FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas’ staff, people and facilities wowed Dorian Gerald, the nation’s top junior college defensive end, during his official visit that started Wednesday and ended about mid-morning Friday.
He was impressed with Coach Chad Morris, defensive coordinator John Chavis and the defensive staff.
“I truly enjoyed it,” Gerald said. “A lot of great people here. Coach Morris has put together an unbelievable staff. Coach Chavis and the defensive staff knows exactly what they're doing and how to win championships.”
Gerald, 6-3, 265 pounds, of College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif., has accumulated more than 30 scholarship offers from schools like Arkansas, Texas A&M, Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Alabama, LSU and Nebraska.
Like many other prospects visiting the Razorbacks, Gerald was surprised by what he saw.
“Oh yeah, top-notch,” Gerald said. “Way better than I expected. Arkansas is typically not a winning team in the SEC, and you just don't think of the facilities. The facilities are crazy.”
The highlight of the trip was the people.
“Everyone is very genuine,” Gerald said. “Everyone. Coach Morris has a tremendous staff that knows how to coach football and to develop young men to be better men.”
Gerald, who is ESPN’s No. 1 defensive end and No. 4 overall junior college prospect in the nation, recorded 42 tackles, 10 sacks and 19 tackles for loss this past season.
His road to being the top-rated junior college defensive end in the nation hasn’t been an easy one. Despite being the all-time sack leader at West Florence High School in South Carolina, Gerald had no offers. He then attended Palmetto Prep Academy, and still no offers came his way.
Now, two seasons later at College of the Canyons, he has offers from nearly all of the top programs in the country.
“The special things about Dorian, and there are quite a few,” College of the Canyons Coach Ted Iacenda said on the Recruiting Thursday radio show. “The most special absolutely is his character. He’s tremendous young man, and he has got a perseverance that you don’t see very often. And he’s just really remarkable. His story is very remarkable.”
He had 54 tackles, 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss in his first season in junior college. He said prayer led him to visit Arkansas.
“I prayed on it a lot, and something told me I had to be here,” Gerald said. “I had to see the people. I had to meet the people, and I’m glad I did.”
If he decides to be a Razorback, he’ll be coached by defensive ends coach Steve Caldwell.
“I’ve always looked for a family feel, and he gives off a great family feel,” Gerald said. “He was here before Coach Chavis and Coach Morris, and I spent most of my time with him. He's a great guy.”
Gerald’s speed makes him different from others at his position.
“The thing that separates Dorian is his ability to run,” Iacenda said. “There’s not many human beings that are 260 pounds that can run like they’re 185 pounds. That is his rare gift.”
The opportunity for playing time in Fayetteville excites Gerald.
“Transitioning from a 3-4 to the 4-3, they don't have many edge rushers,” Gerald said. “I watched them practice and everything, and you can tell it needs to be a transition. [The] 3-4 typically is bigger guys, 4-3 is more lean, faster guys. So, yeah, that's what their pitch has been, me coming in being the guy that they need. The transition is going to be huge.”
The visit to Arkansas with his parents has put the Hogs in a good spot.
“I’m definitely considering Arkansas — 100 precent,” Gerald said. “They definitely got my vote and my family’s vote, and I really do love it out here.”
Gerald will announce his college decision on National Signing Day next Wednesday and will choose from Arkansas, Louisville, Texas A&M and Florida.
“I leave here right now to go to Gainesville on my way to Florida,” Gerald said. “I’m going to check them out, and I’ll make my decision.”