Hogs gain pledge from linebacker

Arkansas took another step toward bolstering its linebacker talent when Randy Ramsey gave an oral pledge to Coach Bret Bielema on Sunday morning during his official visit.

Ramsey, 6-3, 210, 4.57 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) Dillard, received offers from Kentucky, North Carolina State, Rutgers, Illinois, Wake Forest and others.

“I think it’s a great fit,” said Ramsey, who arrived on Friday for his official visit. “I love the players and the school. I could play early.”

Ramsey played cornerback, safety, defensive end and linebacker during four years as a starter at Dillard. He played defensive end for the first time this past season and recorded 25 sacks.

He’ll give Arkansas more length at linebacker and possesses a frame that should be able to handle more weight.

“They think I will probably be 6-4 and 235 or 240 by the time next season rolls around after I get in their offseason program,” said Ramsey, who expects to play outside linebacker.

Ramsey said he was impressed by the passion Razorbacks fans show for the program.

“The fans are crazy,” he said. “They love the football players, they love the school.”

Ramsey said his host, freshman quarterback Damon Mitchell, provided a rundown on what to expect in Fayetteville.

“He told me everything I needed to know so I can be use to everything when I get up here,” Ramsey said.

Ramsey, who was accompanied by his mother on the visit, said linebackers coach Randy Shannon, his lead recruiter, filled him in on his chances to see the field in the fall.

“He told me I will be competing with two seniors and two sophomores,” Ramsey said. “He told me what I had to do to get on the field.”

Ramsey is Arkansas’ 19th oral commitment for the 2014 class. Oral commitments are nonbinding. The Hogs also signed two junior-college prospects in December.

Sports, Pages 13 on 01/27/2014

Upcoming Events