Closer Look at Arkansas 2021 Quarterback Offers: Aaron McLaughlin
For those who follow recruiting for their favorite college football team, perhaps no position has more intrigue than quarterback.
Arkansas fans still don't know who the 2020 quarterback commit (or commits) will be, but Joe Craddock and the staff have already moved on from offering new juniors and are now focusing on finding a great fit for the 2021 class.
They offered just eight quarterbacks before landing dual-threat KJ Jefferson for 2019, they've offered 11 2020 quarterbacks to secure one or two, and now they're up to six offers for the 2021 class. Jefferson ended up the second-highest ranked quarterback on the offer sheet by signing day.
Arkansas's offense can get very dynamic with a dual-threat quarterback, but the staff has also targeted pro-style guys, which they've found success with before as long as the other pieces like wide receiver and running back are up to snuff.
We're taking a closer look at the six early 2021 offers, how they played their sophomore season, what their recruitment looks like and more, starting with Georgia pro-style quarterback Aaron McLaughlin:
New teammate of Arkansas wide receiver commit Ze'Vian Capers, Aaron McLaughlin received his first SEC offer from Missouri in 7th grade and it's easy to see why he's one of the most sought-after 2021 quarterbacks in the nation.
His 8th grade highlight tape has over 10,000 views, his freshman tape has over 12,000 and his sophomore tape has far fewer, probably because everyone already knows him.
His offer sheet has north of 25 offers already and it includes eleven SEC offers, however the University of Georgia has yet to offer the in-state phenom. He's visited Arkansas twice, including a summer camp, and he has a very good early relationship with the staff. He's visited Arkansas, Auburn, Alabama and Clemson this spring already.
He's been recruited for years, so he probably won't be dragging his recruitment out as long as most 2021 quarterbacks.
SCOUTING REPORT
"McLaughlin has elite arm strength already. Don’t love him as a runner, but at 6’5”, 225, he could become a bruising, intimidating runner in the mold of a Cam Newton (not comparing the two, just an idea of what his running style could potentially look like). Makes throws from many platforms as well, on the run, in the pocket, under duress. Has good timing with his receivers, trusts they will get open and make it to their spot. One of the best deep balls you’ll see at his age, and with great touch to boot, he has all the tools of a great pocket passing quarterback". - Jacob Carmichael
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