THE RECRUITING GUY

Shannon makes impression on Miami prospects

Arkansas linebackers coach Randy Shannon, a former Miami Hurricanes head coach, will be key in the Razorbacks' attempt to land prospects from Miami.
Arkansas linebackers coach Randy Shannon, a former Miami Hurricanes head coach, will be key in the Razorbacks' attempt to land prospects from Miami.

Arkansas looks to be in good shape to get an official visit from one of the nation’s top running backs, Dalvin Cook, because of the respect he has for a member of the Razorbacks’ coaching staff.

“They have one of the best recruiters out there, and that guy is Randy Shannon,” Cook said. “I know him well.”

Shannon, the linebackers coach for the Hogs, has a sterling reputation in south Florida from his days as a player, assistant coach, defensive coordinator and head coach at Miami.

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Cook, 5-11, 195 pounds, 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Miami Central High School, is rated the No. 18 prospect in the nation by CBS Sports Network national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming. He has committed to Florida.

“We talk about other things than football,” said Cook of his relationship with Shannon. “We kind of got to know one another a lot more over this past season. I’ve known him ever since I got to high school.”

Cook rushed 127 times for 1,452 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 11.4 yards per carry, as a junior and had 876 yards and nine touchdowns as sophomore. He said Shannon told him Arkansas will develop his skills and he’ll be looked after when in Fayetteville.

“Arkansas produces running backs,” said Cook, who grew up with Arkansas incoming freshman offensive lineman Denver Kirkland of Miami Washington. “He told me I don’t have to worry about nothing when I get up there because he’s going to take care of me.”

Cook said he’s trying to visit Arkansas this summer but an official visit is more likely.

He’s been chosen to participate in Nike’s The Opening, which features the top 162 prospects in the country during a three-day competition on July 1-3.

HE LIKES RANDY, TOO

Arkansas assistant Randy Shannon is also key for Arkansas’ chances for receiver Kendrick Edwards of Miami Norland, the same high school Shannon attended.

Edwards, 6-6, 200, 4.6, has more than 20 scholarship offers, including ones from Arkansas, Auburn, South Carolina, Rutgers, Syracuse and Louisville.

“It’s high interest because of Randy Shannon,” Edwards said of Arkansas. “I just like the type of person he is and he keeps it real. He said if I come in now, I could come in and start as a freshman.”

Edwards, who had 24 receptions for 443 yards and 8 touchdowns last year, said he is looking to make a trip to Fayetteville.

“I might be visiting sometime this summer , thinking of an official,” he said.

Rutgers, Syracuse and Louisville are other schools he hopes to visit this summer. He said he’s talked to Arkansas receivers coach Michael Smith.

Edwards said he has to feel comfortable with the school and community before making the decision to sign with the school. He said Shannon feels confident

“He said it’s a great community and they have great academics and they like to pass the ball,” Edwards said.

KICKING IT

With the commitment of kicker Cole Hedlund, Arkansas expects the nationally ranked prospect to replace senior Zach Hocker and kick for the Hogs for the 2014 season.

Jamie Kohl, founder of Kohl’s Kicking. said he has known Hedlund for four years and has worked with him for a year or so. He rates him as a five-star prospect and the No. 4 kicker in the nation.

Hedlund, 5-10, 170 pounds of Argyle, Texas, made 7 of 10 field goals as a junior and had a long of 47 yards while having 42 touchbacks on 57 kickoffs. As a sophomore, he made a national record 25 field goals on 30 attempts and hit 73 of 75 extra points.

What separates Hedlund from others is his mental makeup and his ability to kick under pressure.

“What makes him special is I think he’s going to handle kicking in front of 80,000 people much earlier and better than most kickers I’ve ever seen,” Kohl said.

Hedlund attended Arkansas Specialists Camp and impressed Coach Bret Bielema and defensive line coach Charlie Partridge, who’s also in charge of the Hogs specialists. His performance led the Hogs to offer him a scholarship.

E-mail Richard Davenport at [email protected]

Sports, Pages 26 on 06/21/2013

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