Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Arkansas basketball coach Mike Anderson and the Razorbacks added a sixth recruit to the Class of 2012 on Wednesday when Birmingham (Ala.) Lawson State Community College combo forward Coty Clarke committed.

Clarke (6-foot-7, 225 pounds) arrived in Fayetteville on Tuesday for an official visit and knew shortly after arriving that Arkansas was the place he wanted to spend the next two years. Lawson College's Deddrick Tarver, who is an assistant coach at the school, thinks Arkansas is getting a player who will help them next season.

“He can make an immediate impact in the SEC,” Tarver said. “A lot of schools didn't want him because of his size, but he is a great rebounder.”

Tarver said that Clarke is the only player in the school's history who has averaged a double-double both years at the school. As a sophomore, Clarke averaged 14.5 points and 13 rebounds following a freshman season where he averaged 11.3 points and 11.2 rebounds. Also as a sophomore, Clarke averaged 4.7 assists, 1.9 steals and 1.6 blocked shots per game.

“He was the leader of our team,” Tarver said. “The thing about Coty is he is very good off the court as well as on it. He is good in the community and is a good student.”

Anderson and his staff was searching for a big man to finish out this class. While Clarke isn't extremely tall, Tarver said he plays like he was much taller.

“He is a great rebounder,” Tarver said. “It doesn't matter how tall the player he's going against is. If there is a rebound, Coty will get it. He's a great rebounder, 3-point shooter and can handle the ball. He can play at least three positions for Arkansas.”

Arkansas has also added Birmingham (Ala.) Central Christian Park forward JaCorey Williams (6-8, 195), Memphis (Tenn.) Bartlett shooting guard Anthlon Bell (6-3, 180) Shreveport (La.) Huntington swingman Michael Qualls (6-5, 200) Alexandria (La.) Peabody Magnet point guard Dee Wagner (5-11, 170) and former Little Rock Central and University of Houston power forward Alandise Harris (6-6, 230).

Arkansas also has two commitments for the Class of 2013. Little Rock Hall power forward Bobby Portis (6-9, 220) and Clarksville guard Dederick Lee (6-4, 170) have both said yes to Arkansas offers and both helped lead their teams to state championships as juniors. Clarksville also won the Class 4A state title during Lee's sophomore season.

Honest Abens

Abens Cajuste is considered among the top defensive tackles in the junior college ranks this season and Arkansas has taken notice.

Cajuste (6-3, 298, 4.93 seconds in the 40-yard dash) just completed his freshman season at Victorville (Calif.) Victor Valley College and has has six scholarship offers to show for his hard work.