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4-star Hopson has ‘amazing visit’ to Arkansas

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4-star Hopson has ‘amazing visit’ to Arkansas


Arkansas made a pleasant impression on 4-star security goal Jarcoby Hopson throughout his go to Thursday, and one other go to to Fayetteville is a risk.

He and defensive position goal Kamarion Franklin, of Lake Cormorant, Miss., arrived round midday Thursday. 

Hopson, 6-1 and 205 kilos, has affords from Arkansas, Florida State, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Florida and different faculties. In response to 247Sports, he’s rated a 4-star prospect, the No. 6 security and No. 74 total prospect within the nation within the junior class. 

“I like the College of Arkansas. It was a tremendous go to,” Hopson mentioned. “The half that impressed me was the sport day locker room.” 

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He’s appreciative of a number of individuals accompanying him on the journey. 

“Shoutout to (teammate and quarterback) Wylie Riley, my dad and Kamarion for being with me on this journey, and Coach (Nick) Nester,” he mentioned. 

Hopson added that one other go to to Arkansas is feasible in March. 

Franklin, 6-5, 265, has affords from Arkansas, Ole Miss, Alabama, Tennessee, Texas A&M and different packages. On3.com charges him a 4-star prospect, the No. 5 defensive lineman and No. 51 total recruit within the nation within the 2024 class

He recorded 73 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, 17 sacks, 41 quarterback hurries, 1 move deflection, 1 recovered fumble and three blocked discipline targets as a sophomore. 

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Arkansas defensive position coach Deke Adams and co-defensive coordinator Marcus Woodson, each Mississippi natives, have been very lively recruiting the state and handing out affords.



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Arkansas

OPINION | Curtis Varnell: Sam Houston was influential not just in Texas, but Arkansas Territory too | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

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OPINION | Curtis Varnell: Sam Houston was influential not just in Texas, but Arkansas Territory too | Arkansas Democrat Gazette


The life of Sam Houston is usually associated with that of Texas but, even before that time period, he was an influential resident of the Arkansas Territory.

Houston, born in Virginia, spent most of his early life in Tennessee. As a rebellious teenager, he ran away from home and spent almost three years of his life with John Jolly’s band of Cherokee people. During this time, he adopted the dress of the tribe, learned to speak the language fluently, and was given the name of “the Raven.”

After returning home, Houston fought in the War of 1812 as a part of General Andrew Jackson’s forces. His association with Jackson greatly influenced the rest of his life. Because of his familiarity and friendship with the Cherokee, he was hired as an Indian sub-agent to assist in relocating the Cherokee people into Arkansas and Oklahoma.

His friend, Chief Jolly, chose land at Spadra, near present day Clarksville. The roll call of individuals in attendance at the Spadra trading post list the Raven as present.

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Returning to Tennessee, Houston rode Jackson’s coattails and served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1823-27. He then ran and was elected governor of Tennessee and was planning to run again when his marriage to Eliza Allen mysteriously fell apart. Devastated, he departed to Cherokee Territory to be with his adopted family.

Cherokee territory at that time included most of the Arkansas River Valley and west to about Tulsa, Okla. He arrived in Little Rock on May, 8, 1829, surrounded by rumors that Jackson was using him to either control Arkansas politics or to create trouble in Texas.

Houston’s letter back to Jackson is not clear as to intention, “Your suggestion on the subject of my location in Arkansas has received my serious attention, and I have concluded, that it would not be best for me to adopt the course. In that Territory there is no field for distinction.”

During this time, he moved into the home of Chief John Jolly and married Tiana, (Talihinia) a niece of the chief, in an Indian ceremony. Chief Jolly lived on the west side of Spadra Creek, a mile distant from what is now Clarksville, Ark. At that time, Houston spent much of his time travelling to Washington as a delegate for the Cherokee tribe, as well as drinking himself into the nickname, the Big Drunk. The 1830 Arkansas Gazette published five letters written by Houston defending the rights of Native Americans.

Eventually, Houston and his family moved into Oklahoma Territory near Webbers Falls, where he continued to work with various Indian groups. It is of note that in 1832, he made his first foray into Texas as an Indian delegate. When Tiana supposedly refused to accompany him, he gave her the home, land, two enslaved people and “divorced” her. During the summer 0f 1833, he returned for a short time and then spent several days recuperating from an old injury by soaking in the waters at Hot Springs.

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Most of the rest of the story we know from history books. He returned to Texas, became the commanding general of the Texas army that defeated Santa Anna, served as Texas President for two terms, as U.S. Senator, and was governor when the Civil War began. Houston was opposed to the war and refused to take an oath to the confederacy stating, “in the name of my own conscience and my own manhood…I refuse to take this oath.” He was removed from office.

It is also worthy of note that Houston had been a lifetime slave owner. The Emancipation Proclamation was passed in 1862 but was not accepted in Texas. Houston called all the slaves in and freed them in the last months of 1862 and they lived as de facto freeman from 1862 until the war ended.

