FAYETTEVILLE – On Feb. 23, 2018, Arkansas’ coaching staff hosted arguably the most impressive group of recruits that had ever been on the Hogs’ campus at the same time. The group included 11 prospects that went on to commit and ultimately sign with the Razorbacks later in the year, which also makes it one of the most productive visit weekends in the modern recruiting era.
This past weekend’s collection of visitors, however, was even more impressive.
Arkansas welcomed more than 75 prospects to the Hill in a two-day span, and over 50 of them have already been offered to play for the Razorbacks.
The weekend produced a couple of new verbal commitments, too, as 2020 outside linebacker Jashaud Stewart of Jonesboro and Arizona State transfer running back Trelon Smith both went public with their decision before leaving town.
Stewart, 6-2, 215, was no big surprise, considering in-state recruits typically decide to jump on board during the early spring months. His commitment is notable for the Razorbacks, though, as he was beginning to pick up significant interest from other SEC programs in the weeks leading up to his Arkansas visit.
Stewart, who plays defensive end in high school but projects as an outside linebacker on the next level, was one of the state’s most impressive defensive players last fall. As a junior, he recorded 89 tackles, 24 tackles for lost yardage, six sacks, and a fumble recovery.
He was recruited to Arkansas by defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell, who is in charge of recruiting Stewart’s part of the state.
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, Smith, who was also on campus for an unofficial visit, announced via Twitter that he had decided to transfer to the Razorbacks.
The 2017 graduate of Cypress Ridge in Houston (Texas) signed with Arizona State as a three-star recruit but found minimal success in a crowded backfield. The 5-9, 180-pound scat back left the Sun Devils midway through the season last fall, and Arkansas’ staff, which recruited him to SMU out of high school, was quick to make a move.
It makes sense, too, considering Arkansas’ current running back depth is questionable at best.
While Smith will be forced to sit out the 2019 season due to the NCAA’s transfer rules, he helps replenish the depth for 2020.
Additionally, the Hogs still plan to sign a pair of high school running backs for the 2020 class after inking A’Montae Spivey of Phenix City (Ala.) Central in the 2019 cycle.
As it stands this week, only one scholarship running back – junior Chase Hayden – is available to go through spring drills. Senior Devwah Whaley and redshirt-sophomore Jordan Curtis, who made the move from cornerback due to the Hogs’ already-low numbers at tailback – are both sidelined after going through a full scrimmage on Saturday.
Returning starter Rakeem Boyd has been out all offseason after having surgery to repair a shoulder he injured during the 2018 season. This comes after TJ Hammonds (undisclosed) and Maleek Williams (transfer to Florida International) left the program earlier this year.
In addition to the two commitments, Arkansas also made strides with dozens of other top recruits this past weekend, some of which could announce their pledges to the Hogs in the near future.
Arkansas’ next big recruiting weekend will fall on Saturday, March 30.
In the meantime, the Hogs held two practices earlier this week and will cut loose on Thursday for the start of spring break. The team will return to action on Monday, March 25, and the spring game is scheduled for Saturday, April 6 at 3 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPNU.