Otis Kirk: Razorbacks Still Have Offensive Line Needs, Target California Tackle

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Otis Kirk: Razorbacks Still Have Offensive Line Needs, Target California Tackle

by Otis Kirk on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2012 8:47 am

Arkansas got a big commitment from Pulaski Academy tight end Hunter Henry recently and now has its sites set on adding pieces to the interior line. (Photo by Rhonda Sharp)

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

The 2012 football season is nearing, but Arkansas is still busy recruiting and trying to add to its total of 13 commitments.

Arkansas has taken giant steps towards filling some of its needs, but also still has some giant holes left to fill. The biggest hole of all may be on the offensive line.

Last season, Arkansas signed Pottsville's Jeremy Ward and Memphis (Tenn.) Ridgeway's Cordale Boyd. This year, the Razorbacks are attempting to sign four or five offensive linemen.

One key target this year is Contra Costa (Calif.) College 4-star offensive tackle Desmond Harrison (6 foot 8, 330 pounds). Harrison is a midterm graduate who has drawn interest from basically any school that recruits the junior colleges.

Arkansas is also looking at the high school ranks for help. Phoenix (Ariz.) Mountain Pointe 3-star offensive tackle Kenny Lacy will take an official visit to Arkansas the weekend of Sept. 15 when the Hogs play Alabama. Lacy also has official visits set for Oklahoma, Nebraska, California and UCLA.

Pomfret (Md.) McDonough 4-star offensive tackle Na'Ty Rodgers (6-5, 275) has Arkansas among his list of five finalists. Joining the Hogs on the list are South Carolina, Washington, Oklahoma and Maryland.

Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst offensive lineman Zach Hannon (6-5, 297) committed to Nebraska last week, but has left the door at least slightly ajar for the Razorbacks and others including Missouri. Hannon and Lee's Summitt (Mo.) West 3-star defensive end Jamone Boyd (6-5, 265) are both still considering the Razorbacks.

Arkansas still wants to add some wide receivers to the class as well. Frankfort (Ky.) Franklin County High School 4-star Ryan Timmons (5-11, 180) has the Razorbacks at the top of his list. He took an unofficial visit to Arkansas on July 6 and enjoyed Fayetteville. Now, he wants to make a return visit and bring his mother with him.

Prosper (Texas) 4-star wide receiver Torii Hunter (6-1, 172) is the son of Los Angeles Angels outfielder and Pine Bluff native Torii Hunter. The younger Hunter is equally outstanding catching passes at wide receiver or fly balls in center field and wants to play both sports in college.

Most major colleges, including Notre Dame and Nebraska are recruiting Hunter.

Arkansas could add a junior college wide receiver, but that more or less depends on how well the group of five newcomers perform this fall. Arkansas will lose Cobi Hamilton after this season, but many of the newcomers have looked good thus far.

At running back, Denham Springs (La.) 3-star Kaleb Blanchard (6-1, 205) is committed to the Razorbacks and is looking to have a banner senior season. Arkansas would love to add North Little Rock 4-star Altee Tenpenny (5-11, 200) to its backfield as well.