University of Arkansas 4-star linebacker target Xavier Atkins visited Fayetteville on March 4 and Friday and Saturday, and he plans to make another trip this summer.
Atkins, who signed to LSU last summer, said Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, defense coordinator Travis Williams and staff made his trip go well.
“The visit man is just amazing just talking to Coach Pittman and Coach T Will and the whole team knows me and the players it’s just an amazing vibe,” said Atkins. “I love being in Arkansas.”
Atkins, 6-1, 205 pounds, attends Summer Creek High School, which is part of the Humble Independent School District, which is northeast of Houston. He has scholarship offers from Arkansas, LSU, Texas A&M, Penn State, Tennessee, Missouri, Miami, TCU, Oklahoma State and others.
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He explained in more detail why the mood during the visit was so good.
“Only Coach T Will and Coach Sam are open about anything,” Atkins said. “They let me know I’m coming to Arkansas, I have to fight for a spot. Just do my business when I get here. Just seeing what’s going on behind the scenes just makes me more comfortable coming here.”
Atkins recorded 121 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 1 interception return for a score as a junior while playing at Jonesboro-Hodge High School in Louisiana. He also had 14 catches for 369 yards and 4 touchdowns while playing receiver.
He also said he and Williams have formed a uniquely close bond.
“Me and Coach T Will have a father and son bond,” Atkins said. “He’s really into me. he checks me He is just like someone you need in your life, like a positive role model. As a coach, he’s played my position, so the bond between me and T Will is very special and unlike any other coach who recruits me.”
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ESPN also ranks Atkins as a 4-star recruit, the No. 22 fullback and No. 274 overall contender in the nation for the Class of 2024, and the No. 6 prospect in Texas.
Atkins said Williams teaches him life lessons on and off the field.
“He always tells me I’m a man [and] You have to be kept sane for certain things in life,” Atkins said. “It’s something I don’t hear from other coaches. Coach T Will teaches me things I need to learn by coming here, like how to be a man. How to be respectful to women. How to be on time. How presentable.”
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He left little doubt that he will return to Arkansas for an official visit.
“Anyway, I already have a date that I’m going to come, June 2,” Atkins said. “I’ll come back here. I love this place.”
He was asked about setting up further official visits.
“I really wasn’t thinking about other officers,” he said. “I was just thinking about Arkansas. When they asked me if I would like to come back and see them, I said, ‘Absolutely.’ Like no doubt.”
Email Richard Davenport at [email protected]
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