The Recruiting Guy

Hammonds seeing early results from Arkansas' strength and conditioning program

Pulaski Robinson receiver T.J. Hammonds breaks through tackles during a game against Central Arkansas Christian on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, in Little Rock.
Pulaski Robinson receiver T.J. Hammonds breaks through tackles during a game against Central Arkansas Christian on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, in Little Rock.

Arkansas freshman athlete T.J. Hammonds of Pulaski Robinson reported to Arkansas in late May and in about a month has seen his body change.

Arkansas strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert and his staff are pleased with Hammonds’ progress.

“He reported at 193, and he’s already at 203 pounds,” said Pulaski Robinson strength and conditioning coach Brian Maupin, who also coaches linebackers. “It’s just mind-blowing. He’ll even tell you that he thought we worked hard, but he said it’s different animal when you got five members of the strength and conditioning guys. You have small groups and have a lot of time to focus on the minutiae things.”

Hammonds, who stand 5 feet 11 inches tall, rushed 58 times for 852 yards and 7 touchdowns and had 41 receptions for 1,172 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior. Prior to arriving at Arkansas, Maupin worked with Hammonds.

“We were kind of leaning him up and making sure he was in the best shape of his life,” Maupin said.

Maupin was recently able to watch an Arkansas workout.

“It’s just amazing what they do up there and how hard those guys are working,” Maupin said.

Hammonds will likely start off at running back when fall practice begins in August.

“His body is changing,” Maupin said. “He’s thick; he looks good, looks healthy; he looks like he’s ready to carry that rock for the Razorbacks.”

Maupin, who played at linebacker Harding, gave Hammonds a heads-up on college life as a student-athlete.

“I told him every moment of your life is about to be allotted for you,” Maupin said. “Nap time, wake-up time, breakfast time, workout time, class time.”

Hammonds soon realized Maupin was right.

“He called me and said, ‘Coach you weren’t playing around. Every moment is accounted for.' But he loves it. He loves the grind.”

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