This is the ninth in a series profiling new additions to the Arkansas football team.
FAYETTEVILLE — So, what prompts a player who’s lived in Kansas and Missouri to sign with Arkansas?
There were several factors for Brad Hefley, but it helps that his former high school football coach played for the Razorbacks.
Hefley grew up hearing stories about the Arkansas football program from his former coach Russ Garber at Riverton, Kan. Garber played for the Razorbacks in 1969-1971, where he was mostly a blocking fullback for halfback Bill Burnett. Garbermentored and coached Hefley until Hefley’s senior year, when he transferred to Joplin, Mo.
Riverton is located insoutheast Kansas, 7 miles west of Joplin.
“Kids always want to know about your playing days,” said Garber, who plans to retire from coaching after this season. “Brad and others would ask and I’d tell them about when I played at Arkansas. I don’t know how much that influenced his decision, but I’m glad he signed with the Hogs. I’ll be there watching him, that’s for sure.”
Hefley also learned about the Razorbacks from his father, Rob, who earned his doctorate in education at Arkansas in 1985. Hefley chose Arkansas over scholarship offers from Kansas State and Oklahoma State, among others.
“[Fayetteville] is only 1 1 /2 hours from home, so it’s pretty easy to get to the games,” said Hefley, who’ll likely be tried at both tight end and defensive end with the Razorbacks. “Arkansas is the closest Division I school to my home, and there’s actually a lot of Razorback fans in southeast Kansas and southwest Missouri. It’s a good fit for me.”
Hefley, 6-4, 250 pounds, played all sports while growing up in Riverton, which has a population of about 600. Hegot started early at the direction of Garber, who helped develop his skills.
“Brad was bigger than most kids his age and he had some natural strength,” Garber said. “I’m a big proponent of speed trainingand I got him started on a program when he was in the sixth grade.
“He’s gotten bigger, stronger and faster, and he’s a real coachable kid. His attitude and work habits are a big plus.”
Hefley played three years at Riverton and helped his team to an 11-1 record as a junior. Hefley then decided totransfer his senior season to nearby Joplin, where he faced better competition.
“I loved Riverton, but it’s really small and I wanted to see how I could do at a larger school,” said Hefley. “It was a tough decision, but it worked out.”
Hefley continued to prosper while playing tight end and defensive end for the Eagles, who finished 4-6 last season. He finished with 70 tackles and 14 sacks and contributed 14 catches for about 200 yards on offense.
Hefley was ranked as the No. 15 prospect in Missouri when he signed with Arkansas.
Hefley is attending summer classes at Arkansas and participating in informal workouts with the Razorbacks.
“Right now, I’m lining up at tight end and even playing a little fullback,” said Hefley. “I don’t think anything will be decided until fall practice, but wherever they decide to play me is all right with me.”
Sports, Pages 19 on 07/22/2010