Arkansas Football landed an unusual recruit recently when former MLB player Monte Harrison committed to the Razorbacks as a preferred walk-on.
It’s not common for college football teams to secure commitments from athletes ten years older than most freshmen, especially when they haven’t played football since 2013.
Harrison’s athletic prowess is evident from his high school days when he was a four-star receiver and initially committed to play at Nebraska. However, he chose the MLB draft instead, foregoing college football entirely. Now, at 28 years old, he’s embarking on his freshman year of college football.
Despite his baseball career spanning from 2014 to 2023, with stints in the minors and majors, Arkansas sees potential in Harrison’s speed and athleticism. While he may be older than most rookies, his ability to cover ground quickly is a valuable asset for the team.
Arkansas head coach Sam Pittman may have been influenced by the success story of former Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden, who also transitioned from baseball to football after high school. Weeden went on to excel in college football, and while Harrison’s path differs, his commitment as a preferred walk-on presents a low-risk opportunity for the Razorbacks.
