FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas coach Bret Bielema (BEE’-leh-mah) has announced the signings of 22 players to national letters of intent, with hopes of adding one of the country’s top running backs.
Bielema, who was hired by the Razorbacks on Dec. 4, signed some of the state’s top prospects and a host of offensive linemen — with the intent of quickly rebounding from a 4-8 season marred by last spring’s firing of coach Bobby Petrino.
One of Bielema’s targets, running back Alex Collins, still had not signed with Arkansas as of Wednesday afternoon. The Florida standout verbally committed to the Razorbacks on Monday night, but he canceled a news conference early Wednesday in which he was expected to sign with Arkansas.
The class was ranked No. 26 by Rivals.com, 12th in the Southeastern Conference.
