5 Arkansas Players Alabama Missed on in Recruiting
Alabama and Arkansas renew their SEC rivalry Saturday evening in Fayetteville. Like so many conference foes, these programs perennially clash on the recruiting trail, resulting in interesting subplots taking place within the on-field action.
Whether a player was once spurned by his opponent as a prospect or ultimately elected to go elsewhere despite holding an offer from that team, things become a bit more personal when the two sides meet again between the hash marks.
Here's a look at five former recruits who could have potentially worn a Crimson Tide uniform but instead represent the Razobacks in battle.
4-Star OL Brey Cook (Springdale, Arkansas)
Class: 2011
247Sports' Composite Rankings: No. 83 overall; No. 6 among offensive guards
High School Success
The 6'7", 315-pound beast simply battered opponents during his career at Har-Ber High School. Rated the No. 2 prospect in Arkansas, Brey Cook earned several honors after three consecutive visits to the state semifinals and a 2009 Class 7A Arkansas state championship.
He received all-state accolades and accepted an invitation to compete in the Under Armour All-American Game. Cook collected scholarship offers from several national powerhouses, including Auburn, Oklahoma, USC and Notre Dame.
Recruiting Relationship with Alabama
Cook landed an Alabama offer and spent time in Tuscaloosa during the latter stages of his junior year. However, he stayed true to an initial commitment to Arkansas and ultimately enrolled early.
How He Could Help Beat Alabama
Cook will be counted on to contend with a stockpile of Crimson Tide pass-rushers while anchoring his side of the line. A three-year starter, he's shown the versatility to play multiple positions across the offensive front.
The senior is entrenched at right tackle and will look to create consistent push for a Razorbacks attack that averages 317 rushing yards per contest. Continued success in that department is vital to Arkansas' chances for an upset.
3-Star DT Darius Philon (Mobile, Alabama)
Class: 2012
247Sports' Composite Rankings: No. 436 overall; No. 31 among defensive tackles
High School Success
Darius Philon suited up for Vigor High School, home of current Crimson Tide running back commit Desherrius Flowers. The 6'2", 272-pound playmaker produced at a prolific rate, including 89 tackles as a junior.
He spearheaded a journey to the 2011 5A state championship game as a senior. That season Philon secured 66 tackles, including 20 for loss, and 11 sacks.
Aside from Arkansas, his offer sheet featured Kentucky, Auburn, Texas Tech and Michigan State.
Recruiting Relationship with Alabama
For a while, it appeared Philon would be wearing crimson and white in college. He committed to Alabama but was asked to accept a "grayshirt" after suffering a knee injury as a senior.
Rather than delay his collegiate enrollment, Philon flipped to Arkansas shortly before signing day.
"I have nothing against Alabama," he told Mike Herndon of AL.com last fall. "I'm a Razorback. I'm part of the Razorback family. I take it as motivation to go out and do great things for the Arkansas Razorbacks."
How He Could Help Beat Alabama
Philon, a redshirt sophomore, has quickly emerged as a leader for the Razorbacks defense, and opponents must account for his presence in the trenches. He took over as a starter at defensive tackle in 2013 and continues to make strides.
His five tackles for loss lead Arkansas, and he's added 1.5 sacks along the way. Philon's first collegiate start came against the Crimson Tide last season, and he'll look to build off that performance—a career-best eight tackles—Saturday.
3-Star DE JaMichael Winston (Mobile, Alabama)
Class: 2012
247Sports' Composite Rankings: No. 698 overall; No. 42 among defensive ends
High School Success
JaMichael Winston, another Vigor High School product, missed his entire junior season due to an injury. That slowed down his recruitment process, but he rebounded with an effective 2011 campaign.
His breakout fall featured 103 tackles, including 29 for loss. Winston added 17 sacks as the team reached Alabama's section 5A state championship game.
He managed to land several late offers, including Clemson, Kentucky and Michigan State.
Recruiting Relationship with Alabama
Though Alabama annually keeps an eye on Vigor players, Winston didn't warrant an offer from the Crimson Tide. His teammate, Darius Philon, received an offer from Nick Saban, but the duo ended up staying alongside each other at Arkansas.
How He Could Help Beat Alabama
Winston is a key cog in the Razorbacks' rotation at defensive end. He saw his first playing time last fall, recording an interception and appearing in all 12 games.
His expanded role this season has included opportunities to crack the starting lineup. Winston has 11 total tackles this season and will be counted on to help keep Arkansas' defensive front stay fresh throughout Saturday's showdown.
4-Star OL Brian Wallace (St. Louis, Missouri)
Class: 2014
247Sports' Composite Rankings: No. 92 overall; No. 8 among offensive tackles
High School Success
Brian Wallace played like one of the Midwest's top prospects as an upperclassman at Christian Brothers College High School. He helped lead the team to a 20-4 record during his final two seasons with the program, spearheading an offensive attack that averaged approximately 400 yards per game both years.
Wallace was a first-team all-state selection as a senior. He earned offers from Iowa, Georgia, Missouri, Ohio State and others.
Recruiting Relationship with Alabama
Many expected him to commit to the Crimson Tide during Army All-American Bowl festivities. Alabama extended an offer months before the 2013 season and was his final stop on a nationwide official visit tour.
However, he pulled off a surprise by putting on an Arkansas hat in front of a national audience.
How He Could Help Beat Alabama
If things go according to plan for the Razorbacks, Wallace won't be a factor in this matchup. He is the heir apparent to senior right tackle Brey Cook and provides exceptional insurance as a swing tackle in the event of an injury.
Expect him to become a key part of the equation in future games between these two teams.
4-Star TE Hunter Henry (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Class: 2013
247Sports' Composite Rankings: No. 81 overall; No. 3 among tight ends
High School Success
The Pulaski Academy playmaker put himself in the mix as America's top overall tight end prospect by racking up a long list of highlights in high school. He caught 45 passes for 748 yards and 10 touchdowns during his sophomore season, but that effort merely scratched the surface.
Hunter Henry tallied 171 total receptions as a junior and senior, resulting in 2,642 yards, 31 scores and a 2011 section 4A state title. He was a 247Sports 2012 first-team All-American and served as a captain in the Under Armour All-American Game.
Henry acquired offers from an expansive group of college programs, including Notre Dame, Stanford, Ole Miss, Oklahoma and Miami.
Recruiting Relationship with Alabama
Saban welcomed him to campus in November 2012 for an official visit. Despite a previous commitment to Arkansas, Henry spent time in Tuscaloosa and received a heavy sales pitch from the Crimson Tide.
How He Could Help Beat Alabama
Th Razorbacks disproportionately rely on the run game, averaging just 168 passing yards per contest. However, when Arkansas aims to exploit defensive anticipation with play-action throws, the 6'5", 205-pound sophomore provides a quality weapon.
Henry earned Freshman All-American honors in 2013, hauling in 28 passes for 409 yards and four touchdowns. Through five games this season, Henry is tied for second on the team with eight catches for 91 yards and a score.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.
Arkansas player information courtesy of the Arkansas Razorbacks website.