Kirkland picks Arkansas

Arkansas landed another top target out of south Florida Wednesday morning when four-star Denver Kirkland made his announcement live on ESPNU.

The 6-5, 335-pound offensive lineman chose the Razorbacks over offers from Auburn, Florida State, Miami, UCLA, USC and several others. His final decision came down to the Razorbacks and the Seminoles.

Kirkland said the comfort level he felt during his official visit in Fayetteville on Jan. 25 is what put the Hogs over the top.

"I decided to spend my next 3-4 years at the University of Arkansas," Kirkland said on ESPNU at Booker T. Washington High School in Miami. "When I went to Arkansas, I expected a lot of things but the unexpected. It was a good time up there, a good time. They feel like family up there, so that's where I'm going to take my talents this year."

Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema's track record of sending offensive linemen on to the next level also played a role in Kirkland's decision.

"Just because of the things they do at Arkansas and the coaching staff, where they came from, and how many linemen they've produced in the league. That was a big impact in my decision," he said.

Offensive line is a strength in this year's Arkansas class. In addition to Kirkland, the Hogs will also finish with four-star offensive guard Reeve Koehler, three-star offensive tackle Dan Skipper, who had offers from Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma and several others, and mid-term enrollee John McClure, a two-time junior college All-American.