Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas Coach Bobby Petrino prefers to sign high school talent if all things are equal, but the Razorbacks and most other schools use junior colleges when they have immediate needs at certain positions.

While the Razorbacks are still looking at a couple of possible additions from junior college for the Class of 2011, they are also handing out a few offers to juco standouts for the Class of 2012. One of the top targets on Arkansas' list is Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College tight end Blake Jackson (6-foot-4, 235 pounds, 4.5 in the 40-yard dash). Jackson was in Fayetteville to attend Arkansas' Red-White game on April 16.

"It was really, really nice," Jackson said of Arkansas. "I love the offense at Arkansas. The way they used D.J. Williams was great and I would fit in well there."

Jackson has offers from Arkansas, Miami, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Tennessee, Texas Tech and Toledo.

"I can create mismatches with my speed," Jackson said. "My strength is catching the football, but I'm improving as a run blocker."

As a freshman, Jackson caught 35 passes for 600 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jackson thought about making a verbal commitment to Arkansas after his visit, but has since decided to take some visits before making the call on his future college.

"Arkansas is definitely up there," Jackson said. "I loved everything about the school. They have a great business school and that has impressed my mother (Natasha Gittens)."

Arkansas has since offered a scholarship to Jackson's teammate as well. Scottsdale defensive tackle Mike Pennel (6-5, 370) said Jackson told him great things about the UA and that he too will take a visit to Fayetteville in the fall. It appears Jackson and Pennel will take an official visit to Arkansas at the same time.

Scottsdale isn't the only junior college where Arkansas has offered multiple players. At Blinn (Texas) Community College in Brenham, Arkansas has offered tailback Marion Grice (6-0, 215, 4.5) and linebacker Eddie Porter (6-3, 238, 4.7).

Arkansas has three junior tailbacks this fall and one true freshman. If Knile Davis was to go pro after this coming season, then the Razorbacks would need an older tailback to compete. Grice also has offers to Tennessee, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. As a freshman, Grice carried 160 times for 1,169 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Rivals.com's Brian Perroni saw Grice play last season, and even in a loss, Perroni was impressed with Grice. In the game, Grice had 28 carries for 158 yards and 2 touchdowns.

"Grice is the prototypical big back who does not shy away from contact," Perroni said. "He would lower his shoulder on the sideline to gain extra yards each time he took it outside. He was effective between the tackles as well, seeing holes as they developed and hitting them quickly without dancing. He is a true every-down back who can take the pounding."