Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema is limited on what he can say about recruiting due to NCAA rules, but it's common knowledge the Class of 2018 will be a small one. That's due to a combination of things including Arkansas' evaluation process been good thus not having large number of players leaving the program. Also the senior class is a small one.

Future Razorback Bumper Pool has shined at some various camps this spring.

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The Razorbacks currently have four commitments in the Class of 2018. The group consists of three 4-stars and one high 3-star according to the 247Composite rankings. Bielema likes how it's starting.

"We're going to have a really small class," Bielema said. "You guys that really follow it know this is a small class compared to last years. We still have an opportunity for one more in last year's class.

"But this year's class will be a lot of guys that are high on our list. Obviously I can't talk specifics, but we have not received a commitment from anyone that hasn't been the No. 1 person on our board."

The Razorbacks are still on several key recruits for 2018. Many will start taking unofficial visits to see the Hogs during spring ball.

"It's going as solid as solid gets," Bielema said. "Obviously, we've got to keep them going in the right direction."

One reason for the upbeat notion about recruiting for Bielema is his staff. He likes the way he has assembled this group of assistant coaches. He likes what the early returns show on John Scott Jr. and Chad Walker as well.

"I haven't seen our coaches work on the field yet, but this is the best recruiting staff I've ever had," Bielema said. "They're very diligent, they understand it. My two new guys, even though they came out of the NFL, they're very tech savvy, they're very into recruiting, they've got great personalities. My old staff knows what the expectation level is."

Bielema also talked about the job on-campus recruiting coordinator E.K. Franks has done. The technology now is also much different than it was in past years.

"E.K. has done a nice job of doing a lot more things with Facetime," Bielema said. "We used to just send out a letter when we offered a kid and now when we offer a kid we set up a time and our whole staff will sit there and have a conversation with them like you're sitting in the same room. The recruiting world is allowing us to push the envelope further and further, and for us at Arkansas, we need to do that."

As far as last year's class having an opening. Arkansas will play host to Clemson Graduate Transfer Scott Pagano, a talented defensive lineman, the weekend of April 8-10.

In addition, Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College outside linebacker Gabe Richardson will take an official visit to Arkansas in March. He signed with the Hogs in February, but has only been to Fayetteville on an unofficial visit. His teammate last year, talented defensive lineman Tayland Humphrey will also take a visit to Arkansas with Richardson. Humphrey is a Class of 2018 prospect with 18 offers. As a freshman, Humphrey had 32 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. His Crystal Ball is split between the Hogs and Texas A&M.

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