The uniforms Arkansas will wear today against Texas A&M in the annual Southwest Classic are going over big with future Razorbacks.
The uniforms are honoring Dallas owner Jerry Jones, a former Arkansas player, and are modeled after the current Cowboys uniforms.
Lucas (Texas) Lovejoy linebacker and Razorback pledge Bumper Pool (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) is thrilled with the mesh of his two favorite teams. Pool is one of three Arkansas commits from Texas who will be on hand for today’s game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“I’m a huge Cowboys fan, so having my college team wear a Dallas Cowboys replica jersey is about the coolest jersey idea I have seen,” Pool said.
Arkansas cornerback commit Byron Hanspard Jr., of DeSoto, Texas, was equally excited.
“The new uniforms are cold-blooded,” Hanspard said. “Ice water. From head to toe.”
Rockwall (Texas) Heath standout Tanner McCalister will join Pool and Hanspard at the game and agrees.
“I love the uniforms,” Mc-Calister said. “They are very nice and I can’t wait to see them in person.”
Colorado junior prep quarterback Ty Evans, already committed for 2019, is also taking in the game.
“I think they are awesome,” Evans said. “It’s a great nod to the connection between the Cowboys’ organization and Razorback athletics. It’s a perfect blend of two individual uniforms. I am really excited to see them in person and to see the team play in that kind of atmosphere is going to be amazing.”
Arkansas can give tickets to recruits to attend the game, but can’t have any contact, according to NCAA rules.
Springdale High defensive end and Razorback pledge Isaiah Nichols thought something might be coming.
“I think it is a great idea and it turned out crazy,” Nichols said. “I was talking with one of my teammates about what we thought they might do for a new uniform and I never expected that. Pretty cool.”
Independence (Kan.) Community College defensive lineman Emmit Good-en (6-4, 320) hopes to don one of the jerseys in next season’s Southwest Classic. He reaffirmed his Arkansas pledge after visiting Oklahoma last weekend.
“I’m lost for words,” Gooden said. “Some of the best uniforms in the country and I can’t wait to put it on one day.”
Greenwood quarterback Connor Noland, who was the first Razorback commit of the 2018 class, loves the idea of honoring Jones.
“I think the jerseys are awesome,” Noland said. “It’s great they are dedicated to Jerry Jones. For recruiting, it is going to be a big advantage because recruits love the swag. Can’t wait to see them in the jerseys.”
Charleston wide receiver and safety Sean Michael Flanagan is one of six Arkansas in-state pledges so far in the Razorbacks’ 2018 class, which currently has 11 commits.
“I think they’re awesome,” Flanagan said of the uniforms. “I like the new fresh look. They’re different from something Arkansas typically wears.”
Jonesboro offensive lineman and Arkansas pledge Noah Gatlin is impressed.
“They are awesome uniforms and I can’t wait to see Arkansas in them,” he said.
Another Arkansas commit, Pulaski Academy offensive lineman Luke Jones, simply said, “Those jerseys are sweet.”
The new uniforms pleased Pulaski Academy junior Hudson Henry, the younger brother of former Razorback Hunter Henry and current Arkansas linebacker Hayden Henry.
“I think they are really awesome,” Henry said. “I love the design and just how it pays tribute to Jerry Jones.”
Dudley Dawson is the recruiting editor for Hawgs Illustrated magazine.