National Signing Day 2016: Meet Your New Razorbacks

 

National Signing Day 2016 has come and gone and with it the Arkansas Razorbacks have added 20 new scholarship players and 5 additional “preferred walk-on” players. The Razorbacks ended the day with a ESPN ranking Bret Bielema’s class 24th and 247 tagged the class 25th. Neither Rivals nor Scout had the Hogs in their top 25.

Below are bios of each of the players who became Razorbacks when the sun set on National Signing Day 2016.

McTelvin Agim: Defensive End | 6-3, 280 | Hope, Ark. (Hope HS) | Twitter: @So_Splash

HIGH SCHOOL

An early enrollee who earned a five-star rating from 247Sports and a four-star rating from ESPN, Rivals and Scout … Tabbed the No. 1 player in the state of Arkansas by ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals … Ranked the No. 11 overall player in the country by ESPN, the No. 18 overall by 247Sports, the No. 44 overall by Scout and the No. 50 overall by Rivals … Pegged as the No. 2 defensive end prospect by 247Sports, the No. 3 defensive end prospect by ESPN and the No. 7 defensive end prospect by Scout … Four-star ESPN ranking came with a grade of 89 … Has been clocked at 4.59 in the 40-yard dash … Practiced with Arkansas in January before taking part in Under Armour All-America game … 2015 ALL-USA Arkansas Football Defensive Player of the Year … Is a three-time All-State selection … Named the 2015 Gatorade Arkansas Football Player of the Year and Hooten’s Arkansas Football Farm Bureau Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year … Chosen as the 5A South Outstanding Lineman and Sports Illustrated’s High School Athlete of the Month for November … Named this year’s Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Preps Defensive Player of the Year … Selected to the MaxPreps 2015 Football Medium Schools All-America First Team … Garnered MaxPreps 2015 Football All-America second team honors … Earned the prestigious 2015 Paul Eells award, given annually to an Arkansas High school football player who best exhibits perseverance, determination, courage and resolve in the face of adversity … As a senior, tallied 77 tackles, including 13 for loss, 24 sacks, eight quarterback hurries, and nine pass breakups to help Hope to a 9-3 record and the Class 5A quarterfinals under head coach Jay Turley … Also rushed for 184 yards and eight touchdowns on 21 carries, caught eight passes for 97 yards and one touchdown and averaged 50 yards on seven kickoff returns … Participated in The Opening at Nike Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, which is considered the most prestigious summer showcase for high school football prospects … Recorded 72 tackles, 22 sacks, 13 pass knockdowns, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries as a junior … Named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s Sophomore Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 after recording 77 tackles, including 32 for loss and 16 sacks. Also a two-time defending state shot put champ … Ran an 11.6 second 100-meters in the 2015 state district track meet … Has a 345 pound bench press, 335 power clean, 530 squat and 315 incline … Chose Arkansas over Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Clemson, LSU, Mississippi State, Missouri, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Stanford, TCU, Texas, Texas A&M, Washington State and others.

PERSONAL

Born on September 25, 1997 … Son of Deanna Giddens, who is a nurse … Has two sisters, Dominecia (21) and Taneka (14) … Most memorable moment of his career so far was chasing down an opposing quarterback 80 yards to save a touchdown … Graduated from high school one term early in the top 10 of his class, and earned 13 college credit hours … Wants to be a strength and conditioning coach.

Deion Malone: Offensive Lineman | 6-3, 295 | Batesville, Miss. (Northwest [Miss.] CC/South Panola HS) | Twitter: @Deionm72

SOPHOMORE (2015 at Northwest [Miss.] CC)

An early enrollee who is a three-star recruit according to ESPN, 247Sports and Scout … Rated the No. 5 junior college offensive guard with a grade of 76 by ESPN … 247Sports ranks him No. 112 among all junior college players and the No. 7 junior college offensive guard … Named to the 2015 MACJC All-State First Team and the NJCAA Region 23 All-Region team … Played for head coach Jack Wright … Started 12 games at right tackle … Helped Northwest [Miss.] C.C. finish 11-1 and win the NJCAA national championship this season, the school’s first title since 1992 … Helped the offense surpass the 40-point plateau six times this season as the Rangers averaged 38.7 points per game … Part of an offensive line that allowed the Rangers to rush for 2,282 yards and pass for 3,488 yards, averaging 480.8 yards per game – the ninth-highest total among NJCAA teams … Also helped pave the way for running back Justin Crawford who led the NJCAA in yards rushing with 1,610 … Chose Arkansas over Mississippi State, Memphis, East Carolina and Southern Miss.

FRESHMAN (2014 at Northwest [Miss.] CC)

Started in all 10 games at right tackle … Part of an offensive line that blocked for running back Justin Crawford who led the NJCAA in yards rushing (1,551).

HIGH SCHOOL

Played for head coach Lance Pogue at South Panola HS … Helped the Tigers to a 13-2 record and the Class 6A Region 1 title as a senior … Named to the 2013 All-Gridiron second team … Also received first team All-District and second team All-State honors … Participated in the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game.

