One of the top 2016 prospects in Louisiana, running back Devin White of Springhill North Webster, traveled to Fayetteville to watch Arkansas and his cousin, freshman receiver Jared Cornelius, play Ole Miss.
“I would say I had a good experience for my first time,” White said. “From the atmosphere, to the facilities, the stadium, the fans, I really enjoyed everything but the rain.”
White, 6-2, 235 pounds, 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has scholarship offers from 10 schools, including Arkansas, LSU, Alabama, Nebraska and Ole Miss. ESPN rates him the No. 13 athlete and the No. 178 overall prospect in the 2016 class.
White said he felt good about the Hogs’ chances of upsetting the Rebels prior to the game.
“I didn’t think it was going to be that bad, but I still felt Arkansas was going to pull it off because they were still riding off the big win over LSU,” White said. “All season long I was telling everybody how good they were, but they just weren’t a good closer yet. I think they’re starting to realize how to close games.”
White rushed 225 times for 1,830 yards and 26 touchdowns this season. He also caught 8 passes for 160 yards and 3 touchdowns and returned a kickoff for another score.
“He’s 6-1, 6-2, and 235 pounds and runs a 4.4, you can’t teach that,” North Webster Coach John Ware. “That gives you an advantage right off the bat. It’s sometimes a man playing against boys when it comes down to it."
White went into the locker room after Arkansas’ victory and visited with Cornelius.
“We got to catch up,” White said. “I think I’m going to get back up there so we can hang out.”
Razorbacks Coach Bret Bielema spoke to White and told him he could walk into a good situation at Arkansas and an opportunity for early playing time.
“He said I could come right in and fit in at the running back position,” White said. “He said it would be my time because their running backs will be leaving real soon so they’ll need to reload. So I think it’s a perfect fit.”
Arkansas running back Jonathan Williams has 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns this season and Alex Collins has 965 yards and 12 touchdowns. White likes how the offense allows both backs to showcase their talents while maintaining its balance.
“It’s good thing,” White said. “That lets you see both of their backs get playing time, so there isn’t a lot of wear and tear on the backs. Another thing I liked, you can’t always run it all the time, you have to throw it and have some play-action so you can get the backs open. I like how they distribute the ball.”
DEFENSE IMPRESSES
Arkansas’ two-game stretch of shutouts against LSU and Ole Miss is opening the eyes of numerous prospects.
Junior safety Calvin Bundage of Edmond (Okla.) Santa Fe was one of about 50 prospects on hand Saturday to witness the Hogs’ 30-0 victory over Ole Miss.
“I was impressed with how physical they were and they didn’t give up any big plays,” Bundage said. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
Bundage, 6-3, 195 pounds, 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has scholarship offers from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Tulsa and is drawing interest from Arkansas, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Arizona, Louisville and others.
He also was impressed with what he experienced in the stands.
“I saw how much pride the fans have,” Bunch said. “They love the Razorbacks.”
Arkansas’ defensive performance that forced the Rebels into six turnovers impressed Bundage.
“I was like, man, they’re pretty good,” Bundage said.
Bundage, who had 81 tackles and an interception this season, would like to see the Hogs on his offer list.
“I like Arkansas,” he said.
His brother, Cayman, is an offensive lineman at Arizona but was recruited by the Hogs in high school as a 2012 prospect. Bundage’s father also made the trip.
“He liked it,” Bundage said. “I went there when they were recruiting my brother. A lot has changed. There’s a lot of new stuff that’s been built. It’s gotten bigger and bigger.”
Bundage only needs an invite to visit Fayetteville again.
“Most definitely,” he said. “I’ll be there.”