University of Arkansas cornerbacks coach Sam Carter has made quite the impression on cornerback Keuan Parker.
Parker, 5-11, 165 pounds, of Tulsa Washington will be making his first trip to Fayetteville to check out Arkansas under Coach Sam Pittman. He visited the Hogs under former coach Chad Morris.
"I want a chance to met the new coaching staff," Parker said. "Coach Carter seems like a good dude. I can't wait to meet him and the new people around the building and the university. Just seeing what they have to offer."
Oregon, Baylor, Nebraska, Iowa State, Kansas and Tulsa are among his 11 scholarship offers. He visited Fayetteville when he was a freshman and twice as a junior. The Auburn game last fall was his latest visit.
"I like what they have to offer academically," Parker said. "The sports facilities are all up-to-date. They have a lot of technology to keep your body healthy. They put their athletes first."
Parker will visit with two teammates -- sophomore athlete Gentry Williams and junior defensive lineman Jaden Brown.
National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network rates Parker a four-star recruit.
[VIDEO: Keuan Parker highlights » arkansasonline.com/0306parker/]
"I stopped by the school last November," Lemming said. "He's one of the premier defensive players in the country. Quick, smart and very productive. He plays for one of the top programs in Oklahoma."
Parker had 45 tackles, a sack, 14 pass breakups and 2 interceptions as a junior. He said he likes Carter's vibe.
"I get a real positive work ethic vibe," Parker said. "He's just a hardworking man. He seems to push people to be the best they can be."
Parker also is planning to visit Kansas on March 21 and Kansas State on March 27, but his early conversations with Carter have stood out.
"I liked the first thing he said when he first started talking to me. He wants to build a relationship," Parker said. "A lot of coaches don't care about building a relationship. That's like big in recruiting."
He said he communicates with Carter every day.
"I value that a lot," Parker said. "He's actually making a priority to recruit me. It's not all business. It's actually deeper than that. He's a real down-to-earth guy, and I can be myself when talking to him."
Email Richard Davenport at rdavenport@arkansasonline.com.
Sports on 03/06/2020