Arkansas is expected to sign the nation's top junior college tight end today, the first day midyear transfers can sign a national letter of intent.
The Razorbacks also have hopes of landing a defensive tackle.
Tight end Jeremy Patton, 6-6, 250 pounds, 4.59 in the 40-yard dash, of Arizona Western College is expected to sign with the Razorbacks this morning at his home in Indianapolis. Tight ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. is Patton's lead recruiter.
ESPN rates him the No. 1 tight end and the No. 33 overall junior college prospect. He committed to Arkansas over offers from Alabama, Southern Cal, Auburn, Oklahoma State, Arizona, Arizona State and others.
The Razorbacks appear to be in good shape with defensive tackle Javier Edwards, 6-3, 350 pounds, of Blinn College in Texas. He's planning to announce his decision among Arkansas, Colorado and UNLV today.
"He's a guy that demands a double team in the middle," Blinn College Coach Ryan Mahon said. "He's an exceptional run stopper and a great kid to boot. He's just a joy to be around. You can't find a much better kid than that and he's exceptionally loyal. He's a team guy and a team leader."
ESPN rates Edwards the No. 3 defensive tackle and No. 27 overall junior college prospect. He committed to Florida in June, but he recently rescinded the pledge and is no longer considering the Gators.
Defensive backs coach Paul Rhoads recruited Edwards out of Aldine Davis High School in Houston while the head coach at Iowa State, and he was the lead recruiter of Edwards this year. Rhoads and Coach Bret Bielema made an in-home visit with him last week.
Edwards is looking forward to having more resources to help him lose weight for next season.
"For his size, he's exceptionally mobile and he needs to drop weight and he knows it. Everybody in America knows that," Mahon said. "It's not a secret. When he gets down there [weight wise], I would hate to scheme against him."
Patton and Edwards have two years of eligibility left.
Arkansas also is the leader for junior college receiver Brandon Martin. He plans to sign at his home in Monroe, La., on Thursday and announce his decision around 3 p.m.
Martin, 6-4, 225 pounds, 4.37, of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, said Sunday afternoon he has narrowed his list of schools to Arkansas, Mississippi State and Auburn.
Receivers coach Michael Smith is his lead recruiter. ESPN rates Martin the No. 1 wide receiver and the No. 2 overall junior college prospect.
He redshirted his freshman season at Mississippi Gulf Coast and will have three years to play three seasons at his new school.
Sports on 12/14/2016