BEAVERTON, Ore. -- One of the more physically gifted prospects in the nation, running back Devin White of Springhill (La.) North Webster, announced his top 10 schools during The Opening at Nike Headquarters and there was never a doubt Arkansas would make the cut.
White, 6-0, 258 pounds, 4.47 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has more than 40 scholarship offers, but he said the Razorbacks making the list was a no-brainer.
Coach Bret Bielema and his staff being so active with him on Twitter has helped.
"No doubt because Coach B ... almost, like, every coach there ... my in-box is full of Arkansas coaches congratulating me, telling me to do great," White said. "I just feel like they're family. It's a great opportunity for me to come in and play right off the bat even though that's not really major for me, but it's there."
The other nine schools are Alabama, Ole Miss, Miami, LSU, Florida State, Auburn, Texas A&M, Georgia and UCLA.
White rushed for 2,287 yards on 270 carries and scored 30 touchdowns while racking up 93 tackles at linebacker as a junior. He said he respects how Arkansas has recruited him.
"They started recruiting me just as a person," said White, who visited Fayetteville for the Razorbacks' 30-0 victory over Ole Miss last year and in the spring. "I like what Arkansas is doing, and I like what they're bringing to the table."
Bielema has had five running backs drafted by NFL team, including Melvin Gordon, Montee Ball and James White, and has had three others sign as free agents and play in the NFL. Running backs coach Jemal Singleton also coached Joseph Randle, who was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft.
White recorded an electronic time of 10.68 seconds in the 100 meters this spring and said he believes Arkansas' offense is a good fit.
"They'll get you to the NFL," said White, who is the of cousin of Arkansas receiver Jared Cornelius. "That's where I want to be, so that's a great fit for me."
He said his relationship with Singleton has grown since Singleton was hired away from Oklahoma State.
"I like where it's headed," White said. "We barely talk about football because he knows that in the end of the day if I come there we're going to take care of that part, so it's about getting to know each other."
He and receivers coach Michael Smith have developed a relationship that surpasses other coaches recruiting him.
"I say that's like a family member to me now," White said. "He told me even if I don't come to Arkansas he's still going to wish me the best and he still wants to be around me because I'm that type of person.
"That's the best recruiter I got. I'll go call him and talk to him before I call any other coach."
ESPN rates White the No. 3 athlete and the No. 93 prospect in the nation. White worked out at running back in the early session Wednesday and later switched to the linebackers to prove a point.
"ESPN has me listed as an athlete. I'm like the No. 3 athlete in the country right now," White said. "I'm just trying to show the versatility that they see in me so that can be bumped up to No. 1."
RUMMEL PIPELINE
Arkansas hopes its recruiting success at Metairie (La.) Rummel continues to produce.
Cornerback Henre Toliver and linebacker Dwayne Eugene played for Metairie Rummel, and the Razorbacks already have an oral commitment from defensive lineman Briston Guidry.
Arkansas would like to add a fourth in cornerback Kristian Fulton.
"I talk to the coaches every other day, so we have a real good relationship," Fulton said..
Fulton, 5-11, 167, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Tennessee, Ole Miss, Miami, Texas A&M and others. He is rated by ESPN as the nation's No. 3 cornerback and No. 32 overall prospect in the 2016 class.
Fulton and Guidry visited Fayetteville in April for the spring game and a return trip could happen later this month, possibly July 22-23.
"I'm still deciding on that, but if not I'll try and get up there for an official," Fulton said.
Fulton said the atmosphere impressed him during his visit to Fayetteville.
"The fans are great up there, and I had a real good time up there," said Fulton, who recorded a laser time of 4.57 seconds in the 40-yard dash and a 4.00 in the pro-shuttle at The Opening. "The coaches all show love, and they have good people up there."
He and Hope defensive end McTelvin Agim, another target for the Razorbacks, were hanging out Wednesday afternoon.
"He's telling me great things because he's been up there more than me," Fulton said. "He tells me all the great things he's experienced up there. I've been hearing good stuff about Arkansas."
Guidry also in in his ear.
"He's trying to get me up there," Fulton said. "He's telling me how he loves it up there and how much they really want me. It's great that they want me that much."
E-mail Richard Davenport at
rdavenport@arkansasonline.com
Sports on 07/12/2015