Arkansas Football: Top 10 Recruiting Commitments for 2011

The college football recruiting season is in full gear and the Arkansas Razorbacks have to work the recruiting trails feverishly if they want to keep up with the other teams in the SEC.

The Hogs are rated No. 18 by ESPN in the 2011 recruiting rankings, and No. 20 by Rivals.com, which is not too shabby.

A successful recruiting campaign will assure that Arkansas Football will compete for a national title for years to come.

Here is a look at the top 10 recruiting commitments for 2011.

Safety Kelvin Fisher

Kelvin Fisher: 6'0", 180 pounds

Kelvin Fisher brings in versatility and brains to the Arkansas defense. While Fisher is a project until he is able to put on some weight, he is a hard worker who is overflowing with potential.

He is a “smart” football player and studies the game intensely. He primarily is used as a safety, but can also fit in as a running back or wide receiver. The Arkansas coaches can mold this young man and shape him into a great player at Arkansas.

Wide Receiver Marquel Wade

Marquel Wade: 5'11", 180 pounds

The Razorbacks are always looking for talent at wide receiver and Marquel Wade has tremendous upside. The Andrew Jackson High (Jacksonville, FL) standout is also a special teams superstar.

His résumé includes 40 receptions for 355 yards and seven touchdowns, and eight punt returns for over 400 yards and five scores.

Wade has even played some defense and will provide Arkansas with a flexible speedster who can contribute in more than one spot.

Quarterback Brandon Allen

Brandon Allen: 6'2", 214 pounds

Ryan Mallett opted for the NFL draft, and with the offense being the strength of the Razorbacks, recruiting a talented quarterback is a must.  Fayetteville quarterback Brandon Allen is a solid commitment who will have the chance to excel in Arkansas.

Allen possesses strong lower body strength, making him tough to knock down in the pocket. Allen has completed 146 of 223 passes for 2,026 yards and 26 touchdowns during his senior season. He has several good traits that are needed from a quarterback in the Hogs offense.

Allen has great field vision and is not afraid to look off receivers and use check down outlets. He is considered the No. 10 pro-style quarterback in the nation and No. 4 player in Arkansas, making him a very nice grab for Arkansas.

Allen has the capability to learn and successfully execute the Hogs offense, and he will challenge for the backup spot in his first year.

Cornerback Tevin Mitchell

Tevin Mitchell: 6'0", 175 pounds

Mansfield Legacy High School's (Mansfield, TX) prodigy cornerback Tevin Mitchell should bring a boost to a defense that plays in a pass-happy conference.

Mitchel has speed and is very agile, bringing a shutdown corner attitude to the game. He has been ranked as high as No. 6 in the nation in his position.

His mother is a long-time Hogs fan and she gets the assist for swaying Mitchell away from Nebraska and straight to the Razorbacks.

Offensive Tackle Mitch Smothers

Mitch Smothers: 6'5", 291 pounds

The Razorbacks tabbed Mitch Smothers to bring more size to the offensive line. The Springdale, Arkansas big man decided to stay and play at home, passing up offers from Alabama and Auburn.

He dominates as a run and pass blocker and comes off the ball like an experienced veteran. His athleticism and playing style will result in flattening the opposition. His foot style has been lauded by scouts who believe he can succeed at the next level at tackle or guard.

Tight End Chris Barnett

Chris Barnett: 6'6", 249 pounds

The Hogs love to spread the ball out on offense and have the ability to block downfield. Tight end Chris Barnett brings both of those abilities to the football field for Arkansas.

Barnett is a big target, and some work in the weight room will make him an incredible asset to the Hogs offense. He will be a solid pass-catching option in Bobby Petrino’s offense with his precise route running and soft hands.

Barnett once committed to Oklahoma and switched to Arkansas to the delight of the Razorbacks' fanbase.

Wide Receiver Quinta Funderburk

Quinta Funderburk: 6'5" and 200 pounds

What good is an explosive offense without any weapons?  Oscar Smith High School's (Chesapeake, VA) Quinta Funderburk is just the weapon to fit right in on this quick-strike offense.

Funderburk is a beast and uses his advantage to crush cornerbacks on jump balls and fade routes in the red zone. He had 28 offers and stuck with the Razorbacks, spurning schools like Michigan, West Virginia and Florida.

He runs crisp routes and can make seemingly impossible catches.  He has the strength to break tackles and go the distance, and will contribute right away on offense.

Wide Receiver Keante Minor

Keante Minor: 6'0", 194 pounds

The Razorbacks want to make sure the offense is stocked for years to come, and Keante Minor is the third wide receiver to make this list.

Minor is blazing fast and is speed is his best asset. That speed will allow him to be a kick returner on special teams, if Arkansas so chooses. His route running needs some polishing, but will improve with some excellent coaching at Arkansas.

Minor could see some early time at kick returner, while he works on his receiving game.

Defensive Tackle Lonnie Gosha

Lonnie Gosha: 6'3", 245 pounds

Lonnie Gosha is a Florida native that snubbed Florida State to commit to Arkansas. The Hogs are always looking to improve on defense and if groomed properly, Gosha will be a valuable asset.

He is very strong and possesses tremendous lower body strength that allows him to fight hard against the run, while holding his ground. He is quick off the snap and has a willingness to work hard to take his game to the next level.

Once he puts on some weight, he will be a useful piece on defense for the Hogs.

Offensive Tackle Brey Cook

Brey Cook: 6'7", 314 pounds

Offensive tackle Brey Cook could possibly the Razorbacks' best commitment of the recruiting season.

The Springdale Har-Ber sensation is a beast on the offensive line, and with his size he will be a starter as soon as possible.  He still needs some polishing, but is a massive run blocker who can play on almost every spot on the line. He is very physical and brings toughness to the game that is tough to find in a recruit.

In an offense that thrives if the quarterback has time to throw, Cook will fit in nicely.

The Razorbacks are stocked with talent headed into the 2011 season and the future looks bright.

Matt Regaw is a B/R Featured Columnist and the founder of BookieBlitz.com, your one-stop shop for sports articles, previews and predictions. Feel free to contact Matt at [e-mail].