PERSONAL

Born on November 3, 1995 … Son of Sturleen Hoskins and Charles Malone … Has two siblings, Ketrick and Shaquito … Nickname is “Deion.”

Deon Edwards | Safety | 6-1, 200 | Clermont, Fla. (Lake Minneola HS) | Twitter: @Edwards2Dede

HIGH SCHOOL

A consensus three-star by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Ranked as a top 75 safety in the class by ESPN, 247Sports and Scout with a best of No. 49 by ESPN … Tabbed the No. 113 player in the state of Florida by ESPN … Listed as the No. 115 player in the state by 247Sports … Three-star ESPN ranking came with a grade of 77 … Named Daily Commercial All-Area Defensive Player of the Year … Earned Class 7A Associated Press All-State third team honors … Finished senior year with 115 total tackles, including 13 for loss, three pass breakups and one interception … Helped lead Lake Minneola and head coach Walter Banks to a 6-4 record … As a junior, had 73 tackles, including 10 for loss, one sack and one interception in only eight games … Tallied 64 total tackles, including one for loss, one sack and seven interceptions as a sophomore … Has a 34-inch vertical jump … Also played basketball … Chose Arkansas over South Carolina, Missouri, Louisville, North Carolina State, South Florida and Indiana.

PERSONAL

Born on December 5, 1997 … Son of Dwayne Edwards and Lisa Jordan … Volunteers at the local homeless shelter and his church … Reads to children at Grassy Lake Elementary School and helps coach a Pop Warner football team … Enjoys reading, fishing and gardening.

Devwah Whaley: Running Back | 6-0, 210 | Beaumont, Texas (Central HS) | Twitter: @devwah_whaley

HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus four-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Selected Arkansas live on ESPN during the Under Armour All-America game … Ran for 47 yards on 12 carries in the 27-0 Team Highlight win over Team Armour … Rated as the No. 3 running back in the nation by 247Sports with a grade of 94 … ESPN 300 prospect at No. 70 overall and the No. 6 running back in the class … Also rated as the No. 11 player in the state of Texas by ESPN … Finished with a No. 3 overall running back ranking and the No. 15 player in the state of Texas by 247Composite, a combined index of national recruiting rankings … Consensus top seven running back in the class of 2016 by every recruiting service … Tabbed as the No. 2 running back in the state of Texas and the No. 117 overall prospect by Scout … Earned the No. 5 running back ranking and No. 167 overall by Rivals … Finished at No. 14 in the American-Statesman Fabulous 55 of Texas’ top recruits … Ran for over 2,500 yards in two seasons … Earned All-District 22-5A first team honors as a senior … Rushed for 1,701 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior at Central High School under head coach Toby Foreman … Chose Arkansas over Alabama, Ole Miss, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Mississippi State, Texas, Oklahoma, Baylor, TCU, Notre Dame, Stanford, Texas Tech, Houston, Miami (FL), Missouri, Arizona State, Memphis and others.

PERSONAL
Born on November 3, 1997 … Son of Steven and Mary Haynes … Has six siblings … Enjoys fishing and play video games … Most memorable moment of his career so far is being named an Under Armour All-American … Honor roll student.

Bristol Guidry: Defensive Tackle | 6-3, 286 | Metairie, La. (Archbishop Rummel) | Twitter: @Last_King131

HIGH SCHOOL

A four-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports and Rivals … Earned three stars from Scout … Ranked a top 150 player in the class at No. 143 by ESPN with a grade of 82 … A top 40 overall defensive tackle with a best of No. 13 by Rivals … Listed as the No. 9 player in the state of Louisiana by ESPN and Rivals and the No. 32 player in the state by 247Sports … A consensus top 50 defensive tackle with a best of No. 13 by Rivals … Amassed 244 tackles, including 37 for loss, 25.5 sacks two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in three seasons at Archbishop Rummel … Earned All-State honors as a senior, junior and sophomore … Finished senior season with 91 total tackles, including seven for loss, nine sacks and seven quarterback hurries and helped his team to the LHSAA state championship … Also had two fumble recoveries and blocked one field goal … Named to The Advocate’s Super Dozen and the 2015 ALL-USA Louisiana Football first team … As a junior, tallied 77 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 10 sacks … Helped his team to an 11-2 record and reach the LHSAA state semifinals … Named to The Times-Picayune Large Schools All-Metro team … Collected 76 tackles, including 20.5 for loss, and nine sacks en route to helping the Raiders capture the 2013 state championship … Has been clocked at 4.9 in the 40-yard dash … Chose Arkansas over Alabama, Arizona State, Louisville, LSU, Miami (FL), Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Penn State, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

PERSONAL

Born on October 11, 1996 … Son of Sandra Williams … The most memorable moment of his career so far is winning the state championship in 2013 … Enjoys fishing and listening to music … Volunteers at the local children’s hospital as a special needs helper.

