LITTLE ROCK — When Arkansas and Texas A&M announced the 10-year agreement to renew their Southwest Conference rivalry at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, many rejoiced, but the happiest people might have been on the Razorbacks' coaching staff.
The Hogs, who are actively pursuing numerous prospects in Texas and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, look forward to the exposure for recruiting purposes.
Irving Nimitz defensive tackle Damon Williams has eight scholarship offers, including offers from Arkansas, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Baylor, Kansas and Kansas State. He said the series is a plus for him.
"It would help a lot because my family wouldn't have to drive to Arkansas every week when we play at home," said Williams, who was recently offered a scholarship by the Razorbacks. "Playing close to home makes it better."
The defensive line beinga priority for the 2010 class, and Williams, 6-4, 287, 5.0 seconds in the 40-yard dash, has the size and speed the Hogs covet. In four games, he's recorded 8 unassisted tackles, 37 assisted tackles, 2 sacks, 1 pass deflection and 1 forced fumble.
Two Arkansas coaches recruit the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Offensive line coach Mike Summers is in charge of the Dallas metro area, while quarterbacks coach Garrick McGee recruits the inner city of Dallas.
"He's a pretty nice guy," Williams said of Summers. "We're building a relationship."
Williams said there's a good chance he'll make an official visit to Arkansas.
"I'll probably wait until after the year to make an official visit so I can spend time down there and I won't be rushing." said Williams, who said he doesn't have a particular time frame for a decision.
Williams also plays basketball for the Vikings, where he averaged about nine points and seven rebounds last season. He plans make an official visit to Texas Tech this weekend.
He said he's seeking a school with a strong academic program, a family-oriented team that gets along and a place he feels comfortable practicing his Christian faith.
"I go to church every Sunday," Williams said. "I'll be going back to church every Wednesday once football season is over. I put God first in everything."
Williams, who reports a 3.4 grade-point average, plans to major in kinesiology in college and eventually become a coach.
COURTING CHESHIER
Quarterback/tight end Noah Cheshier is another Dallas-Fort Worth recruit who likes the idea of Arkansas playing every year metroplex.
"Everyone that helped me through high school would be there watching me," Cheshier said. "That would be kind of fun."
Cheshier, 6-4, 240, 4.61, of Wylie, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Arizona, Kansas, Illinois, Wake Forest and Louisiana Tech with Oklahoma, Purdue and others showing interest. He starred as a tight end and H-back for the Pirates as a junior but because of his athletic ability moved to quarterback for his senior year.
Cheshier, who's being recruited as a tight end/Hback, is also being recruited by offensive line coach Mike Summers.
"We mostly talk about making plans to come up there and look around," he said. "We might go to one of their games in the near future. I don't know if I'll have time during the season, but I'll definitely visit after the season. I'll go up there."
Cheshier said he's currently favoring Arkansas over Kansas.
"I want to be somewhere that's fairly close to home," said Cheshier, who reports a 360-pound bench press and 425 squat. "I don't want to go too far up north. I'm still open; I'm not sure where I want to go."
Cheshier's father, Richard Van Durten, was an offensive lineman for Abilene Christian from 1984-1987 before playing one season each for the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons.
"I heard the whole state is behind Arkansas," Cheshier said. "And it's a one-team state. The volleyball coach at my school said she attended Arkansas and said it was a pretty good school. I've heard a lot of good things. I want to see for myself."
Cheshier, who's an avid hunter and fisherman, is leaning toward studying something related to nature.
"I think I have my mind set on being a game warden," he said.
In five games, Cheshier has connected on 75 of 125 passes for 1,052 yards, 9 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. He's rushed 62 times for 315 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Cheshier said he would like to attend college in a smaller city and have a compassionate coaching staff.
"I want them to care about my ability to play football but I also want them to care about health and well being," he said.
Cheshier said he plans to take all five of his official visits before making a decision.
E-mail Richard Davenport at [email protected]
Sports, Pages 18 on 09/29/2009