During Saturday's news conference, Arkansas Razorbacks football Coach Bret Bielema said he believes having the last SEC spring game this weekend will help the Hogs have an impressive list of prospects on hand.
Sophomore receiver Devonta Lee is one of the top prospects in the nation for the 2019 class, and he said he's hoping to be in Fayetteville this Saturday,
Lee, 6-2, 205 pounds, of Amite, La., has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Miami, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Auburn, Ole Miss, LSU and Florida State. He's communicating with Arkansas receivers coach Michael Smith about attending the Razorbacks' spring game.
"I'm going to try and make it with my momma and my family," Lee said. "I was supposed to go about two weeks ago, but I had to go to Miami."
If the trip happens, it will be his first time to visit the Hogs.
"I haven't had a chance to visit the school to see how they practice, throw the ball," Lee said. "I see it's a great school after seeing some of the tradition on the internet. You can get a good education and you can also go to the NFL."
CBS Sports Network national recruiting analyst Tom Lemming travels the nation about six months of the year, meeting the top prospects in the nation. He recently visited with Lee, whom he rates as a 4-star plus prospect.
"Devonta is a big, very athletic receiver, who can also play linebacker or strong safety," Lemming said. "He runs well and knows how to get open and knows what to do with the ball after the catch. He's also a standout in basketball."
Lee, who has a 3.3 grade-point average and is looking to study mechanical engineering in college, said he thinks highly of Smith.
"Coach Smith is a great man," Lee said. "He's always checking on me and asking me to come up there and he wants me to be a part of the Arkansas tradition. He wants me there."
Lee had an outstanding sophomore season with 30 receptions for 915 yards, 30.5 yards per catch and 15 touchdowns. His highlight video shows his ability to make the spectacular catch.
"I catch the ball at the highest point," said Lee, who has a 38-inch vertical. "I'm aggressive and physical. I know how to get open and make the defender miss in the open field."
Under offensive coordinator Dan Enos, the Hogs have passed for more than 3,400 yards each of the past two seasons. Lee said he wants to attend a school that will provide him the opportunity to shine on the field along with winning a lot of games.
"I want to go somewhere I can get the ball and be a true freshman All-American and win games and a championship," he said.
Enjoyable visit
Cornerback Rayshad Williams said he is glad he visited Arkansas on Saturday and now has the Razorbacks as one of his top schools.
"It was real great, enjoyed my time there," Williams said. "Glad I visited the Razorbacks."
Williams, 6-4, 180, of Memphis Whitehaven, has numerous scholarship offers, but after his trip to Fayetteville, he lists Arkansas, Tennessee and Virginia Tech as his top three.
He said there were several highlights from Saturday's visit.
"Just meeting the coaches and feeling the love from coaches," said Williams, who's being recruited by Arkansas running backs coach Reggie Mitchell. "Also being able to see the academic center and the weight program."
Williams recorded 44 tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 3 interceptions last season while helping lead Whitehaven to a 15-0 record and its second Class 6A state title since 2012.
National recruiting analysts Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network rates Williams as a 4-star prospect. Williams said he felt a good vibe with Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema.
"I really I liked Coach B, he definitely made me feel Arkansas was great spot for me and that he likes me," Williams said.
E-mail Richard Davenport at [email protected]
Sports on 04/25/2017