Jordan Jones: Wide Receiver | 6-3, 180 | Smackover, Ark. (Smackover HS) | Twitter: @jordan10jones

HIGH SCHOOL

Four-star recruit by ESPN … Consensus national top 100 wide receiver ranking by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports, with a best of No. 63 by ESPN … No. 4 overall ranking in the state of Arkansas by 247 Sports and No. 5 by ESPN and Rivals … Named to the 2015 All-Arkansas Preps first team as a wide receiver … Chosen as Hawgs247 Class of 2016 All-State wide receiver … As a senior, had 36 receptions for 721 yards and 11 touchdowns … Saw time at quarterback in the Wildcat offense, completing 8-of-16 passes for 149 yards and one touchdown, while rushing 21 times for 150 yards and one touchdown … Also had 19 tackles and four interceptions as a defensive back in his senior season … As a junior, had 31 receptions for 779 yards and nine touchdowns … As a sophomore, had 25 receptions for 687 yards and 10 touchdowns … Caught four passes for 137 yards and one touchdown in the 2014 3A Arkansas State Championship game … Coached by Brian Strickland at Smackover HS … Chose Arkansas over Tulsa.

PERSONAL

Born on January 20, 1998 … Son of Adrian Jones and Cashonna Moore … Most memorable moment of his career so far was a 101 yard interception return for touchdown as a sophomore playing in the state championship game … Enjoys listening to music, spending time with family and friends and playing video games … Wants to be a sports broadcaster in the NFL … Volunteered with back to school backpack giveaways and toy drives at a local youth nursery … Participated in drama team, French club, FBLA, student council and homecoming court, and was a class officer in high school … Served as an assistant coach for AAU basketball.

De’Jon Harris: Inside Linebacker | 6-0, 240 | Harvey, La. (John Ehret High School) | Twitter: @Scoooota2

HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus three-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and Scout … Ranked as a top 30 inside linebacker nationally by ESPN and 247Sports … Rated the No. 38 overall prospect in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports … Has a verified 40 time of 4.82 according to Scout … Led John Ehret High School to the state championship game and a 12-3 record in 2015 under head coach Corey Lambert and position coach Bryan Crayton … Was named the Offensive Player of the Year on The New Orleans Advocate All-Metro Team for large schools … Named All-District 8-5A following the 2015 season … Recorded 83 tackles, including 14 for loss to lead the defense as a senior … The versatile athlete also rushed for 1,058 yards, had 374 receiving yards and threw for another 495 yards … He also saw time as the kicker and punter … Also plays basketball and track … Chose Arkansas over Oregon, Arizona State, Colorado, Memphis, Western Kentucky, Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, Southern Miss and others.

PERSONAL 
Born on November 1, 1997 … Son of Lee and Trenise Murphy … Full name is De’Jon Raiheem Harris … Nickname “Scoota” was given to him by his mother when he was a baby … Active with his church, volunteering for events … Would like to be a sports journalist when his playing career is over … Maintained a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) or higher throughout high school.

Austin Capps: Defensive Tackle | 6-4, 320 | Star City, Ark. (Star City HS) | Twitter: @Capps_Austin44

 

HIGH SCHOOL
A four-star recruit by ESPN, Scout and 247Sports … Ranked as the No. 173 overall player in the class and No. 19 defensive tackle by Scout … Tabbed a top 300 player by 247Sports at No. 223 and the No. 2 player in the state of Arkansas … Consensus top four player in the state and the top defensive tackle … Four-star ESPN ranking came with a grade of 80 … Named to the All-Arkansas Preps first team and Hawgs247 Class of 2016 All-State squad in 2015 … Earned Defensive MVP honors at the U.S. Army All-American Combine from 247Sports in 2015 … Totaled over 350 tackles, including more than 60 for loss, and 24 sacks the last three seasons at Star City … Collected 122 tackles, including 26 for loss, and eight sacks to help Star City to a 9-4 record in 2015 under head coach Jeff Furneaux … Also played on the offensive line at Star City with 113 pancake blocks … Followed breakout sophomore season with 129 tackles and nine sacks as a junior … Named an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Super Sophomore after recording 117 tackles, including 21 for loss and seven sacks … Blocked four kicks and two punts over his career … Started every game after being called up from junior high in 2012 … Power cleaned 360 pounds in practice which would tie the state record set by current Arkansas defensive tackle Bijhon Jackson if he can do it at this year’s Arkansas High School Weightlifting Championships … Won a Class 4A state title in baseball as a junior while batting .415 with five home runs and 31 RBI … Hit .421 as a junior and .471 as a freshman … Chose Arkansas over Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Louisville.

 

PERSONAL
Born on August 21, 1997 … Son of Thea and the late Greg Capps … Has a younger sister, Mary Catherine (16) … His uncle Reece Parham, aunt Susie Chastain Parham and cousin Adam Parham all graduated from the University of Arkansas … Enjoys Hunting and Fishing … Most memorable moment of his career so far is winning the state championship in baseball in 2015 … Helped replace old playground equipment for First United Methodist Church in Dumas as part of an Eagle Scout project … Carries a 3.9 grade-point average (GPA) in AP classes … Member of the Star City HS beta club and library club.

