FAYETTEVILLE -- Blue chip defensive lineman McTelvin Agim of Hope signed a financial aid agreement with Arkansas on Thursday, one day after graduating from high school.
Agim, a 6-3, 268-pound defensive end, is the consensus No. 1 prospect in Arkansas and the Gatorade Player of the Year for the state.
Arkansas expects to have Agim cleared through the NCAA to participate in bowl practices starting Saturday. He is expected to enroll in classes next semester and participate in spring drills.
"McTelvin has been a guy that we've heavily recruited over the last three years," Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema said in a statement released by the school. "It's very rewarding not only for him but also for us. We're happy to have him on our campus now, practicing with us before the bowl game, and we look forward to him joining us in January. It shows the caliber of student-athletes we can bring to the University of Arkansas."
Agim is the Razorbacks' first top-10 national prospect in ESPN's rankings to commit to Arkansas in 11 years of those rankings. He posted a picture of his signing the agreement on his Twitter account. He is the No. 9 prospect in the country, according to ESPN.
Henry sweeps
Tight end Hunter Henry was named an All-American on all four teams that included tight ends, giving the junior consensus All-America status.
"It's crazy to think about how hard work really does pay off," Henry said. "I felt like I worked very hard for it over the years. I've done a lot of things behind closed doors that you don't see. You see the stuff on the field, but there's a lot that goes into it. It's like an iceberg. You only see the point out there and you don't see what's underneath to keep it floating.
"It's an honor to be on all those and represent the state of Arkansas and represent this program. I'm just honored. It's pretty cool."
Alex's choice
Tailback Alex Collins said he's had a few discussions about his impending decision on whether to enter the NFL Draft, but he's in no rush to make a decision or announce it.
"It's been thrown around, but I'm pushing it off because I feel like I have time to handle that and I have time to make my decision, but what's most important now is finishing my semester off strong and getting ready for this bowl game," he said. "Then when the time is right, that's when I'll focus on making that decision."
Underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to declare for the NFL Draft.
Wildcat start
The Razorbacks filtered in their first practice work involving their game plan for Kansas State on Thursday.
Arkansas faces the Wildcats on Jan. 2 in the Liberty Bowl in Memphis.
"The scout team did a great job of giving us great looks, and today was a really good practice," quarterback Brandon Allen said.
Who's walking?
The Razorbacks will have 12 players involved in commencement ceremonies Saturday, including two -- junior JaMichael Winston and former safety Eric Bennett -- who will participate but not officially graduate until after the spring semester.
The list of players graduating includes Jonathan Williams, Keon Hatcher, Sebastian Tretola, Mitch Smothers, Kody Walker, Demarcus Hodge, Mitch Loewen, Jared Collins, Austin Beck and walk-on Marty Murad.
Mateos and Cook
Graduate assistant Eric Mateos is the primary offensive line assistant, and former Razorback Brey Cook received clearance to help with practices Thursday as Arkansas moved on from the departure of assistant head coach Sam Pittman.
"It's something that we can't change," tackle Dan Skipper said of Pittman's departure. "We can either embrace it or sulk in it. I think we're really embracing Coach Mateos and Brey coming in and just getting down with what we need to do and getting this opportunity to showcase Coach Mateos."
On the mend
Receivers Dominique Reed (ankle) and Drew Morgan (shoulder) said they have been able to work in more practice time while continuing to recover from the injuries that slowed them late in the season.
"My shoulder's feeling good," Morgan said. "Nothing really super, super itchy towards it, and every day it's progressing."
Morgan said he can work through about half a practice or a little more before his shoulder starts to ache.
"I'm practicing longer and feeling healthier," Morgan said.
"I'm coming along pretty good," said Reed, adding he'd be ready for the bowl game.
"He was running like he usually runs today," quarterback Brandon Allen said of Reed. "Today he looked good. He was making cuts full speed and making plays."
Is that Superman?
Receiver Drew Morgan, a junior from Greenwood who began the season as a backup, wound up being a second-team All-SEC pick by the media.
Morgan became a starter in the third game because of injuries and caught 55 passes for 751 yards and 10 touchdowns.
"It's humbling, because before the season I wasn't in the talk, I wasn't in the mix," Morgan said. "Now everyone's like, 'Who is this guy? He's Superman, and this, this and this.'
"If you saw me on the street, you'd never know I play football. I'm just another regular guy walking down the road. ... I'm very thankful I got All-SEC wide receiver. It's something you've got to build on now. There are more expectations for you."
Smothers invited
Center Mitch Smothers said he's been invited to play in the Tropic Bowl, a college all-star game Jan. 17 in Miami.
Smothers said he'll consult with Coach Bret Bielema before making a decision on whether to play in the game.
Sports on 12/18/2015