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E.K. Franks and the Razorbacks are looking for a strong surge in July.
E.K. Franks and the Razorbacks are looking for a strong surge in July.

Arkansas' 2018 recruiting class could be almost full by the time fall practices begin in Fayetteville on July 27.

The Razorbacks currently count nine verbal commitments in addition to two blue-shirt additions who counted forward from last year's class, which means 11 of their expected 15-16 available spots are already accounted for.

According to Director of Recruiting E.K. Franks, more spots could be filled in the next couple of weeks.

“I think we’re definitely on track of where we’re wanting to be," Franks said. "We’re moving a little quicker than some people thought it would go. We got some great commitments early. I mean some great, quality kids early on.

“We want to finish up front on both sides of the ball. We want both sides, O-line and D-line. That’s what the core of this class needs. You’ve got commitments everywhere else, but you’ve got to get those guys up front and get them rocking and going.

“Now we’re looking forward to the next few weeks, that push right before camp starts. I think we’ll get a few more in the boat and be looking even better."

The Hogs have plenty of reason for optimism, as some of their top targets will be making their way to Fayetteville for unofficial visits very soon.

On Friday, the Razorbacks welcome their top remaining outside linebacker target in Maureese Wren of Mesquite (Texas) Horn.

Wren (6-3, 222) was offered by the Hogs on June 19 and holds other options from Missouri, Baylor, Arizona, Illinois and several others. The talented two-way prospect is good friends with current Arkansas commitment Tanner McCalister.

Wren plans to make his college decision known on his birthday, September 27, but it's not unreasonable to think he pulls the trigger before then.

On Wednesday, July 19, Little Rock (Ark.) Pulaski Academy offensive lineman Luke Jones will return to The Hill with both of his parents.

Jones picked up an Arkansas offer after an impressive performance at the Trench Hogs camp in Fayetteville on June 18. The versatile lineman, who comes in at No. 4 on HawgSports.com's instate rankings, has a brother who attends the U of A.

Luke Jones is one of two Pulaski Academy products visiting Arkansas on July 19.
Luke Jones is one of two Pulaski Academy products visiting Arkansas on July 19. (Danny West)

The Hogs will also get another visit from Tyrone (Ga.) Sandy Creek defensive end Nick Fulwider this month, though he hasn't yet stamped down a date.

Fulwider visited Fayetteville in June and could be close to a decision, so a quick-turnaround trip to Arkansas should be seen as a promising sign for the Razorbacks.

Additionally, instate cornerback Ladarrius Bishop of Ashdown plans to choose between Arkansas, Oklahoma State and Mississippi State this Saturday at 2 p.m.

Getting good news from Wren, Jones, Fulwider and Bishop would go a long way in completing Arkansas' 2018 class, but there are important things happening in the 2019 class, as well.

“We’ve got a few ‘19 kids coming in," Franks said. "Hopefully we can get that started like the 2018 class did last year. You want to get the focal point on the offense and the defense so they can take ownership of that class and get you going.

“This year, with the early signing period and being able to take recruiting trips earlier, you’re going to see a big push in that 2019 class from us.”

The Hogs' top quarterback target for 2019, Ty Evans of Monument (Colo.) Palmer Ridge, will arrive in Fayetteville on Saturday and will stay until the following Tuesday.

Arkansas was the first to offer Evans, who participated in the Hogs' high school camp in late June.

And then there's four-star tight end Hudson Henry of Pulaski Academy, who makes his way to Fayetteville on the same day that Jones plans to visit (July 19).

Henry, 6-5, 225, is the younger brother of former Arkansas tight end Hunter Henry and current Arkansas linebacker Hayden Henry. Their father played football for the Hogs while their grandfather played basketball at the UA.

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