Grayson Gunter: Tight End | 6-6, 233 | Madison, Miss. (Madison Central HS) | Twitter: @graysongunter

HIGH SCHOOL

A consensus three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Ranked the No. 62 tight end in the class and the No. 2 tight end in the state of Mississippi by Scout … ESPN ranks him as the No. 34 tight end in the class and the No. 34 player in the state with a grade of 73 … Tabbed the No. 33 player tight end in the class and the No. 26 player in the state by 247Sports … Finished senior season with 27 receptions for 406 yards and five touchdowns in eight games … Helped lead the Jaguars to a 9-6 record and the 6A state semifinals under head coach Brad Peterson … Named a preseason top 125 senior by The Clarion Ledger … Reeled in 21 passes for 232 yards as a junior and had five catches for 66 yards as a freshman … Has been clocked at 4.58 in the 40-yard dash … Also played basketball, helping lead Madison Central to the Mississippi Class 6A state championship game in each of the past two seasons … Chose Arkansas over Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Memphis, Louisiana Tech, Tulane, Louisiana-Monroe and others.

PERSONAL

Born on November 13, 1997 … Son of Bubba and Donna Gunter … Most memorable moment of his career so far is beating No. 1 South Panola in the first round of the state playoffs to snap its 26-game winning streak … Participated in the Madison Central High School mentoring program and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) … His father Bubba played football at Ole Miss from 1989-91.

Kofi Boating: Wide Receiver | 6-1, 183 | Arlington, Texas (Lamar HS) | Twitter: @BGKofiBoateng

HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Ranked as a top 100 player in the state of Texas by ESPN, (No. 84), 247 Sports (No. 92) and Rivals (No. 93) … Tabbed the No. 90 wide receiver in the class of 2016 and No. 13 at the position in the state of Texas by Scout … ESPN ranks him as the No. 96 wide receiver in the nation with a grade of 78 … Set an Arlington city record for career touchdown receptions with 27 … Two-time All-District 4-6A first team selection as a junior and senior … Finished senior season with 46 receptions for 782 yards and 11 touchdowns … Helped lead the Vikings to an 11-2 record and to the Class 6A Division II regionals under head coach Laban DeLay … Had a pair of 100-yard receiving games on the year … Hauled in 66 receptions for 1,023 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior … Named honorable mention 6A All-State by the Texas Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) … Also ran for 158 yards and two touchdowns on only 14 carries to help Lamar to an 8-4 record and second round playoff appearance … Chose Arkansas over Ole Miss, Wisconsin, Texas Tech, Houston, Washington, Arizona State, Cal, North Carolina, Maryland, Purdue, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas State, Illinois, Colorado, Boston College and others.

PERSONAL
Born on September 11, 1997 … Son of Gabriel and Latonia Boateng … Most memorable moment of his career so far is his catch behind the back of a Northwest High School cornerback his junior season that was highlighted by USA Today as one of the plays of the year in high school football … Enjoys skateboarding … Honor roll student as both a junior and senior.

Jake Heinrich: Offensive Guard | 6-4, 295 | Urbandale, Iowa (Urbandale HS) | Twitter: @JAKEHEINRICH1

HIGH SCHOOL

A four-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports and Scout … Consensus top 30 offensive guard in the class with a best of No. 11 by 247Sports … Ranked as the No. 1 player in the state of Iowa by 247Sports, the No. 2 player in the state by ESPN and Rivals … Tabbed a top 300 player by 247Sports at No. 235 … Scout ranks him has the No. 222 overall player and the No. 2 offensive guard in the state of Iowa … Four-star ESPN ranking came with a grade of 80 … A four-year starter at Urbandale HS … Helped the J-Hawks reach the state playoffs all four years … Also helped the J-Hawks finish in the top 10 of Class 4A in yards rushing the last three seasons … As a senior, averaged an offensive grade of 91.5 percent, tallied 21 pancake blocks and did not allow a sack … Helped Urbandale to a 7-4 record and the first round of the IAHSAA state playoff under head coach Sam Anderson … Missed the last four games with an arm injury … Earned a spot on the West squad in the Semper Fi All-American game but did not play due to injury … Participated in Nike’s The Opening Regional in Chicago … Part of an offensive line that allowed the J-Hawks to rush for 2,720 yards and 32 touchdowns in 2014 .. Participated in the Sound Mind Sound Body Football Academy in Detroit (June 11, 2015) … Was the Offensive Line MVP of the Cleveland Rivals.com Camp (April 26, 2015) and was named the 13th best offensive lineman performer in the country to attend one of the 16 events … Has been clocked at 5.3 in the 40-yard dash … Bench presses 355 pounds … Also competed in track and field and wrestling … Earned fifth-place in Class 3A wrestling as a heavyweight and second-place in the 4A shot put … Chose Arkansas over Oregon, Cal, Duke, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas State, Louisville, Illinois and others.