Joshua and Margaret Houston, two former slaves, remained in Huntsville, Texas. Joshua worked for many years as a blacksmith and served as county commissioner, started a school, and became an influential citizen in the region. At Joshua Houston’s request, he was buried near Sam Houston in Huntsville, Walker County, Texas.



Sam Houston was commanding general of the Texas army that defeated Santa Anna, served as Texas President for two terms, and as U.S. Senator, and was governor when the Civil War began. But he was also influential to Arkansas Territory.

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(Courtesy Photo)



photo


Houston, as a rebellious teenager, ran away from home and spent almost three years of his life with John Jolly’s band of Cherokee people. During this time, he adopted the dress of the tribe, learned to speak the language fluently, and was given the name of “the Raven.”

(Courtesy Photo)




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ESPN College GameDay picks Duke vs. UNC over John Calipari, Arkansas vs. Kentucky

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ESPN College GameDay picks Duke vs. UNC over John Calipari, Arkansas vs. Kentucky


The Saturday, Feb. 1 college basketball slate is loaded with marquee matchups, including Florida at Tennessee, North Carolina at Duke and John Calipari bringing his Arkansas team to Rupp Arena to take on Kentucky. ESPN College GameDay had no shortage of intriguing games to choose from, but the show will be at Cameron Indoor Stadium for Duke-UNC, it was announced on Saturday.

College GameDay has passed on the chance to be at Rupp Arena for John Calipari making his return to Kentucky.

College GameDay made the announcement during Saturday’s show at Auburn, and Duke also sent out a release sharing the news.

This will be the 14th trip to Duke for College GameDay, which is the most of any school. Host Rece Davis and analysts Jay Bilas, Andraya Carter, Seth Greenberg, Jay Williams and Pete Thamel will all be at Cameron Indoor Stadium to preview the rivalry matchup between North Carolina and Duke.

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College GameDay on Feb. 1 will begin at 10 a.m. and be televised by ESPN.

Duke is one of the top teams in the country as the Blue Devils are currently 16-2 (8-0) entering Saturday’s game at Wake Forest. As for North Carolina, the Tar Heels have underachieved this season and are 12-8 (5-3) ahead of Saturday’s game against Boston College.

The Arkansas vs. Kentucky game also has one team that will likely be heavily favored as the Wildcats are ranked No. 9 after getting off to a 14-4 (3-2) start. Arkansas has struggled under Calipari so far this year and is 12-7 (1-5).

Even with North Carolina not playing to its potential at times this year, you can bet that the Tar Heels will be at their best to face Duke with College GameDay in town.

Cooper Flagg admits he has a ‘pinch me’ moment every week at Duke

A big reason for Duke’s strong start to the season and added attention, including from College GameDay, is the play of freshman phenom Cooper Flagg.

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He was the No. 1 player in the 2024 recruiting class and is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Even so, he has to remind himself what a journey this season has been with Duke. Flagg is enjoying a ton of success early on, most recently against Boston College.

At one point every week, Flagg has a moment he describes as “pinch me” to put things into perspective. Playing at this level is something he has been working toward his entire life. Now that it’s finally here, Flagg wants to make sure he embraces it all.

“I think I have a ‘pinch me’ moment almost every week at this point,” Flagg said. “I mean, this was my dream growing up, my entire life, to be in the position I’m in right now. I’m just trying to enjoy it and stay in the moment.”



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Recruiting Rundown: Hogs’ Latest Activity with Offers, Visits

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Recruiting Rundown: Hogs’ Latest Activity with Offers, Visits


FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas coaches have hit the roads throughout the country this week with stops recruiting hotbeds across the country.

Many of these recruiting visits take minutes and sometimes hours evaluating players through tape, offseason work or simply checking in to see what some high school’s have to offer. Coach Sam Pittman, whether through the air or on ground, has been across the south over the past week starting in Arkansas before branching to Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina in search of potential Razorbacks.

2026 quarterback commit Jayvon Gilmore

Gilmore received a visit from Pittman Wednesday following his junior season. The 6-foot-5, 180 pound dual threat passer threw for 2,510 yards, 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions at prestigious Gaffney High School in South Carolina.

DL Kamhariyan Johnson, Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Highly sought after, the junior defensive lineman received a visit from Razorbacks defensive line coach Deke Adams along with Pittman this week. The Muscle Shoals, Alabama native holds 17 offers including Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Missouri, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Washington.

He recorded 47 tackles and 13 tackles for loss and 11 sacks in 2024. The 6-foot-5, 250 pound prospect recently visited Missouri for its Junior Day Jan. 18.

OL Bear McWhorter, White, Georgia

The 3-star tackle initially committed to Arkansas early on as a sophomore but reopened his recruitment a few months later.

McWhorter appears to remain on the table as a possible commitment as Arkansas coach Sam Pittman continues to make him a priority for the 2026 class. Alabama, Tennessee, Clemson and LSU have made recent stops at his high school for visits and spent last weekend at Michigan for an unofficial visit.

