THE RECRUITING GUY: Hogs’ persistence impresses Tampa linebacker

— Signing Florida prospect Ramik Wilson would go a long way to filling the need Arkansas has for linebackers in the Class of 2011.

Wilson, 6-3, 228 pounds, 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Tampa Jefferson, has about 25 scholarship offers but has narrowed his list to Arkansas, Texas Tech, Purdue, Georgia and Minnesota.

Much of the credit for the Hogs being in Wilson’s top five goes to receivers coach Kris Cinkovich, who is the lead recruiter of Wilson.

“He came by my school in the spring, and ever since then he hasn’t missed writing me letters,” Wilson said with a slight laugh. “That makes me know how interested they are in me. In a week, I’ll get a good five or six. Some other schools may write melike once a month, but he’s on his job.”

Wilson recorded 82 tackles, a team-high 9 sacks and 2 interceptions while having 19 receptions for 293 yards and 1 touchdown as a tight end for the Class 3A Dragons.

The attention from Cinkovich has had an impact on Wilson.

”It means they really need me and they can use a player like me to come in and help make an impact on the defense,” Wilson said. “I give that a lot of consideration because this team is really serious.”

Wilson said Cinkovich has told him of Arkansas’ need at linebacker and willingness to play freshmen.

“That’s why they’re in my top five,” Wilson said. “Out of those top five, I have a good chance of playing early. That’s my No. 1 thing is playing time.” Wilson uses his reported 385-pound bench press and 455-pound squat to punish opponents.

“I stay in the weight room,” he said. “All spring, all summer.”

Wilson said he also works hard on staying humble.

“Anything can happen, no need to brag,” Wilson said. “I don’t even like it when people ask me how many offers I have. There’s no need for that. There’s me and three other guys on the team with offers.

“I make sure the other kids know to push themselves so they can get offers like me. It didn’t come easy and an injury could come at any time. You have to stay positive and set your goals and go for it.”

Wilson said he plans to take all five of the NCAA allotted official visits before making a decision.

“I have to have a good relationship with the coaches, and I have to feel at home,” he said.

BACK IN THE HUNT

Arkansas fans were dismayed when Florida athlete Calvin Pryor named his top five schools earlier in the week and the Razorbacks weren’t included, but he has since reconsidered.

Pryor, 6-1 1 /2, 205 pounds, 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash, reports 12 scholarship offers. That includes offers from Arkansas, Florida State, Stanford, Maryland, Louisville, Central Florida and South Florida.

He was an all-state selection on offense and defense last year.

Pryor, who had more than 1,400 yards of total offense and 20 touchdowns while playing quarterback, running back, tight end and receiver, said Wednesday night he has replaced South Florida with Arkansas in his top five list to go along with Louisville, Florida State, Maryland and Central Florida.

Arkansas is looking at Pryor, who had 58 unassisted tackles, 33 assisted tackles and 6 interceptions as a safety/outside linebacker.

RAISING ARKANSAS

One of the more elusive offensive players in the nation has named Arkansas as his leader.

Gilbert (Ariz.) Higley running back/defensive back Kelvin Fisher Jr., 5-11, 185 pounds, 4.5 seconds in the 40-yard dash, said the Razorbacks lead over Oregon, Pittsburgh, Boise State and Washington.

Fisher, who visited Fayetteville in June, rushed 113 times for 819 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior. He also recorded 57 unassisted and 22 assisted tackles and had 2 interceptions and 4 pass breakups.

E-mail Richard Davenport at

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Sports, Pages 19 on 08/13/2010

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