PERSONAL

Born on September 9, 1997 … Son of Don and Gerri Heinrich … Member of the National Honor Society … Nine-time academic letterwinner … Three-time Academic All-Conference selection … Enjoys lifting weights, riding his moped and listening to music … Member of Emerging Leaders Program … Mentored children at an elementary school … Officiated youth sports … Participated in the J-Hawk Sports Association camp counselor program.

Giovanni La’France: Linebacker | 6-2, 235 | New Orleans, La. (Saint Augustine HS) | Twitter: @_France9

HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Rated as the No. 23 inside linebacker in the class of 2016 by 247Sports … Ranked as the No. 32 outside linebacker in the nation by ESPN … Listed as the No. 54 inside linebacker in the country and No. 1 inside linebacker in the state of Louisiana by Scout … Earned an ESPN scout grade of 78 as the No. 36 player in the state of Louisiana … A consensus top 50 player in the state of Louisiana by ESPN, 247Sports (No. 42) and Rivals (No. 50) … Registered over 250 tackles in his three years at Saint Augustine, earning All-District honors all three seasons … Named to the New Orleans Advocate Large School All-Metro second team as a senior … Totaled 99 tackles, including 73 solo, eight tackles for loss and five sacks during his senior season at Saint Augustine under head coach Al Jones … Put together five double-digit tackle performances during the 11-game season while also rushing for 128 yards and four touchdowns … Had 88 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles as a junior after a 76-tackle sophomore campaign … Selected Arkansas over Louisville, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Cal, Utah and others.

PERSONAL
Born on April 26, 1997 … Son of Garland LaFrance and Brandi Green … Most memorable sports moment of his career so far is winning at John Curtis his junior year … Wants to own his own business after his playing days are over.

TJ Hammonds: Wide Receiver | 5-11, 195 | Little Rock, Ark. (Robinson HS) | Twitter: @Just_Theron

HIGH SCHOOL

Consensus four-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Consensus national top 250 overall ranking by every recruiting service, with a best of No. 205 by Scout … National top 20 athlete ranking by Rivals, Scout and 247 Sports, with a best of No. 13 by 247 Sports … No. 2 overall ranking in the state of Arkansas by ESPN and Rivals and No. 3 by 247 Sports … Earned 2015 ALL-USA Arkansas Football first team honors … Named to the 2015 All-Arkansas Preps second team as a running back … Chosen as Hawgs247 Class of 2016 All-State running back … As a senior, had 27 receptions for 662 yards and six touchdowns, while rushing 100 times for 1,404 yards and 22 touchdowns … Selected as the THV11 Red Zone Player of the Week after running four times for 65 yards and four touchdowns in Robinson HS’s 43-13 win over Clinton on Oct. 16, 2015 … As a junior, had 42 receptions for 1,109 yards and 11 touchdowns, while rushing 66 times for 835 yards and six touchdowns … Chosen as a Scout Top Performer after rushing for 301 yards on 13 carries in Robinson HS’s 59-20 victory over Baptist Prep on Sept. 25, 2015 … Carried the ball 52 times for 675 yards and eight touchdowns, while hauling in 11 receptions for 225 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore … Coached by Todd Eskola at Robinson HS … Chose Arkansas over Georgia, Vanderbilt, Oklahoma State, TCU, Arizona, Arizona State, Duke and others.

PERSONAL

Born on April 24, 1998 … Son of Theron Hammond and Nikkita Neely … Full name is Theron JaQuwn Hammonds … Most memorable moment of his career so far is playing with his teammates for the past four years … Enjoys video games and movies … Volunteers at Chenal Elementary … Honor roll student.

Jonathan Marshall: Defensive End | 6-4, 270 | Shepherd, Texas (Shepherd High School) | Twitter: @JonathanMarsh40

HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Ranked as the No. 17 strong-side defensive end in the country and the No. 374 overall recruit by 247Sports … Top 50 player in the state of Texas by 247Sports and No. 77 by ESPN … Rated as the No. 57 defensive end by ESPN and No. 59 by Scout … Labeled the No. 11 defensive end in the state of Texas by Scout … Finished with a three-star rating as the No. 30 strong-side defensive end in the nation No. 93 ranking in the state of Texas by 247Composite, a combined index of national recruiting rankings … Earned 4A All-State second team honors from Texas Associated Press Sports Editors as a senior in 2015 under the guidance of head coach Chip Keel … Also named the District 8-4A Division II Defensive MVP … Produced 71 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 10 sacks as a junior … Named to the 8-4A All-District second team in 2014 … Earned District 22-3A Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore after 22 of his 39 tackles went for a loss, highlighted by five sacks … Four-year letterwinner in basketball at Shepherd under head coach Jeremy Bennett … Earned 23-4A All-District second team honors as a junior … Scored over 1,100 points and grabbed more than 800 rebounds in his career … Has collected 28 career double-doubles … Qualified for regionals in the shot put … Chose Arkansas over Oklahoma State, TCU, Nebraska and others.

