Several of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville's 12 football commitments in the 2018 class appear solid despite Friday's firing of Bret Bielema as the Razorbacks' football coach.
Greenwood quarterback Connor Noland, 6-3, 208 pounds, was the first commitment in the class and has been a leader in trying to convince others to join the program. He was disappointed to hear the news but remains firm in his pledge.
"I hate to see Coach B get fired," said Noland, who will lead the Bulldogs against Pine Bluff for the Class 6A state championship on Friday. "He's a great man and it's tough to see him go. But it has no effect on my commitment. I'm 100 percent committed to Arkansas. Woo Pig."
Pulaski Academy and Razorbacks offensive line commitment Luke Jones, 6-5, 290, is focused on helping the Bruins win a state title Saturday when they play Little Rock McClellan in the Class 5A state championship.
"I've built a great relationship with Coach B," Jones said. "I appreciate all the time he's invested in me. I wish him the best of luck in the future."
The lone running back commitment Jeremy Gibson, 5-11, 200, of Reserve (La.) Riverside Academy also appears to be solid in his pledge.
"I wish him the best, I was very blessed to meet him and wish things had gone [as planned]," Gibson said. "I pray for his family and hope blessings come for him and get an opportunity elsewhere, but I'm still solid in my commitment."
Junior college offensive lineman Noah Banks, 6-7, 300, of Iowa Western College committed to the Hogs earlier in the month.
He's no stranger to coaching changes. He committed to Troy in 2015 while at Pensacola (Fla.) West High School but reopened his recruiting after the Trojans had a coaching change. He then signed with Murray State where he played as redshirt freshman in 2016, but he transferred to junior college after another coaching change.
"Gonna make a few phone calls and see what's going on, but right now I'm still 100 percent committed to Arkansas, " said Banks on Friday evening. "It's the unfortunate part about recruiting, but I guess that's how it goes. Happened to me in high school, but now I'm prepared for it and we will see how it goes. I love Coach Bielema and I hate that it happened and I hope to talk to him in the next couple days to see where his future is gonna be."
Defensive line commitment Isaiah Nichols, 6-3, 265, of Springdale was disappointed to hear the news but is looking toward to future.
"Well I have nothing against him personally, nor will I say anything negative about him," Nichols said. "I'm just looking forward to what the future holds for the U of A and nothing has changed with my commitment."
Offensive line commitment Noah Gatlin, 6-7, 300, of Jonesboro is looking forward to see who the Hogs hire.
"I wish the best for Coach B," Gatlin said. "He is a great person and coach and I hate that for him, but it doesn't change anything for me, I am just going to wait and see who they hire."
Bielema was a major reason for highly regarded cornerback Byron Hanspard deciding to commit to the Razorbacks.
Hanspard, 6-1, 188, 4.44 in the 40-yard dash, of DeSoto, Texas, remains committed to the Hogs but plans to make visits to other schools.
"I'm very disappointed this happened because I thoroughly built a relationship with Coach B, not just based off of football and not just based off of what he wants me to do when I get to Arkansas, but just words of wisdom and counseling about how to be a better son, how to be a better athlete, how to be a better servant," Hanspard said.
Defensive line commitment Emmit Gooden, 6-4, 320, of Independence (Kan.) Community College seemed to take the news in stride.
"Great guy, I hate to see him leave, but everything happens for a reason," Gooden said.
E-mail Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com
Sports on 11/26/2017