SEC Recruiting Grades After National Signing Day: Alabama, Tennessee on Top

Dec 29, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema during the game against the Texas Longhorns in the 2014 Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

11. Arkansas Razorbacks 

Rivals Class Rank: No. 25

Bret Bielema has been improving the Arkansas Razorbacks in the loaded SEC West since he arrived, and the recruiting and experience has gotten better each year. With a system designed around a tough defense and a dominant offensive line to spur an amazing running game, Bielema’s recruiting class was perfect for what he needs.

And it should be enough to win quite a few games, even in the SEC.

Jeremiah Ledbetter and Jamario Bell at defensive end combined with Hjalte Froholdt at defensive tackle makes for a very strong class to shore up the defensive line, which could be inconsistent at times. But that’s not all. Bielema knows exactly what he needs for his system, so he brought in tight ends C.J. O’Grady and Will Gragg along with offensive lineman Jalen Merrick. This is a recipe for another dominant blocking group that can help the passing game when needed.

Add quarterback Ty Storey, and all of a sudden Bielema has some balance to add to his power running system in the future. This recruiting class was everything Arkansas could ask for.

The only reservation was that he did not pick up more offensive linemen for his system, but he still got quite a few good players.

It’ll be interesting to see how they play out in the SEC West.

Grade: B+

Next: No. 10 Ranked SEC Recruiting Class