THE RECRUITING GUY

Watts heading to Arkansas, with mom’s approval

Arkansas defensive coordinator Chris Ash, along with defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and graduate assistant Eric Mateos have recruited defensive lineman Armon Watts hard.
Arkansas defensive coordinator Chris Ash, along with defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and graduate assistant Eric Mateos have recruited defensive lineman Armon Watts hard.

A comfort level with the Arkansas coaching staff helped the Hogs gain the commitment of defensive lineman Armon Watts and impressed his mother, Glenda Williams, during their visit last Friday.

“I felt a great vibe from them,” said Watts, who plays for St. Louis Christian Brothers College High.

Watts, 6-5, 270 pounds, 5.1 seconds in the 40-yard dash, made his second visit to Fayetteville since earning a scholarship offer from Arkansas during the July 19 elite prospect camp.

Williams said she felt good about her son’s commitment.

“There was really a nice, warm welcoming from the staff,” said Williams, who didn’t make the July trip. “The coaches are very friendly, very supportive. They gave Armon a lot of good advice. I really enjoyed that.”

Watts picked the Razorbacks over scholarship offers from 13 other schools, including Missouri, Wisconsin, Kentucky and Syracuse. He said he grew to respect defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, who coached NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt when the Houston Texans defensive end played at Wisconsin.

“I feel like he’s a really good coach,” Watts said. “I feel like Coach Partridge can help me get where I want to be in the future.”

Watts, who was recruited by Partridge, defensive coordinator Chris Ash and offensive line graduate assistant Eric Mateos, said having his mother on board with his decision was important.

“It was pretty big,” he said. “I wanted to have her approval, too.”

Williams said Marcus Sedberry, director of student-athlete development, also played a role in helping her feel comfortable about Watts choosing Arkansas.

“They gave a description on how they would shape Armon to become the young man that he needs to be to be successful in life,” Williams said. “Setting his goals, being committed to his studies, that was very interesting. That played a big part.”

Coach Bret Bielema impressed Williams with his desire to see her son succeed.

“His concern for Armon was genuine,” Williams said. “He gave Armon a lot of good advice, more of a father figure as far as being focused going after his goals. So that was really good to hear.”

BELL LIKES UA

Junior tight end/defensive end Jamiaro Bell of Junction City, who attended Arkansas’ prospect camp in June, will be making his first trip back to Fayetteville today.

Bell, 6-6, 230 pounds, 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, is one of the most physically gifted athletes in the state. He received a scholarship offer from the Hogs on June 5, his birthday, and he also is drawing interest from Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Florida State and others.

His mother, Helen, and Junction City assistant coach Kendall Hutchinson, will accompany him on his visit.

photo

Junction City's Jamario Bell tries to shake the tackle of Dierks Andrew Sirmon during the first half of the second round 2A state playoffs at Paul Muse Field in Junction City on Friday, Nov. 16, 2012.

The Razorbacks would love to add Bell to an already impressive 2015 class that includes offensive linemen Colton Jackson of Conway and Zach Rogers of Carrollton (Texas) Hebron and quarterback Ty Storey of Charleston.

“It’s a pretty good chance, but I don’t know,” Bell said of possibly committing during his visit. “It just depends on how I feel [today].”

Bell recorded 81 tackles, including 12 for loss, and 5 sacks last season. On offense, he had 15 receptions for 249 yards and 4 touchdowns and was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Super Sophomore team last season.

He said the early success the Razorbacks have had with next year’s class caught his eye. Storey also has been after him to join the class.

“He’s pretty convincing,” Bell said. “He wanted me to be there so he’ll have someone to throw to. He would love to throw me. He’s a really good guy.”

AWAITING WORD

Highly recruited running back Kevin Shorter of Newton, Texas, will announce where he plans to attend college at noon Saturday on Twitter.

Shorter, 6-1, 190 pounds, 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, had more than 20 scholarship offers but will choose between Arkansas, Texas and Texas A&M. His Twitter handle is @Xx_QuickSix_xX.

E-mail Richard Davenport at [email protected]

Sports, Pages 24 on 08/16/2013

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