2016 Oklahoma SS/LB Calvin Bundage Updates Visit with Arkansas Razorbacks
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The Razorbacks 2016 recruiting class is starting to take shape ahead of National Signing Day. Over the weekend the Hogs hosted several top recruits rolling out the red carpet for their honored guest. The weekend thus far can be considered a success landing a verbal commitment from St. Augustine linebacker Giovanni LaFrance (New Orleans).
Among the many top prospects in Fayetteville over the weekend included Santa Fe High School 2016 safety/linebacker Calvin Bundage. Bundage is a top recruit, regardless of star rankings from various sites, capable of playing for any team in the nation at the next level. The Hogs have two areas of need heading into NSD and Bundage could fill either one during his collegiate career.
Arkansas is one of five teams to get an official visit with the 6’3”, 200 pound, versatile athlete, the other programs include Oregon on Oct. 9, Arizona on Nov. 14, Arizona State on Dec. 5, and in-state powerhouse Oklahoma State on Jan. 15.
The race is on for all college programs to land top recruits in hope of securing college football glory for years to come. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Bundage after his weekend visit to Fayetteville to get his overall thoughts on the trip and see if the Razorbacks are any closer to signing one of the best uncommitted players in the country.
Interview
Alright Calvin, million dollar question, how did the visit to Arkansas go for you?
“It went really well.”
I know you’ve visited the school unofficially before but what stood out to you during this visit?
“The new facilities.”
Did you get any one-on-one time in with the Arkansas coaches?
“Yeah, I got to spend a lot of time with the coaches. I spent the most time with Coach (Robb) Smith (defensive coordinator) and with Coach B. (Bret Bielema, head coach). We watched film today and went over some things.”
When you watched film with Coach Bielema and Coach Smith, did they go over how they would utilize you if you played your college ball there?
“Yes. They want to play me a strong safety.”
When we spoke after your Oklahoma State visit, you mentioned most schools are recruiting you to play either linebacker, safety, or a hybrid of the two. If Arkansas plays you at safety are you excited about that?
“Yeah, I am.”
Who was your host during your visit?
“K-Rick (DB – Kevin Richardson), he plays the “Money” position for Arkansas.”
Did you get a good vibe or feeling from the coaching staff during your visit?
“It was really cool. I liked all the players, they were like a family.”
In your opinion, did you get a sense that the other top recruits visiting got the same feeling?
“Yes, they were excited too.”
Are you off to anywhere next weekend?
“That was my last visit.”
So no unofficial visits anywhere else like to Notre Dame or Michigan?
“No, that was my last visit.”
Have you come up with a Top 2 yet?
“No not yet.”
Is your commitment date still on Feb. 3, on NSD?
“Yes.”
Excellent. Thanks for your time again today Calvin. Good luck with your upcoming decision.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Bundage family; Calvin with E.K. Franks during his official visit to Arkansas.
Arkansas Razorbacks 2016 Verbal Commitment List (17)
SS Deon Edwards, 6’0”, 195 lbs, Lake Minneola HS, Minneola, FL
SS Alexy Jean-Baptiste, 6’3”, 205 lbs, Coconut Creek HS, Coconut Creek, FL
DE McTelvin Agim, 6’3”, 269 lbs, Hope HS, Hope, AR
DT Austin Capps, 6’4”, 306 lbs, Star City HS, Star City, AR
DT Briston Guidry, 6’3”, 275 lbs, Rummel HS, Metairie, LA
LB Dejon Harris, 5’11”, 235 lbs, John Ehret HS, Marrero, LA
LB Giovanni LaFrance, 6’1”, 235 lbs, St. Augustine HS, New Orleans, LA
OG Terrance Malone, Northwest Mississippi C.C., Senatobia, MS
OT Jake Heinrich, 6’5, 290 lbs, Urbandale HS, Urbandale, IA
QB Cole Kelley, 6’7”, 235 lbs, Teurlings Catholic HS, Lafayette, LA
RB T.J. Hammonds, 5’11”, 196 lbs, Robinson HS, Little Rock, AR
RB Devwah Whaley, 6’0”, 205 lbs, Central HS, Beaumont, TX
FB Hayden Johnson, 6’3”, 252 lbs, Rock Bridge HS, Columbia, MO
TE Grayson Gunter, 6’6”, 230 lbs, Madison Central HS, Madison, MS
WR Kofi Boateng, 6’1”, 175 lbs, Arlington Lamar HS, Arlington, TX
WR Jordan Jones, 6’2”, 175 lbs, Smackover HS, Smackover, AR
WR Kiel Pollard, 6’1”, 228 lbs, Colquitt County, Moultrie, AR