The Razorbacks added to their next group of receiver Sunday night with the relatively unexpected commitment of Las Vegas receiver Maleek Barkley.
I'm excited to announce that
— Maleek Barkley (@Leek_B2) April 4, 2016
I have committed to.....
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS!#WooPig pic.twitter.com/6fda9Q2LoQ
It's a surprise only in that he hasn't ever visited Fayetteville. It's rare to get commitments, particularly this early in the recruiting cycle, from out-of-state players who've never visited The Hill. But it does happen occasionally, and here we are.
Barkley is a speedy athlete who chose the Hogs over his hometown UNLV Rebels, as well as offers from Illinois and Texas State. He has not yet been rated on Rivals or 247.
Although he is from Las Vegas and is moving back there to play his senior season this fall, he spent last year playing in Austin, Texas area, and compiled these stats:
The versatile Barkley earned all-district honors as a kick returner in 2015, when he also ranked second on the team in receptions (55) and third in rushing yards (617). Barkley saw increased time in the backfield during Lake Travis’ postseason run to the Class 6A, Division II championship game, and he gained 197 yards and scored three touchdowns on only 11 carries in a third-round playoff game against Waco Midway.
Barkley is the second receiver to commit to Arkansas and the fourth commitment overall in the 2017 class.