Two University of Arkansas cornerback targets will officially visit this weekend along with defensive back commitment Malik Chavis, who plans to pursue the two highly touted prospects.
Mississippi State commitment Greg Brooks, 5-11, 175 pounds, of Harvey (La.) West Jefferson and Devin Bush, 6-0, 187, of New Orleans Edna Karr are ESPN 4-star prospects.
Chavis is looking forward to being in their ears about becoming Hogs.
"I'll be working on them hard," Chavis said.
The Hogs have nine defensive line pledges but only three defensive back commitments.
"There's a lot of defensive lineman, so we have to get some defensive backs," Chavis said.
Chavis, 6-2, 180, 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Rison chose the Razorbacks over interest from Ole Miss, Oklahoma State and others in March.
He's confident he can sell the Hogs to Brooks and Bush and get them on board.
"I know they see the change we're trying to build so they might as well hop on the train,"Chavis said. "It's going to be a good class. Everybody can tell we're going to change it. We're going to change Arkansas."
Despite Chavis committing in the spring, Arkansas safeties coach Ron Cooper made his way to Pine Bluff to catch him in action against Dollarway on Friday night. Chavis rushed 3 times for 53 yards and 1 touchdown and had a reception for 20 yards to go along with 3 tackles and a pass breakup in the Wildcats' 59-6 victory.
"It meant a lot," said Chavis of Cooper's visit.
Chavis said Coach Chad Morris reaches out to him and other commitments after each Arkansas game.
"He tells us, 'We're one step closer, we need extra help from you guys'," Chavis said. "He always makes sure he puts us in there because he knows we're going to change the program."
For the season, Chavis has rushed 46 times for 591 yards, 7 touchdowns while having 2 receptions for 24 yards and a touchdown for the 10-0 Wildcats. He has 31 tackles, 3 pass breakups and a tackle for loss.
Rison Coach Clay Totty believes Chavis has handled being a marked man well this season.
"He's worked great and kept a great attitude," Totty said.
Rison averages 43.8 points a game while allowing only 5.1 points a game this season. With most games in control at halftime, Chavis' play has been limited, but his numbers remain impressive.
"He battled a back injury for awhile and didn't get to play there some," Totty said. "He wasn't getting a lot of action because a lot of people don't throw on him and nobody will kick to him. I think if you do his yards per touch, it's pretty impressive. When he's getting the ball he's making people pay."
Chavis said the town of more than 1,200 people are proud he's going to be a Razorback.
"They say it's a big accomplishment and they always wish me good luck," Chavis said. "They say keep working hard and follow my dreams."
Canaan Sandy, who was one of three inductees into ESPN's 2013 Fan Hall of Fame, travels Arkansas and the region watching Razorbacks football and basketball commitments and prospects.
He and his mother Ginger traveled to Harmony Grove in Benton on Thursday night from Cave City to see Arkansas defensive end commitment Zach Williams and Joe T. Robinson.
The pair then made their way to Dollarway to see Chavis the next evening.
"That a meant a lot," Chavis said. "They didn't have to come that far, especially to Dollarway."
E-mail Richard Davenport at [email protected]
Sports on 11/06/2018