THE RECRUITING GUY

350-pound defensive lineman leans to Arkansas

Javier Edwards
Javier Edwards

Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema and his staff hosted six prospects on official visits over the weekend and four play on the defensive line.

Defensive tackle Javier Edwards, 6-3, 350 pounds, of Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, committed to Florida in June, but after his trip to Fayetteville he said that's no longer the case.

Arkansas, Missouri and Florida remain in contention for Edwards.

"I've got to do these home visits and see how it plays out," said Edwards, who's expected to graduate in December and enroll at his new school in January. "Right now, Arkansas is probably my No. 1."

Defensive backs coach Paul Rhoads recruited Edwards out of Houston's Aldine Davis High School while the head coach at Iowa State. Being close to qualifying academically, Edwards was considering double signing with the Cyclones and Blinn, but that changed when Rhoads wasn't retained after seven seasons at Iowa State.

Edwards said he loved the family atmosphere at Arkansas.

"I loved how I came here and felt at home," Edwards said. "Even though I was at Arkansas, it felt like I was in Texas. I just fit in out here."

He officially visited Florida on Nov. 12 for the South Carolina game and is planning a trip to Missouri.

"I might end up signing here, you never know, but I really like it out here," Edwards said of Arkansas. "This is my No. 1 school now. After the Missouri visit, I'm probably going to go here."

The Gators were to make an in-home visit with him Sunday night. Coach Bret Bielema and Rhoads are expected to make an in-home visit on Wednesday. He doesn't have a firm date for a decision.

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"I don't have a date set because I'm not sure when everybody's going to be done with their home visits, and I'm not sure if I'm going to Missouri or not. So, it depends on that," Edwards said.

E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com

Sports on 12/06/2016

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