CB Zyan Gibson, Gadsen City, Alabama

The current Alabama commitment and top-100 prospect was paid a visit from new defensive backs coach Nick Perry who previously played for the Crimson Tide during its early dynasty days under Nick Saban. Gibson produced 17 tackles this season along with a fumble recovery.

OL Kaden Moody, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Junior lineman Kaden Moody has received a lot of attention this offseason from Arkansas, Big 12 and American Athletic programs. The 6-foot-6, 300 pound prospect allowed zero sacks in 2024 as a team captain.

Moody was one of the many 2026 prospects who braved the snowy roadways to make it to Fayetteville for its first Junior Day of the offseason Jan. 11.

DE Jamarion Matthews, Harvest, Alabama

Junior defensive end Jamarion Matthews received a visit from Razorbacks coaches this week. The 6-foot-2, 240 pound edge rusher holds 19 scholarship offers from Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Penn State and many others.

Matthews was very productive this season with 57 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 17 sacks and 15 hurries and one forced fumble. He finished 2024 ranked No. 81 nationally and No. 7 in Alabama for sacks.

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QB Jack Spaeder, Coconut Creek, Florida

Coconut Creek, Florida sophomore quarterback Jack Spaeder is off to a solid start in his prep career passing for 2,787 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions during his first two season. The 6-foot-3, 185 pound passer possesses 10-inch hands and rocket arm with multiple launch angles.

While other schools appear to have expressed interest in Spaeder, Arkansas is his first FBS offer. He plays in Florida’s second-highest classification and led his Monarch High School team to a 7-4 overall record with a trip to the playoffs.

QB Joseph Allen, Melbourne, Florida

Another sophomore quarterback to keep an eye on is Joseph Allen of Melbourne, Florida who was offered by offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino this week after a workout. He started as a true freshman last season and has proven to be a prolific passer with 4,550 yards and 55 touchdowns early on in his high school career.

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He possesses a powerful arm featured in the video below. Allen currently holds 14 scholarship offers including Arkansas, Syracuse, Kentucky, UCF and Purdue.

ATH Jacob Eberhart, St. Louis, Missouri

Arkansas, Oregon, Iowa State and Ole Miss are some of the latest schools to jump into the recruitment of Missouri athlete Jacob Eberhart. The 6-foot-3, 200 pound Kirkwood High School product is one of St. Louis’ top players with ability to play either offense or defense.

OL Ashley Walker, Hollywood, Florida

Hollywood, Florida 2026 offensive lineman Ashley Walker is one of the latest junior prospects to see his recruitment explode with offers of late. The 6-foot-7, 290 pound tackle was first offered by Georgia followed by Arkansas, Ole Miss, Kentucky, USF and UCF.

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TE Razhzario Edwards, Sacramento, California

2027 prospect Rahzario Edwards became one of the best receivers in the country this season. The 6-foot-6, 215 pound pass catcher out of Sacramento can play tight end or wide receiver at the next level.

Edwards caught 48 passes for 900 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore with offers coming from Florida, Oregon, USC, Arkansas, Cal and Texas A&M since the season came to a close.

RB Virgil Lemons, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Football powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas sophomore running back Virgil Lemons is a bulldozer and Arkansas is one of his latest suitors. The 5-foot-9, 170 pound prospect runs low to the ground and possesses good balance after contact and very quick once in the open field.

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Along with the Razorbacks, other programs to offer Lemons are West Virginia, Missouri, Purdue, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and many others. He totaled 202 yards and three touchdowns in a loaded backfield this season.

ATH Aiden Evans, Lewisville, Texas

2027 athlete Aiden Evans attends the same high school current Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green is from which opens up the Razorbacks chances drastically. Evans can play multiple positions on offense and defense following a breakout season with 48 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumble, seven pass breakups and three total touchdowns on the way to earning a top-10 ranking among Texas sophomores.

DE Ronelle Johnson, Blue Springs, Missouri

Blue Springs, Missouri standout 4-star defensive end Ronelle Johnson earned an offer from Arkansas this week which is No. 8 for the junior. The 6-foot-4, 245 edge rusher reports a 345 pound bench and 580 pound squat in the weight room.

Johnson finished 2024 with over 60 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, three forced fumbles and one safety. Along with Arkansas, he currently holds offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska and Oregon.

WR Aljour Miles, Kaufman, Texas

Three-star wideout Aljour Miles earned his second scholarship offer from and SEC program when Arkansas called Wednesday. The 6-foot-2, 200 pound pass catcher already has 23 offers and should receive more after catching 60 passes for 1,114 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior.

DL Mark Matthews, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Another St. Thomas Aquinas prospect to watch is 2027 defensive lineman Mark Matthews who is expected to reach 5-star status before his prep career is over, according to national analyst Tom Lemming. The 6-foot-6, 270 pound sophomore has a total of 15 offers including Auburn, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Florida, Miami and West Virginia.

Matthews also excells on the hardwood and recorded two tackles and one sack in limited defensive reps. He did play at offensive tackle where he punished defenders with four pancake blocks.

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