Arkansas pulled its second big commitment from south Florida this week as offensive lineman Denver Kirkland (Miami/Booker T. Washington) announced he was signing with the Razorbacks.
Scouting Report from Gerry Hamilton
The 6-foot-4, 330-pound Kirkland had his best week when it counted. At the 2013 Under Armour All-America practices and game, the South Florida prospect had a terrific few days when working at guard and had the look of a multi-year starter. While Kirkland tends to struggle in space at tackle in pass pro, he is a huge body that can fire off the line of scrimmage and react to sudden change of movement at guard. He plays much quicker downhill, and has shown the ability to work to the second level with ease as a senior. His best football is definitely in front of him with a college strength and conditioning program the next step in the development phase.
Commitment Impact from JC Shurburtt
It’s pretty clear that the new Arkansas staff is going to be a force to be reckoned with in south Florida with the pick-up of Kirkland. The Razorbacks felt quietly confident and some other programs felt like he would stick with Miami despite the issue surrounding his scholarship a week before signing day. In the end, though, chalk up another great recruiting win for Randy Shannon, Charlie Partridge and Bret Bielema in Dade County.
- JC Shurburtt
- Director of Recruiting - 247Sports