Recruiting

Arkansas looks to double its pleasure with Crossett

MARTY COOK
ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE

FAYETTEVILLE -- Crossett may provide Arkansas with a 2-for-1 special this recruiting season.
The Razorbacks have an oral commitment from Crossett outside linebacker Brandon Mayweather (6-2 1/2, 194, 5.01 seconds in the 40-yard dash) and apparently have set their sights on defensive end/tight end Rylan Reed. Reed (6-6, 235, 5.03) took an unofficial visit for the Middle Tennessee game last weekend and attracted a lot of Arkansas coaches.
"They talked about getting in touch with me in the future," Reed said. "They didn't really offer me anything. Coach [Clifton] Ealy was at my football game Friday night, and he said he'd be calling me.
"I've always followed Arkansas football, and it's a dream come true to have them following me. I'm waiting, I guess. I just have to keep my mind focused and concentrate on [playing]."
Reed said it was his impression that the Razorbacks had greatly raised their opinion of him. The Arkansas coaches asked Reed if he preferred playing tight end or defensive end, but Reed said it didn't matter to him.
"They haven't really said which one they like me more at," Reed said. "Coach Ealy liked me at defense."
As for Mayweather, also one of the best basketball players in the state, he said he was considering asking Arkansas coaches if he could play basketball for the Razorbacks, a la Joe Dean Davenport.
Mayweather said he was still a firm commitment to Arkansas.

Harrison offensive lineman Brian Hill (6-6, 297, 5.44) said he met with a "bunch" of Arkansas coaches during his unofficial visit last weekend.
"They said I was looking good, and they were waiting on some film," said Hill, who is considering Arkansas and Ole Miss. "They said they liked me a lot. They showed me a lot of attention."

Arkansas recruiting coordinator Fitz Hill went to El Dorado, Kan., to get a good look at wide receiver Sam Breeden of Butler County Community College this past Friday.
Quarterback Daniel Cobb caught his eye, as well.
Butler County provided Arkansas with defensive back Corey Harris and defensive end Jermaine Petty a year ago, and the team is coached by former Razorbacks star James Shibest. Breeden will have three years to play three, as will Cobb, if his request to the NCAA for a medical redshirt is approved.
Cobb (6-4, 225, 4.8) was the heir apparent to Mike Bobo at Georgia before a circulatory problem in his right shoulder knocked him out of his redshirt freshman year. While Cobb sat, Quincy Carter returned from minor-league baseball to become Georgia's starter.
Cobb transferred to Butler County, from which he will graduate in December. He said he is looking for a college without an established quarterback for next year and has offers from Michigan State, Kansas State, Colorado and Auburn.
Arkansas fits his criteria, Cobb said. Cobb said he is completely recovered from his injury.
Breeden (6-4, 215, 4.4) has NFL ability, Shibest said.
Breeden, who played for Charlotte, N.C., Richmond Senior High School, is considering Arkansas, North Carolina State, Tennessee and Auburn.
Shibest said the Razorbacks have also shown interest in running back Rudi Johnson (5-10, 225, 4.5), offensive lineman Howard Duncan (6-3, 305, 5.2) and linebacker Mark Strickland (6-1, 225, 4.5).

The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team picked up a second oral commitment, thanks in large part to the football team.
Center fielder Andrew Wishy (6-3, 205) of Raytown, Mo., South, just outside of Kansas City, committed to Arkansas this past weekend during a visit which included a trip to the Middle Tennessee game. Wishy said the Razorbacks Stadium atmosphere impressed him.
"What got me was how much the fans flock to everything," Wishy said Sunday night. "The whole stadium was full of people in red and white, screaming their heads off. It was awesome. I'm looking forward to being a Razorback. I'm still in an awed state."
Wishy hit .625 with 5 home runs and 20 RBI in 13 games for Raytown South, then hit .443-9-53 for a summer all-star team. He chose Arkansas instead of Missouri and Arkansas State.
Right-handed pitcher Eric Mosley orally committed to Arkansas after his visit the first weekend of October. Mosley (6-2, 170) of Tulsa Bishop Kelly chose Arkansas instead of Kansas State and Nebraska.

Forward Shanna Harmon of Norman, Okla., North orally committed to Arkansas after visiting last weekend.
Harmon (6-1 1/2) averaged 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals for North and chose the Lady Razorbacks instead of Tulane, Tulsa and SMU.
"They have always been at the top of my list since about August," Harmon said.

Contact Marty Cook at marty_cook@adg.ardemgaz.com

This article was published on Tuesday, October 12, 1999

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