LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas received its second oral commitment from a highly regarded junior college standout in as many weeks when cornerback Carroll Washington told coaches Tuesday morning that he would be a Razorback before leaving Fayetteville after an official visit.
Washington, 5-11, 180 pounds, 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash, plays at Salinas (Calif.) Hartnell College and picked the Razorbacks over nine schools that included Texas Tech, Rutgers, Mississippi State and Kansas.
His commitment to Arkansas comes on the heels of an oral commitment from California junior college linebacker Myke Tavarres, who made a commitment to the Razorbacks last week.
“Everything about the whole experience was just amazing,” Washington said. “The facilities, the coaches, the players, the fans of the Razorbacks.”
Washington recorded 27 tackles, 4 interceptions, 6 pass breakups and 1 forced fumble last year. He said Arkansas’ football program stood out along with the student-athlete development program headed by Eric Wood, associate athletic director for student-athlete services.
“That program they have going on there is just amazing,” said Washington, who plans to graduate in December and will have three years to play two. “It really helps you throughout school. It prepares you to not only be a better person but a better worker if the NFL doesn’t work out.”
Hartnell Coach Matt Collins said Washington has excellent eye-hand coordination.
“He just pulls the ball out of air with one hand and does some real dynamic things,” Collins said. “He’s the kind of guy you wish you had a few of them at the same time. That makes coaching pretty easy.”
Washington said Arkansas receivers coach Kris Cinkovich, his lead recruiter, and defensive coordinator Paul Haynes were a big part of his decision.
“I feel like I can go to [Cinkovich] and talk about anything, and that goes for Coach Haynes, too,” Washington said. “I feel a connection with them. I feel like they have my best interests at heart in anything.”
Washington is Arkansas’ 12th commitment for the 2013 class. Oral commitments are nonbinding.
Sports, Pages 24 on 08/08/2012