The recruiting guy

Hogs spot prospect at south Florida satellite camp

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema speaks with receivers coach Michael Smith against University of Texas at El Paso's Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, during the third quarter of play in Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Arkansas coach Bret Bielema speaks with receivers coach Michael Smith against University of Texas at El Paso's Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, during the third quarter of play in Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

The Arkansas football staff has extended scholarship offers to several prospects after seeing them at satellite camps, and Fort Myers, Fla., wide receiver Jeshaun Jones is one athlete the Razorbacks are particularly interested in.

Jones, a junior, shined at Arkansas' south Florida camp at Florida Atlantic University in June and a few days later received an offer from the Razorbacks.

Jones, 6-1, 170 pounds, 4.6 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of South Fort Myers, Fla., had scholarship offers from South Florida and Southern Miss before the camp. Florida Atlantic offered him because of his performance at the camp, and Rutgers offered a few days after the Hogs.

"It really showed me this school is interested in me early, and that's a good sign," Jones said of Arkansas' offer. "That's an SEC school, and it really doesn't get better than that. That was very big. It means a lot to me. It wasn't my first offer, but it was my first SEC offer."

Jones and Arkansas receivers coach Michael Smith have been talking.

"Coach Smith hits me up like every other day," Jones said. "Sometimes more often that that."

Jones and his mother, who teaches at South Fort Myers, are looking to travel to Fayetteville for a game this season.

"I really want to come up and catch a game," Jones said. "I was going to come up on Oct. 1 because that's our bye week, but that weekend they're playing in Little Rock. So it's not like an on-campus game. We're going to try and find another game."

Jones had 14 receptions for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns before Friday's game against Fort Myers. He wasn't able to watch Arkansas' double-overtime 41-38 victory over TCU last week, but he said he did notice good friend and Arkansas sophomore cornerback Ryan Pulley had a good game.

Pulley held TCU junior receiver Taj Williams, who had 12 receptions in the Horned Frogs' season-opener, to no receptions. Williams' only catch of the game came against senior cornerback Jared Collins.

Jones said he has learned a lot about Arkansas from Pulley. They communicate about once a week, and Pulley has told Jones about the enthusiasm of the fan base and how approachable the coaches are.

"You can go to them and talk about stuff," Jones said.

Jones said his mother will play an important role in his decision.

"She wants a school with good academics and also a good football team," Jones said. "It's mostly academics, and she really wants a [direct] flight to the school. That's a really big thing for her."

He said Arkansas' early offer is a big plus.

"It really showed me this school is interested in me early and that's a good sign," Jones said. "That's SEC school and it really doesn't get better than that. That was very big. It means a lot to me. IT wasn't my first offer but it was my first SEC offer."

Jones said when he and his mother visit Arkansas, he might commit to the Hogs, if they come away impressed.

"If she loved it and I loved it, there's a possibility," Jones said. "I kind of want to wait out and let the whole process go through and see everything and keep all of my options open."

TOP TE INTERESTED

Junior tight end Mustapha Muhammad was visiting TCU when Arkansas defeated the Horned Frogs 41-38 in double overtime last Saturday.

"It was a great game," Muhammad said. "Crazy finish with a great atmosphere from both schools that I could see myself at. From start to finish, I paid close attention to the offenses and how I would be used in certain situations. Arkansas showed out as well."

Muhammad, 6-5, 225, 4.70, of Missouri City (Texas) Ridge Point, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Michigan, LSU, Ohio State, Clemson, Alabama, Auburn, Florida and others. ESPN rates him the nation's No. 1 tight end and the No. 40 overall prospect for the 2018 class.

Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle caught 3 passes for 58 yards and 1 touchdown against TCU.

"Oh yeah, they threw to the tight end several times and have two on the field most of the game," Muhammad said. "Jeremy Sprinkle is a beast."

Arkansas' victory spiked Muhammad's interest level with the Razorbacks.

"I'd like to go see an Arkansas game," he said.

Muhammad has 6 receptions for 61 yards in three games this season after making 17 catches for 304 yards and 3 touchdowns as a sophomore. Muhammad said he's been communicating with defensive backs coach Paul Rhoades.

"We've talked a few times. But when we do, it's just him checking in with me and a casual conversation," Muhammad said. "I told him recently I was at the TCU game and I paid attention to how they use Sprinkle. He said that could be me or even better one day."

E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com

Sports on 09/18/2016

Upcoming Events