FAYETTEVILLE – With the recruiting dead period coming to a close this weekend, several of Arkansas’ top targets are scheduling unofficial visits on the Hill.
One of those is Hutto (Texas) four-star defensive end Landyn Watson, who has been in constant contact with Sam Pittman’s new football staff and plans to be in Fayetteville for the Razorbacks’ spring game on April 25.
Watson, 6-3, 235, who owns offers from the likes of LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn State, TCU and many others, was offered by the Hogs as a two-way player on February 5.
“I’ve been in contact with the tight ends coach (Jon Cooper) every day,” Watson said. “They’re just excited about getting me up there. They definitely want to show me around and they’re definitely pushing for me hard.
“Coach Cooper is a real cool dude. I chat it up with him all the time. Actually, Coach Cooper offered me as a tight end. He said I would have the opportunity to play tight end or defense. That definitely means a lot to me, knowing I can play both sides of the ball at the next level. I’m very blessed to have the talent to do so.”
While Arkansas is undergoing another rebuilding project under Pittman, Watson isn’t concerned about the Razorbacks’ struggles over the last few years.
“I feel like everybody has to start somewhere,” Watson said. “You don’t just turn around and win a national championship. It’s definitely a process, and I think they’re heading in the right direction as far as their program. They’ve gotten some very, very key positions and a lot of talent on that team. I think they’re going to do very well this year.”
The dead period, which began on February 3, prohibits schools from having on-campus or off-campus contact with recruits until Sunday morning at 12:01 a.m.
Watson’s schedule is already filling up with trips around the country over the next several weeks.
“On March 7 I’ll be at Texas Tech, April 25 I’ll be at Arkansas, and March 21 I’ll be at Michigan,” he said. “I think that’s all I have planned so far.”
In the last two seasons, Watson has totaled 105 tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks and five fumble recoveries, including two that he returned for touchdowns.
While Arkansas would love to give Watson a chance to play both sides of the ball, most programs are recruiting him specifically for defense.
“They say my skill talent is just special with me being able to rush the passer in a very unique way, and being an athlete that can cover, dropping into coverage, stopping the run,” Watson said. “I’ve been told they like my game because I’m very versatile.”
Watson is nowhere near reaching a college decision, but he knows what he’s looking for in a school.
“It will definitely come down to where I best fit in and how I’m going to be utilized,” he said. “It’s also going to come down to where I best feel at home for me and my parents, and where I can have a very great career after college football.”
Before hosting Watson in late April, the Razorbacks will welcome several other offered prospects to Fayetteville beginning next Monday when Cedar Hill (Texas) four-star quarterback Kaidon Salter makes his way to the Hill.
Next Saturday, the Hogs will host at least three more notable junior day visitors in Bogata (Texas) Rivercrest offensive lineman Cole Carson, Denton (Texas) Ryan outside linebacker DJ Arkansas, and Tulsa (Okla.) Booker T. Washington defensive back Keuan Parker.