THE RECRUITING GUY: Youngblood says UA right for him

— The future of Arkansas' quarterback position appeared to be settled with early oral commitments from Jim Youngblood and Kale Pick.

That all changed when Pick reneged on his commitment to the Razorbacks and orally committed to Kansas.

Should Arkansas fans fear the same from Youngblood?

No need to worry, he said.

"My commitment is solid," Youngblood said. "I'm not committed because of a person or one thing or one year or what the Razorbacks have done this year or the past year. I am a Razorback, and no matter what happens I'll always be going there."

Youngblood, 6-3, 216 pounds, 4.69 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has led Camden Fairview to an 8-0 record this season. He has completed 96 of 171 passes for 1,515 yards and 12 touchdowns while throwing only 2 interceptions. He's also rushed 73 times for 413 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Youngblood said he grew up a Razorbacks fan and couldn't pass on the chance to play for his home state.

"My parents always took me to games," said Youngblood, who orally committed to Arkansas in February. "I think because I grew up being a Razorback, I couldn't picture myself playing anywhere else."

Youngblood said he attended his first Arkansas game at 8 or 9 and was awe-struck. He compared the experience to meeting Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning while attending Manning's quarterback camp over the summer.

"You really don't think it's really happening," he said. "I got there and I was amazed with everything, how big the stadium was and all the people cheering for the guys playing. I knew that's what I wanted to do."

Youngblood and Arkansas offensive coordinator David Lee have developed a good relationship and talk regularly on the phone.

"If I don't call him, then he's calling me," Youngblood said. "I bet we talk three times a week. I try and call him every other day after practice and ask him different questions. He helps me out a lot of stuff I don't understand."

Arkansas will be looking to sign another quarterback for the 2008 class.

One quarterback who might get a serious look from the Razorbacks staff is Nathan Stanley, 6-5, 195, 4.7, of Tahlequah (Okla.) Sequoyah. He's attended Arkansas football camps since his sophomore year.

Stanley, who attended the Auburn game, said Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Florida State have offered scholarships, and Oklahoma has shown interest. He said Arkansas would be in his top five should it decide to offer a scholarship.

E-mail Davenport at:

rdavenport@arkansasonline.com

Sports, Pages 31 on 10/26/2007

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