Again courtesy of Razorback Central
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FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas assistant Danny Nutt needs to add another zip code to his address book.
He's now responsible for recruiting the fertile city of Memphis for the Arkansas football program.
Arkansas has signed its share of talented athletes from the Bluff City and may add a few more to next year's recruiting class.
One Memphis school with Division I prospects is Frayser High. The Razorbacks know it well. Frayser is the home of Arkansas recruits Terry Crawford, Jamarcus Gaither, Cornelius Lewis and Jamal Rufus.
HOGS CHASING GAITHER
A running back, Gaither (5-foot-10, 170 pounds) has decided that whichever school he chooses will be close to home.
"I'm still kind of wide-open, but I plan on staying close to the house," Gaither said.
That seems to bode well for Arkansas, since Memphis is only a five hour drive down Interstate 40.
"Arkansas being so close to home is a big factor."
Gaither lead Frayser to a 7-4 season last fall, rushing for 1,100 yards and with 9 touchdowns on his way to being named all-metro and all-region as a junior. His 40-yard time is 4.4 seconds.
Gaither also is being recruited by Georgia Tech, Louisville, Memphis, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.
Camps don't give a clue to Gaither's plans. He doesn't intend on attending any, choosing instead to workout on his own at the YMCA "every day."
Gaither has a 3.2 GPA and dedicates a lot of his spare time to studying.
"I'm looking for a good business school so that I can major in business management," he said.
Gaither is familiar with Arkansas and sounds interested.
"The opportunity to play in the SEC is hard to pass up," he said. "Plus, (UA junior All-SEC safety) Ken Hamlin played here my freshmen year."
Gaither is also aware of Hamlin's recent DUI – his second in 14 months – and "indefinite" suspension from the team.
"I hope everything works out for him," Gaither said. "I've always looked up to Ken."
Should he become a Hog, Gaither might be playing on Hamlin's turf.
"I'd like a shot a running back, but in college I'll probably play in the secondary," he said.
RUFUS HIGH ON THE HOGS
Gaither's best friend just happens to be quarterback Jamal Rufus (6-3, 205), who likes to be listed as an athlete.
Rufus, who said, "Arkansas is my No.1 choice," has been timed with a 4.5-second 40, bench presses 265 pounds and squats 435.
Last season, he passed for over 1,200 yards with 9 TDs and also rushed for close to 400 yards with 7 TDs. And he had six 2-point conversions.
As an outside linebacker, Rufus had 19 sacks.
"I'd love to play safety or wide receiver in college," Rufus said.
Besides Arkansas, Rufus is drawing attention from Georgia Tech, Louisville, Memphis and every school in the SEC.
But Rufus is awful high on the Hogs.
"I've already told my mom that Arkansas is were I want to go," Rufus said.
"Georgia Tech and Kentucky have already offered me a scholarship. I'd like to commit early to the school that shows the most interest early."
"That's why Arkansas is the team to beat."
Rufus has a 3.2 core GPA to go with his 18 ACT score.
He also is playing it smart about future plans.
"I wouldn't mind redshirting to get bigger and stronger," he said. "But, if the chance to play early comes, then I'd have to jump on it."
JACK HAS THE TOOLS
Humble (Texas) High defensive end Jason Jack (6-5, 250) has all the tools and skills to develop into a special player.
Jack is being recruited by Arkansas assistant Chris Vaughn.
"He seems like a pretty cool guy, very respectful," Jack said.
Jack made it sound cool to play at Arkansas, too.
"Arkansas plays in the toughest league in college football," Jack said. "That by itself is enough to have me interested in the program."
Jack runs the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds, bench presses 335 pounds and squats 500. He recorded 42 tackles and 10 sacks last season. He has a 3.2 GPA and is awaiting his score from the ACT he took June 1. He will attend the Texas camp on June 9 and "may" attend the Texas A&M camp. Although not camping at Arkansas, that doesn't mean he's dismissing the Razorbacks.
"I'm wide-open as of right now, but I'm interested in leaving the state," Jack said. "The deciding factor will be education and early playing time."
