BEAVERTON, Ore. - Numerous Arkansas Razorbacks prospects participated in The Opening, an elite camp that featured more than 150 of the top football prospects in thenation at Nike World Headquarters.
Thanks to linebackers coach Randy Shannon, Arkansas has a shot of getting an official visit from the top defensive lineman at the event, Miami Washington High School defensive end Chad Thomas.
“I’m just looking into them and learning more about them,” Thomas said. “They just got on me, so I’m going through that process with them.”
Thomas, 6-5, 240 pounds, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Miami, Florida, Florida State, LSU and others. He routinely beat much bigger offensive linemen during the Lineman Challenge by utilizing leverage, strength and quickness and was named the MVP of the defensive linemen.
Thomas said he holds Shannon in high regard and because of the way he recruits.
“Coach Shannon is a positive person and we talk about like five percent football,” said Thomas, who added that he’ll probably take an official visit to Arkansas. “He wants to get to know me, and he wants to tell me the truth about some stuff like about one of the coaches. He’s really going to keep it real, and then when it’s time for football it’s time for football.”
Thomas said Shannon’s compassion for his recruits is a plus.
“I don’t call it recruiting,” Thomas said. “I call trying to get a family member or a good friend. He’s really going to come at you like that.”
Thomas said he believes Shannon’s way of doing things will be reflected by the Hogs’ players.
“I know if a coach is going to come at me like that, I know the players are going to come at me like that,” Thomas said.
COURTING CURTIS TALENT
Arkansas is doing its best to lure one of the top receivers from The Opening to Fayetteville.
Malachi Dupre of River Ridge (La.) John Curtis said he is tentatively set to visit Arkansas on July 19.
“I got a date that I’m pretty sure I’m heading up there,” Dupre said. “I don’t really know yet, but I should be taking a visit.”
Dupre, 6-3, 192 pounds, 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has scholarship offers from coast to coast from schools like Arkansas, LSU, UCLA, Miami and Notre Dame.
Dupre’s cousin, Arkansas receivers coach Michael Smith, is recruiting Dupre but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Hogs have an advantage.
“It’s the same like every other coach at schools that I’m considering,” Dupre said. “We set up something for the 19th. He said it’s a little get-together they’re having and he wanted me to get up there at that time with a few other players. I’m trying to make it happen. “
John Curtis has three other highly recruited prospects the Razorbacks are pursuing: Linebacker Kenny Young, cornerback Terrence Alexander and Dupre’s best friend, safety Mattrell McGraw.
Dupre, who had 36 receptions for 816 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior, said the plan is for the four to make the July 19 trip to Fayetteville together.
“I’m going to try and cut down my list and try and make some officials after the season,” Dupre said. “I’ll probably make my announcement next year on signing day or at the Under Armour game.”
Dupre said he has several close-knit relationships with other college coaches.
“At the end of the day, there’s no added pressure from them,” Dupre said. “They just want what’s best for me, all of them. At the same time, in the back of my mind I say, ‘Dang, that’s family and good friends.’
“At the end of the day somebody is going to be hurt, but at the same time I’m always get reassured that won’t be the case and they just want what’s best for me.”
Smith has told him about Arkansas’ new football facility, and Razorbacks offensive lineman Luke Charpentier, a former standout at John Curtis, also has told him all about Arkansas.
“Definitely, I’ve heard about that,” Dupre said. “Luke Charpentier went to my school, so he tells me about a lot of things and tells me I need to get out there.”
E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com
Sports, Pages 29 on 07/07/2013