Texas tight end commits on visit

— Arkansas won Saturday’s game and a major recruiting coup by adding the oral commitment of Chris Barnett, who is considered one of the nation’s top tight end prospects

Barnett, 6-6, 248 pounds, 4.52 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Hurst, (Texas) L.D. Bell, chose the Hogs over more than 30 scholarship offers, including ones from Southern Cal, UCLA, Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon and Florida State.

“I had every reason in the world to commit,” said Barnett, who is making an official visit to Fayetteville this weekend. “Nothing has changed in a month and with the way they’re playing, and the way the recruiting process is going, and the way my season is going I plan on being a Razorback.”

Barnett, who has 19 receptions for 282 yards and 3 touchdowns playing for the Class 5A Blue Raiders,has lofty goals as a Razorback.

“I plan on leading the 2011 class to a national championship,” Barnett said. “I plan on being the first tight end to ever win the Heisman [Trophy]. I plan on doing all that at Fayetteville.”

One of Barnett’s best friends, Jatashun “Big Tex” Beachum of Dallas Maceo, signed with Arkansas in February and has told Barnett nice things about his experience at Arkansas.

“I know of all the people, I know Tex isn’t going to lie to me,” said Barnett, who won’t be making any more visits. “He’s going to tell me the truth. I know with all the good things he said about Arkansas, I know that’s how it really is.”

Barnett is Arkansas’ No. 21 public commitment for the 2011 recruiting class. Oral commitments are nonbinding.

Sports, Pages 36 on 10/24/2010

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