PERSONAL 
Born on September 16, 1997 … Son of John and Wynee Marshall … Cousin Cedric Reed played at Texas and is currently with the Buffalo Bills … Relative Cedric Hardman was the ninth overall pick of the 1970 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers and is currently the franchise’s all-time leader with 112.5 sacks … Most memorable sports moment of his career is a 54-yard touchdown run.

Alexy Jean-Baptiste: Outside Linebacker | 6-3, 220 | Pompano Beach, Fla. (Coconut Creek HS) | Twitter: @Alexy_Badger

HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Rated as the No. 64 recruit in the state of Florida by Rivals … Ranked as the No. 35 outside linebacker in the country and with a scout grade of 78 by ESPN … Scout lists him as the No. 52 outside linebacker in the class of 2016 and the No. 7 player at the position in the state of Florida … Tabbed the No. 88 overall outside linebacker and No. 152 player in the state of Florida by 247Sports … Finished with a three-star rating and No. 46 outside linebacker ranking by 247Composite, a combined index of national recruiting rankings … Listed as the No. 27 safety in the class of 2016 by Rivals … Selected to play in the 2016 International Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the United States U-19 USA team …recorded a sack and three tackles in the Team USA 33-0 win over Canada …Named to the All-Broward County Class 5A-4A-3A-2A first team … Collected seven sacks as a senior and 11 as a junior at Coconut Creek High School under head coach Kareem Reid … Caught a 44-yard touchdown his senior season and had one interception … Chose Arkansas over Miami, Louisville, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina State, Kentucky, Oregon State, Indiana, Cincinnati, Wake Forest, South Florida, Temple, UCF and USF.

PERSONAL
Born on September 4, 1997 … Son of Alis and Rose Jean-Baptiste … Has three siblings, Alex (24), Alix (23) and Edeline (21) … Enjoys fishing with his family … Wants to be a federal agent after his playing days are over … Honor roll student … Member of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) … His cousin Peniel Jean played defensive back at Wisconsin from 2010-14.

Cole Kelley: Quarterback | 6-7, 260 | Lafayette, La. (Teurlings Catholic School) | Twitter: @ColeKelley10

HIGH SCHOOL

A four-star recruit by ESPN with a grade of 80 … Earned a three-star rating from 247Sports, Rivals and Scout … A consensus top 100 quarterback in the country with a best of No. 16 by ESPN … No. 2 quarterback in the state of Louisiana by Scout … ESPN ranks him as the No. 28 player in the state of Louisiana … Tabbed the No. 51 player in the state of Louisiana by 247Sports and No. 54 by Scout … As a senior, passed for 3,203 yards and 28 touchdowns while completing 219 of 384 passes in helping the Rebels and head coach Sonny Charpentier to a 10-4 record and the state semifinals … Also rushed 118 times for 286 yards and eight touchdowns … A Louisiana Sports Writers Association 2015 Class 4-A honorable mention … Participated in the 2015 Rivals Quarterback Challenge at Cedar Hill HS in Cedar Hill, Texas … Helped lead his team to a 9-2 record and the state quarterfinals as a junior, throwing for 2,980 yards and 27 touchdowns thanks to four 300-plus yard passing games … Also rushed for 18 yards and three touchdowns … Had six games with three-plus touchdown passes, including a six-touchdown performance in the Rebels’ 65-35 win over Northside HS (Nov. 7, 2014) … Named to the 2014 District 5-4A All District Team, All-State first team, All-Acadian first team, and earned Offensive MVP acclaim … Has been clocked at 4.9 in the 40-yard dash … Also played basketball, averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds as a junior … Chose Arkansas over Colorado State, Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana, Oklahoma State, Southern Miss and Tulane.

PERSONAL

Born on October 27, 1997 … Son of Roger and Sheri Kelley … Dad played at Louisiana-Monroe and his brother Lance played at Louisiana … Enjoys playing golf, watching movies and listening to music … His most memorable moment of his career so far is beating rival St. Thomas 56-46 in 2014 after trailing 43-17 midway through the third quarter … Honor Roll student.

