It appears the University of Arkansas will host its largest group of football prospects this season for Saturday night's LSU game at Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
Class of 2025 tight end Gavin Garretson, a San Diego State commitment, is expected to be the lone official visitor, while around 70 other prospects are expected to make unofficial visits.
An official visit is an all-expense paid trip by the school and can last up to 48 hours, while unofficial visit expenses are paid by the prospect and his family. Prospects on official visits are allotted four tickets for a game, while unofficial visitors are allotted three.
Garretson, 6-7 and 245 pounds, of Chico (Calif.) Pleasant Valley, received a scholarship offer from the Hogs on Oct. 2. He reported an offer from California on Wednesday to go with ones has received from San Diego State, New Mexico State, Eastern Washington, Idaho and others.
He and his parents are expected to arrive a couple of hours before the 6 p.m. kickoff time time after having an away game on Friday night. Garretson described what he's looking for during his trip.
"The game day atmosphere as well as the love by the staff is a big deal to me," Garretson said. "Nothing beats going somewhere you're wanted and I've felt the love from the coaches so far, so I hope that continues. Also look forward to experiencing the culture they have down there after hearing great things."
Garretson praised Razorback assistant quarterbacks coach Miles Fishback, a native of Chico, Calif., and his ability to relate to him.
"We're from the same hometown and it's a great advantage having somebody from the same town as you there that can relate to you," Garretson said.
He has 7 catches for 145 yards (29 yards per catch) and 2 touchdowns in a run-first offense in five games this season with a long touchdown of 63 yards. Garretson also has 22 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and 4 quarterback hurries.
As a junior, he recorded 20 receptions for 312 yards (22.3 ypc) and 5 touchdowns along with 43 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss and 31 quarterback hurries. Garretson is rated a 3-star prospect by On3.com.
He said his communication with Arkansas has been steady and also includes Coach Sam Pittman reaching out.
"Most things I do in life I do with the blessing of my family, and the coaches have shown an incredible effort in reaching out to my parents and keeping them up to date with everything," said Garretson, who plans to graduate in December and enroll at his school of choice in January. "And that's the most important thing to me. Coach Pittman has reached out to both my parents multiple times and shows his respect to loyalty and family. The whole staff reaches out and calls me about every other day to let me know they're thinking about me and excited to get me there, which means a lot to me."
Email Richard Davenport at [email protected]
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Gavin Garretson