Arkansas keeps TE Erin Outley home
THE SITUATION
Erin Outley had his pick of different colleges, yet the Arkansas native never needed to leave his home state.
Outley, a three-star tight end from Little Rock (Ark.) Parkview High School, committed to the Razorbacks on Saturday. Florida State, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Penn State, Georgia Tech and Texas A&M were among the other contenders for the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder.
Outley currently sits as the No. 3-ranked prospect in the Natural State.
The addition of Outley to Arkansas' 2021 recruiting class bolsters a group that entered the weekend ranked No. 37 nationally in the Rivals team rankings. Outley is the 15th addition to the haul and the first tight end. He is the third in-state get for first-year head coach Sam Pittman.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
“The Arkansas coaching staff was always being honest and building a relationship together and values.”
“Coach Pittman and Coach Copper stood out with their Consistency and building a relationship just getting to know one another”
“ It was a big decision but it was always in my heart to play for my state.”
“ Arkansas was Academically strong and on the field, they sold me on Being the next great Tight end and going to the next level. Watching how they have used TE and how strong that position has been throughout the years.”
RIVALS REACTION
Outley is a two-sport standout at Parkview High School, competing in not only football, but basketball as well. Last season, he reeled in 48 receptions for 721 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging an impressive 15 yards per catch. He's a big-bodied pass-catcher with the ability to stretch the field, make plays in space or be a safety valve in the short and intermediate passing game.
At the All-American Bowl Combine in San Antonio earlier this year, Outley recorded a 4.59-second short shuttle along with a 30.3-inch vertical jump and a 78-wingspan. He checks in at 6-foot-4 and just under 250 pounds.
At Parkview, Outley is used out wide at receiver, as a flex tight end in the slot and also saw some action as an in-line tight end. Nonetheless, he is used primarily as a pass-catcher -- a big-bodied wide receiver that can move across the formation and create mismatches all over the field.
Outley possesses sure hands and is a constant threat to make plays after the catch. He has a good catch radius with the ability to come out on top in contested situations. He's sure-handed and makes catches away from the body.
Outley is a good route-runner with quick feet and makes solid cuts in and out of his breaks to create separation. He's natural in this department and has room to grow, which is a major plus for the Razorbacks down the road.
Outley flashes the ability to stretch the field vertically and be a playmaker when left alone in space. He's a downhill runner and tends to turn up field after the catch. He's dangerous as a downfield threat as well as around the end zone.
The biggest question mark, however, is his blocking. Pittman will certainly ask his tight end to be an extra offensive linemen in certain situations and Outley has a lot to prove in this area.