The Recruiting Guy

UA gets head start with offer to Georgia LB

Bret Bielema and John Scott Jr. talk during Arkansas' spring practice Saturday, April 8, 2017.
Bret Bielema and John Scott Jr. talk during Arkansas' spring practice Saturday, April 8, 2017.

The Arkansas Razorbacks became the first SEC school to extend an offer to defensive end-outside linebacker Thurman Geathers on May 3.

Geathers, 6-3, 227 pounds, 4.7 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Kennesaw (Ga.) North Cobb, has more than 30 other scholarship offers from schools such as Maryland, Pittsburgh, North Carolina, TCU, Kansas State and others.

"It was nice knowing they're the first SEC school to take a chance on me and getting a chance to play outside linebacker right off the bat is great," Geathers said.

Defensive line coach John Scott has recruited Georgia during his career and has been assigned the state since arriving at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Geathers said Scott wants him to add to his frame if he continues his career in a Hogs uniform.

"D-ends at SEC schools are like 6-5, 280, so he wants me to play outside linebacker," Geathers said. "He said he wants me to 240 and wants me to keep my speed."

Geathers has plans to visit the Razorbacks.

"I'm going to get out there this summer after school gets out," he said. "Arkansas offers me playing time as a freshman. I just need to get down there and visit."

He said he watched the Hogs play while growing up, but he is still learning about the program.

"Coach Scott gave me some info about the school and some Youtube videos," Geathers said.

Two family members, Robert Geathers and Kwame Geathers, played on the defensive line for Georgia.

Geathers, who recorded 77 tackles and 15 sacks as a junior, doesn't have a time frame to narrow his list of more than 30 offers, but he does know when he wants to make his college decision.

"I want to go into next season being committed," Geathers said.

Geathers reports maximum lifts of 370 in the bench press, a 510-pound squat and 310 power clean.

"Coach Scott didn't believe my head coach," said Geathers, who has recorded 4.42 seconds in the pro-agility.

Email Richard Davenport at [email protected]

Sports on 05/16/2017

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