Before a packed gymnasium at Hillcrest High (Springfield, MO), the consensus number one player in the nation Dorial Green-Beckham brought to an end nearly a year of drama,
choosing Missouri over Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. For the past few weeks, it had been speculated that Green-Beckham was a big Razorback lean, so when he placed the gold and black hat on at today’s ceremony the deflation could be felt throughout the state of Arkansas. His loss along with the deflection of junior college WR Courtney Gardner to Oklahoma made for a painful one, two punch on this signing day. But when looking at the class as a whole, the positives still outweigh the negatives. They were still able to reel in five solid pass catchers, led by Owasso, OK stud Keon Hatcher with another (Devonte Neal) still deciding. They also loaded up with quality prospects at linebacker with the signing of former Tennessee commit and Covington, LA four-star Otha Peters aswell as New Jersey headhunter Vin Ascolese. In all, the Hogs signed four players from in-state, led by Pottsville OL Jeremy Ward. As of now, Rivals has their class ranked no. 28 nationally.
Meanwhile, Gus Malzahn’s first class at ASU was a success, the majority of whom came from the state of Arkansas, including a last minute switch as Searcy QB Dez Stegall spurned Louisiana Tech for the Wolves. They also signed the state’s consensus state player of the year in Pulaski Academy athlete Fredi Knighten and former Arkansas DB commit (Hoover, AL) Chris Humes. Their additions, coupled with the transfer of RB Michael Dyer from Auburn has the Wolves offense looking to reload off a record breaking season.
UCA also did a great job locking up natural state talent while scouring the states of Texas, Oklahoma and Tennessee to round out one some are calling the Bears best class ever. Stay with FOX16 News and fox16.com for the latest from national letter of intent signing day.
