Recruiting Guy

New Mexico transfer PG says Arkansas perfect fit

Fresno State forward Karachi Edo (4) and guard Jahmel Taylor contest a drive to the basket by New Mexico guard Jalen Harris in the second half of the Lobos’ 78-73 victory.  JUAN ANTONIO LABRECHE Associated Press
Fresno State forward Karachi Edo (4) and guard Jahmel Taylor contest a drive to the basket by New Mexico guard Jalen Harris in the second half of the Lobos’ 78-73 victory. JUAN ANTONIO LABRECHE Associated Press

Arkansas Razorbacks basketball Coach Mike Anderson received an oral commitment from New Mexico point guard transfer Jalen Harris on Friday night during his official visit, which ended Saturday.

Harris, 6-2, 160, started 18 of 31 games as a freshman for the Lobos this past season and averaged 4.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists a game. He was second on the team with 25 steals.

Harris was accompanied by his parents, and said Anderson and assistant T.J. Cleveland made him feel at home.

"First of all, everybody is just like a big family," Harris said. "That's the first thing that stuck out to my parents and myself. Coach Anderson and Coach Cleveland are really good people. That made us feel at home."

Cleveland and Harris started communicating shortly after Harris announced his plans to transfer from New Mexico on March 28, and they worked out the timing for his eventual visit.

The Hogs uptempo style of play was a big part of him deciding to be a Razorback.

"Coach Anderson showed me that with the things I do, I can fit in and play my game," Harris said. "That was one of the biggest reasons I decided to commit."

Harris played at Word of God Christian Academy in Raleigh, N.C., and averaged 17 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds as a senior, before going to New Mexico.

Harris said Anderson wants him to come in and be hungry to play.

"He basically told me to come in and be myself and be a dog and play with a chip on my shoulder," Harris said.

He shot 44 percent from the field and 26 percent from beyond the three-point line and hit 74 percent from the free throw line for the Lobos.

Harris said Anderson wants him to push the ball.

"I'm really fast with the ball so he wants me to come in and play fast and just be myself and that was the biggest thing that stuck out to my parents and myself," Harris said.

Harris, who plans to major in communication, said he plans to work hard during his transfer season.

"But the biggest thing for me is getting bigger and stronger and getting prepared for next year," Harris said.

RED-WHITE WASHOUT

The forecast of heavy rain and thunderstorms that forced the Razorbacks to cancel the Red-White spring game and practice indoors put a dent in the amount of recruits visiting for the weekend.

About 15 prospects made the trip, including linebacker DeShaun White, 6-1, 210, of Richland High School in North Richland Hills, Texas. White has 14 scholarship offers, with Texas A&M, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, TCU, UCLA and Ole Miss the notables.He added an offer from the Hogs during his visit.

Quarterback Gerry Bohanon, 6-4, 220, of Earle, arrived on Friday to start his visit and was seen hanging out with with Hogs quarterback commitment Connor Noland of Greenwood.

Noland said he is hoping to convince Bohanon, who has scholarship offers from Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State, Baylor, Georgia, Louisville as well as Arkansas, to be a Hog.

Defensive lineman Emmit Gooden, 6-4, 320, of Independence Community College in Kansas was stayed over Saturday and planned to hang out with Hogs defensive lineman McTelvin Agim. The two became friends while going through the recruiting process in high school.

Gooden reports 15 scholarship offers, including Alabama, Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisville and others. The Razorbacks extended an offer on Wednesday.

Numerous signees were on hand, including receiver Koilan Jackson of Joe T. Robinson, receiver Maleek Barkley of Austin, (Texas) Lake Travis, running back Chase Hayden of Collierville (Tenn.) St. George's, cornerback Chevin Calloway of Dallas Bishop Dunne.

E-mail Richard Davenport at [email protected]

Sports on 04/30/2017

Upcoming Events