Interview: Louisiana QB Cole Kelley talks about verbal commitment to Arkansas

On Saturday the Arkansas Razorbacks picked up a verbal commitment from Teurlings Catholic High School quarterback Cole Kelley. Kelley became the fifth verbal commitment and second Louisiana native added to the Hogs 2016 recruiting class.

The 6’7”, 245 pound, pro-style quarterback with a cannon for an arm is a rising star in the 2016 recruiting class. He already has offers from Colorado State, Oklahoma State, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Lafayette, Southern Miss, and Tulane with schools like Louisville, LSU, Missouri, and Mississippi State showing heavy interest.

Kelley took time out from his visit to answer a couple of questions about his commitment and his overall trip to Fayetteville.

 

What influenced you to commit when you did?

“When I came here I was not looking to commit. When I got here as soon as I walked through the door the people were so great to me. I just had a gut feeling, you can’t ignore that. I knew and wanted to get it out of the way and commit.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I was talking to Coach (Bret) Bielema. I told him I was committing and we talked about it.”

What was Coach Bielema’s reaction when you told him you were committing?

“He was happy. He told me congratulations and the whole deal. Everyone was happy.”

What did Coach Bielema talk to you about after the commitment?

“We talked a little football but he talked about how to handle my business on the football field now that I am a Razorback letting me know that I have to represent myself well.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“Literally as soon as I walked through the door the whole coaching staff was there hugging me shaking my hand and knew I wanted to be there. Walking around the campus I knew I wanted to commit. I talked to my family about it. It was the right decision to make. I’m just excited. When I actually committed my heart was beating really fast. It was just a great thing.”

It maybe too soon but is there a sense of relief, that to some extent, your recruiting process is over?

“Definitely. Committing is not something you want to rush into. You know when it’s the right time, and I can’t ignore it. It wasn’t difficult. I’m glad to get that off my chest.”

Do you still plan to take your visits during your senior season?

“Yeah, it’s a verbal commitment, I don’t plan on de-committing. I’d like to take some visits though. Before I take any visits I’ll talk to my family about it. I’ll make that decision at that time.”

Do you have an idea where else you may take official visits?

“No, not really. One of them will definitely be Arkansas.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Yeah! Definitely, if I get the opportunity! I am biased. I am convinced that in Louisiana we have the best athletes. I’d like to get some of the guys down there to join the Razorback family.”

Again, it maybe too soon but how are you going to pitch the other players to join you?

“Arkansas will be a very underrated team this year. Coach Bielema knows what he’s doing. I want to be a part of it. Guys that give them a visit will see the same thing. I’ll just tell them the truth, tell them what I saw. If they want to win they’ll come to Arkansas.”

While you’ve been in Fayetteville what all have you done?

“Ate and ate some more. They’ve fed me way too much since I’ve been here. I looked at the facilities, the campus, and its beautiful here. I’m not use to the hills. The temperature is nice, better than the humidity in Louisiana. We took a campus tour, toured the facilities, and I spoke with some academic counselors. We ate at the Catfish Hole, one of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at. And we watched practice.”

What were your thoughts of the Arkansas offense while watching practice?

“The new office that Coach (Dan) Enos is putting in – he said he’s only been there for 11 days. That’s hard to believe. The offense is looking pretty sharp. They had a couple of miscues, but the offense is looking like the real deal. Brandon Allen (quarterback) is underrated. He’s mature, sharp, has a very good arm, and is accurate. They’ll be a force to reckon with this year.”

Watching the offense, how do you see yourself fitting in with Enos’ attack?

“I see myself fitting in just fine – perfect.”

 

Arkansas 2016 Verbal Commitment List

DT Austin Capps, 6’4”, 305 lbs, Star City HS, Star City, Arkansas

DT Briston Guidry, 6’2”, 290 lbs, Rummel HS, Metairie, Louisiana

RB/WR T.J. Hammonds, 5’11”, 192 lbs, Pulaski Robinson, Little Rock, Arkansas

WR Jordan Jones, 6’2”, 175 lbs, Smackover HS, Smackover, Arkansas

QB Cole Kelley, 6’7”, 245 lbs, Teurlings Catholic HS, Lafayette, Louisiana

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: Cole Kelley