FAYETTEVILLE – It’s no secret that Arkansas head football coach Chad Morris wants to improve the Hogs’ recruiting efforts in Texas, but don’t overlook the state of Oklahoma. The Razorbacks are currently in the mix for two of the Sooner State’s best in Putnam City defensive end Collin Clay and Millwood running back Marcus Major.
Both heavily-recruited prospects attended the Rivals Three-Stripe Camp in Dallas this past weekend and spoke at length about where the Hogs stand on their respective lists.
“I talk to them every day. They show a lot of love,” Clay, a four-star target by Rivals, said. “They are still in the lead right now.”
Clay, 6-5, 255, was in Fayetteville for the Razorbacks’ Elite Prospect Camp on Feb. 24 and walked away saying Arkansas was the team to beat.
Since then, he’s remained in close contact with area recruiter Barry Lunney, Jr., and new defensive coordinator John Chavis, who are pitching the opportunity for early playing time in the SEC. “I’ve just been getting a better relationship with the new staff,” Clay said. “I went and visited the staff just to learn what their deal is. It was definitely a fun experience. They are all young coaches, so it’s a lot more energetic.”
Clay recently released a list of ten favorites that featured Arkansas, Florida, TCU, Michigan, Colorado, North Carolina, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Georgia and Duke.
A new NCAA rule going into effect this spring will allow Clay to take all five of his official visits between April and June.
He plans to be back in Fayetteville with his parents on April 13-15, just days after the Razorbacks wrap up their spring camp in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium.
“I plan on making my decision before my senior season, so I wanted to get all of my official visits earlier so that I’ll know when that time comes,” Clay said.
Like Clay, Major is also feeling the vibe from Arkansas’ new staff.
The Razorbacks were the first to offer the 6-ft., 190-lb. running back on Jan. 8, but several of college football’s biggest and best programs have since joined his list. His scholarship options now include Oklahoma, Michigan, Texas, TCU, Florida, USC, Nebraska, Tennessee and several others, but the Hogs are still in good shape following his trip to Fayetteville in February.
In fact, Major considers Arkansas one of his top choices at the moment.
“It’s Arkansas, OU, Texas and Memphis,” Major said. “Memphis was the first one that offered me so I really appreciate them for that, for real. I think that’s it right now.
“What sticks out to me about Arkansas is that they were brave enough to get me started with my whole recruitment. I appreciate them a lot for that. I love that. They show a lot of love and appreciation down there. That really plays to me.”
Major, who rushed 100 times for 1,250 yards and 33 touchdowns as a junior, said he will only consider schools that show genuine interest in him as a person instead of just a talented football player.
“The visit was amazing,” Major said. “I was able to talk to the entire coaching staff, like even the defensive coaches. They really don’t care about just football there, they want to talk about my life story and who’s in my life. I asked the same thing about theirs.”
Arkansas currently holds three verbal commitments for the Class of 2019 in Rison (Ark.) defensive back Malik Chavis; Tyler (Texas) Lee offensive lineman Beaux Limmer and Memphis (Tenn.) Central defensive lineman Trevis Hopper.