Early signing day came and went at Arkansas, largely without the hullabaloo that accompanied seasons previous.
The Razorbacks’ class, on the whole, was no better or worse than normal as coach Sam Pittman and crew hauled in a top-30 class again. The difference, though, is the realization among fans – finally – and some of the more pro-Arkansas media that Top-30 isn’t actually very good.
Such a ranking this year slotted Arkansas 14th out of 16 SEC teams, leading only Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. Not exactly the SEC’s powerhouses. The Bulldogs, too, could ultimately leapfrog the Hogs in those rankings after actual signing day later spring semester.
What may be roughest, especially for elders who ‘remember when we built a wall around this state!’ when it comes to recruiting, is the flagship school in the Natural State landed exactly four of its Top-10 recruits in the Class of 2024.
Four. You know, one more \ number as that non-rival about four hours north, northeast of Fayetteville landed from Arkansas’ Top 10.
The Razorbacks picked up defensive end Charleston Collins, running back Braylen Russell, linebacker Wyatt Simmons and wide receiver CJ Brown.
For the record, Arkansas landed only two in-state players in the Class of 2023. They were the top two in the state, however, and the only four-star recruits. The year before, Arkansas picked up seven of the top eight.
Losing propsects to other schools is not new, really. Arkansas has laregely been fortunate that, for the most, it hasn’t bit them in the rear end.
Let’s look back at some of the ones the program probably wished it landed, though.