Maumelle defensive lineman Nico Davillier was the seventh in-state 2022 prospect to receive a scholarship offer from the University of Arkansas on Thursday.
Davillier, 6-5, 275 pounds, received his offer from the Razorbacks after defensive coordinator Barry Odom Jr. called Maumelle Coach Kirk Horton.
"He asked my coach if he can he tell me that he offered me, and my coach told me," Davillier said.
Kansas was first to offer him followed by Georgia, Tennessee and then the Hogs. Originally from New Orleans, Davillier moved to Arkansas at the age of 2 because of Hurricane Katrina.
"The Arkansas offer means a lot to me because I live in Arkansas and this is where I grew up. For Arkansas to offer me means a lot," said Davillier, who grew up rooting for the Razorbacks and LSU. "I was shocked and just at a loss for words."
As a sophomore, he recorded 22 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries and a forced fumble to help the Hornets to a 8-3 record and the first round of the Class 5A playoffs. He also plays basketball for his school and averaged 5.1 points and 3.5 rebounds a game.
Horton marvels at Davillier's athleticism.
"He moves effortlessly," Horton said. " He plays power forward and center for our basketball team, and he moves like a guard. He's a large human that moves very fluidly."
Davillier played defensive end, defensive tackle and nose guard last season.
"He did all those very well as a sophomore last year and he's not even great at technique yet," Horton said. "He's got a real high ceiling. I think they [college coaches] notice right away is he's getting the job done without really utilizing his length fully yet."
Despite his youth, Davillier is looked at as a leader on the team.
"He's one of our leaders and he's respected so much in our locker room already," Horton said. "That's saying a lot for as young as he is that his voice resonates as high as it does being one of the underclassmen."
His teammate Andrew Chamblee also has an offer from Arkansas and is a major target in the 2022 class.
"I'm honored to have an offer from Arkansas and to know my teammate has one, too," he said.
The Razorbacks have also offered DeWitt tight end Dax Courtney; Joe T. Robinson offensive lineman E'Marion Harris; Little Rock Parkview running back James Jointer; Clarendon athlete Quincey McAdoo; and Fayetteville receiver Isaiah Sategna in the state's 2022 class.
E-mail Richard Davenport
