Arkansas hasn't had much luck on the recruiting trail since the unceremonious firing of coach Bobby Petrino. And the shocking loss to Louisiana Monroe as a 30-point favorite hasn't helped matters, either. Arkansas does have 16 commitments, but only a single pledge from a recruit rated four stars or higher.
But this weekend the Razorbacks have a chance to turn things around as they host the Alabama Crimson Tide. And four top recruits will be visiting to take in the game.
The star of the group is Torii Hunter Jr., the namesake of the famous baseball player. Out of Prosper (TX), Hunter Jr. displayed good ball skills and athleticism during Nike's The Opening, and has continued his solid pay so far in the 2012 high school season. Arkansas has some stiff competition here, as Hunter also holds offers from Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and West Virginia.
Four-star defensive end Jamone Boyd of Lee's Summit (Mo.) West high School will also be in town. Despite its recent success, Arkansas has not had much luck recruiting elite defensive linemen. The competition for Boyd includes Nebraska, Missouri and Oklahoma State.
Also scheduled to make the trip, according to Rivals, is UCLA commitment Kenny Lacy.Lacy is a four-star offensive line recruit out of Phoenix (Ariz.) Mountain Pointe High School. Having committed to UCLA last weekend, it's uncertain if Lacy will stick with his schedule. Plus, UCLA offensive line coach Adrian Klemm is one of the best recruiters in all of college football.
Still, the electric atmosphere of a top SEC game could make a big impression on these recruits. If the Razorbacks, currently three-touchdown underdogs, can pull the upset, some commitments are not out of the question.
For more on Hogs football, visit Arkansas blog Arkansas Expats, plus SEC blog Team Speed Kills.