FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas’ search for a running back in this year’s recruiting class came to an end on Monday when A’Montae Spivey of Phenix City (Ala.) Central went public with his decision to call the Hogs. Spivey, 6-1, 208, is the Razorbacks’ 18th verbal commitment for the Class of 2019.
The Hogs had been considered a heavy favorite to land Spivey’s services after extending an early offer and hosting the tailback on a four-day unofficial visit in June, but an offer from LSU made things interesting down the stretch. In the end, Spivey went with the staff that was among the first to recognize his talent.
“It came down to knowing I’ll have the chance of playing early when I get there. Also, the coaching staff and their recruiting pitch to me, they were there from the very beginning,” Spivey said. “When LSU jumped in, it kind of mixed things up a little bit, but Arkansas stayed strong and that’s why I went with them.”
Spivey, who also held offers from Missouri, Purdue, Cincinnati and others, was recruited to Fayetteville by Arkansas running backs coach Jeff Traylor. Offensive coordinator and Alabama native Joe Craddock also assisted in getting Spivey to the Hill.
“Coach Traylor is an awesome guy, man,” Spivey said. “I can really relate to him. He’s basically just like the coach that I have now in high school. I swear, they act so much alike, almost like the same person. I think he really cares about you. Some coaches just tell you things because they want to get you down there. I honestly think Coach Traylor cares about me, because of how he calls and checks up on me.”
Spivey is the latest commitment for Chad Morris and the Razorbacks, who have a top 25 recruiting class and have been one of the surprises of the summer thus far.
“It’s crazy, man,” Spivey said. “Just being part of that class and maybe being in the history books is a great feeling. I’ve had guys recruiting me and wanting me to join them, like Collin Clay. It’s a great feeling. You want to know what I’m going to do to celebrate? Let me tell you what I’m going to do – I’m going to football practice.”
Spivey is a three-star prospect and the No. 64 running back in the nation, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He rushed for 944 yards and 14 touchdowns for the 11-1 Red Devils last fall.
Arkansas’ 18 commitments include seven on the offensive side of the ball.
In addition to Spivey, the offensive commitments include Sardis (Miss.) North Panola quarterback KJ Jefferson; Warren (Ark.) wide receiver Treylon Burks; Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy wide receiver Shamar Nash; Jefferson (Texas) wide receiver TQ Jackson; Tyler (Texas) Lee offensive linemen Beaux Limmer; and Gulf Breeze (Fla.) offensive lineman Joseph Stone.
Defensively, the class holds four, four-star defensive ends, three defensive tackles, a four-star linebacker and two heavily recruited defensive backs.
Arkansas could be close to getting even more good news soon when Mansfield (Texas) Legacy defensive tackle Taurean Carter makes his decision known. Carter holds other offers from Florida, TCU, Texas, Oklahoma State and many others, but is believed to be leaning towards the Hogs.
Carter, 6-4, 260, is a teammate of Arkansas defensive tackle commitment Enoch Jackson, who chose the Razorbacks over Georgia, Florida, Clemson, Texas Tech and many others last week.
Arkansas is also heavily involved with another Legacy High target in four-star safety Jalen Catalon.
All three teammates have already visited Fayetteville once and will be back on the Hill for official visits when Arkansas hosts Alabama on Oct. 18.