Hayden Johnson: Fullback | 6-3, 250 | Columbia, Mo. (Rock Bridge HS) | Twitter: @hayden__johnson

HIGH SCHOOL

A consensus three-star recruit by ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals and Scout … Rated the No. 15 player in the state of Missouri and the No. 4 fullback in the class by ESPN with a grade of 73 … Rivals ranks him the No. 10 player in the state and the No. 4 fullback in the class … Tabbed the No. 1 player in the state and the No. 3 fullback in the class by Scout … Pegged the No. 16 player in the state and the No. 76 defensive end in the class by 247Sports … Finished senior season with two touchdown catches and 137 receiving yards under head coach A.J. Ofodile … Also registered 50 tackles, including eight for loss, 12 sacks and two pass breakups … Earned Missouri Media All-State Class 6 first team defensive line honors … Earned first team All-State honors from the Missouri Football Coaches Association … As a junior, tallied 280 yards rushing and 161 yards receiving, found the end zone nine times on the ground, caught one touchdown pass … Defensively, recorded 60 tackles, including 10 for loss and eight sacks … Rushed for 100 yards and five touchdowns, tallied 70 yards receiving and passed for 90 yards and two touchdowns as a sophomore … Earned All-Central District honors from the Missouri Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association … Also collected 85 tackles with 33 of the solo variety and six sacks … Helped lead the Bruins to an 8-6 record and the MSHSAA state championship under then-head coach Justin Conyers … Also played baseball, basketball and ice hockey.

PERSONAL

Born on July 17, 1997 … Son of Jim and Leah Johnson … Enjoys fishing, hunting and weightlifting … Member of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) … Serves at local food bank … Volunteers as a math tutor for children with disabilities and a Special Olympics coach.

Paul Ramirez: Offensive Tackle | 6-5, 275 | Rialto, Calif. (San Bernardino [Calif.] Valley CC/Rialto HS) | Twitter: @TheNeptunes_

SOPHOMORE (2015 at San Bernardino [Calif.] Valley CC)

Earned California Community College Football Coaches Association All-America first team honors and American Division-Mountain Conference All-Conference honors … A three-star recruit according to Scout and 247Sports … Rated the No. 7 junior college offensive guard, the No. 13 junior college player in the state of California and the No. 60 overall junior college player in the class by 247Sports … Helped San Bernardino [Calif.] Valley CC to a 9-2 record and berth in the Golden State Bowl under head coach John Shipp … Part of an offensive line that helped the Wolverines average 210.2 yards rushing and 256.8 yards passing per game … Helped the Wolverines surpass the 40-point plateau six times as they averaged 41.4 points per game … Chose Arkansas over Louisville, Arizona, Indiana and Purdue.

FRESHMAN (2014 at San Bernardino [Calif.] Valley CC)

Started all 10 games at offensive tackle … Helped his team to a 6-4 overall record … Helped the offense surpass the 40-point plateau six times as the Wolverines averaged 36.2 points per game … Part of an offensive line that paved the way for a rushing attack that averaged 183.5 yards per game.

HIGH SCHOOL 

Played at Rialto High School … Also played basketball and soccer. 

PERSONAL 

Born on April 4, 1995 … Son of Pascual and Evangelina Ramirez … Has older two siblings, Pascual and Jocelyn … The most memorable moment of his career so far is when he ran next to his running back for 70 yards until he scored … Didn’t start playing football until high school … Honor roll student.

Dee Walker: Outside Linebacker | 6-2, 210 | Moultrie, Ga. (Colquitt County HS) | Twitter: @deemontana11111

HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus three-star recruit by ESPN, Rivals, Scout and 247Sports … Ranked as a top 100 outside linebacker in the class by every recruiting service with a best of No. 57 by Rivals … Rivals also ranks him as the No. 58 player in the state of Georgia … ESPN ranks him as the No. 64 player in the state of Georgia with a grade of 74 … Tabbed No. 6 outside linebacker in the state of Georgia and No. 84 overall at the position by Scout … Registered 96 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and one forced fumble … Totaled 13 tackles, including 10 solo, in the GHSA 5A State Championship to help lead Colquitt County to a convincing 30-13 win and a perfect 15-0 record under head coach Rush Propst … Had double figure tackles in each of the last three games in the playoffs … Also part of a GHSA 5A State Championship team as a junior that posted a 15-0 record … Played with current Arkansas freshman defensive tackle T.J. Smith … Chose Arkansas over Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisville, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Colorado State, Kansas, UCF and others.

PERSONAL
Born on September 26, 1997 … Son of Demetrius Walker Sr. and Pheadra Walker … Full name is Demetrius Walker II … Enjoys working on cars … Volunteers at the Community Food Bank and is involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Micahh Smith: Safety | 6-1, 197 | Marshall, Texas (Marshall HS) | Twitter: @micahhsmith_21

HIGH SCHOOL

A three-star recruit by 247Sports and Scout … Tabbed the No. 153 safety in the class and the No. 288 player in the state of Texas … Had a breakout senior campaign, tallying a team-leading 120 tackles, including three for loss, three interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and seven pass breakups … Helped lead the Mavericks to an 11-2 record and an appearance in Texas Class 5A Division II (fourth-largest of 10 divisions) regional finals under head coach Clint Harper … Collected 76 tackles, including four for loss, one sack, one interception and five pass breakups as a junior to help Marshall to a 7-5 record and an appearance in Texas Class 5A Division II area finals … As a sophomore, had 37 stops and three pass breakups … Also participated in powerlifting and track … Chose Arkansas over Northwestern (La.) State, Lamar, Texas State, Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin.

