arkansas