PERSONAL

Born on June 6, 1998 … Son of Stacy Carter and Tomiko Smith … His most memorable moment of his career so far is beating rival Longview this season for the first time in 15 years at Maverick Stadium … Member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) … Enjoys fishing, hunting, riding horses and gaming.

* * *

Just a few hours after landing a 20-player national signing day class ranked in the top 25 nationally, Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema announced the addition of five preferred walk-ons that will join the team in the summer. These five players are part of Arkansas’ incoming 2016 class.

Ben Brasuell
Inside Linebacker | 6-2, 221
Benton, Ark. (Benton HS)
Twitter: @brasuelldazzle

HIGH SCHOOL
Finished senior season with 102 tackles, including three sacks, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles … Helped lead Benton HS to a 9-3 record and the 6A state semifinals under head coach Scott Neathery … As a junior, helped lead the Panthers to a 12-1-1 record and the 6A state championship … Named to the 2015 Farm Bureau Awards watch list … Participated in the 2015 Dallas Nike Combine in Arlington, Texas, posting an 88.59 rating with a 29.9 vertical, 4.43 shuttle and 37 power ball … As a junior, collected 73 tackles, including 15 for loss, two interceptions … Also had six fumble recoveries, including two returned for touchdowns … Has been clocked at 4.65 in the 40-yard dash … Has a 305 pound bench press and 420 squat … Also played baseball for Benton HS.

Tyler Hall
Offensive Tackle | 6-5, 290
Maumelle, Ark. (Maumelle HS)
Twitter: @tylerhall2016

HIGH SCHOOL
Ranked the No. 32 prospect in the state of Arkansas and the No. 169 offensive tackle in the class by 247Sports … Started at offensive tackle for Maumelle HS during his senior season under head coach David Farr … As a junior, helped Maumelle to a 10-1-1 record and the second round of the 5A state playoffs … Part of an offensive line that allowed the Hornets to total 31 touchdowns … Helped pave the way for a backfield that rushed for 1,397 yards while averaging 116.4 yards per game … Has a 325 pound bench press and 370 squat.

Dylan Hays
Offensive Guard | 6-3, 280
Little Rock, Ark. (Little Rock Christian Academy)
Twitter: @haysdylanhays

HIGH SCHOOL
Ranked the No. 15 offensive guard in the state of Arkansas and the No. 69 offensive guard in the class by 247Sports … Also earned a grade of 83 from 247Sports and finished as the No. 14 offensive guard in the State of Arkansas by 247Composite, a combined index of national recruiting rankings … Played on both the offensive and defensive lines at Little Rock Christian Academy … As a senior, helped Little Rock Christian Academy to a 12-1 record and to the 5A state semifinals under head coach Jeff Weaver … Named to the All-Arkansas Varsity second team defense … Defensively, recorded 93 tackles and five sacks … Has been clocked at 5.0 in the 40-yard dash.

Connor Limpert
Kicker | 6-1, 185
Allen, Texas (Allen HS)
Twitter: @connorlimpert

HIGH SCHOOL
Ranked the No. 35 kicker in the class by ESPN with a grade of 73 … A four-year letterwinnner at Allen HS under head coach Tom Westerberg … As a senior, earned All-County first team special teams honors, was named to the All-District 6A second team and was selected as a Kohl’s High School All-American honorable mention … Helped the Eagles to a 14-1 record and the Texas 6A D1 state semifinals … Made 84 of 87 PAT attempts for a conversion rate of 96.55 … Booted through 19 of 24 field goals with a long of 48 … As a junior, converted seven of seven PAT attempts … Made 28 of 31 PAT attempts and one of four field goal attempts as a sophomore … In his freshman season, made 36 of 43 PAT attempts and three of four field goals.

Grant Morgan
Inside Linebacker | 5-11, 222
Greenwood, Ark. (Greenwood HS)
Twitter: @grantmorgan15

HIGH SCHOOL
Tabbed the No. 22 player in the state of Arkansas and the No. 71 inside linebacker in the class by 247Sports … A three-year letterwinner at Greenwood HS … Named the 2015 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Defensive Player of the Year, Southwest Times Record Player of the Year and earned Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Prep honors as a senior … Selected to the All-Arkansas Varsity first team defense … Finished the season with 132 tackles, including 25 for loss, three sacks, four pass deflections and two fumble recoveries … Also had 11 receptions for 283 yards and five touchdowns … Helped Greenwood HS to a 12-1 record and the 6A state championship where he tallied 13 tackles … Earned All-State honors as a junior … Logged 80 tackles, including 10 for loss, one sack, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries … Also caught six passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns, helping the Bulldogs to a 7-5 record and the second round of the 6A state playoffs … As a sophomore, registered 88 tackles, including 17 for loss, two quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, three interceptions and one pass breakup … Also had 16 receptions for 202 yards and six touchdowns … Coached by head coach Rick Jones … Younger brother of current Arkansas wide receiver Drew Morgan.