Arkansas added another big piece to its 2020 recruiting class when Rivals250 Memphis (Tenn.) Whitehaven linebacker Martavius French committed on Tuesday. The commitment ends a year-long courtship of French, who nearly committed back in the spring before electing to take more time. But the Hawgs continued to hold a lead on the rest of the competition and despite talks of taking other visits, French made his commitment official in advance of his trip to Fayetteville this weekend.

French and his teammate, fellow Rivals250 linebacker Bryson Eason, have been at the top of the Hogs linebacker board for quite some time and with the duo set to visit together this weekend, the timing of French's commitment couldn't be any better. As far as what to expect on the field, French is a tackling machine who has worked this offseason to improve his coverage skills and athleticism, something that showed when he impressed at the Five-Star Challenge last month. French has gotten better during every step of his high school career and Arkansas fans and coaches will hope that continues to be the case in the future. French's commitment is also big because it's another high quality prospect out of the state of Tennessee that is heading to Arkansas. After landing players like Trey Knox, Shamar Nash and Eric Gregory last year, the pipeline to the Memphis area continues to flow at an impressive rate.

The Bulldogs nabbed a commitment from French's teammate, four-star Tamarion McDonald, in the spring and some thought that might mean French and Eason were headed to Starkville as well. Now that appears off the table and could leave Arkansas and Mississippi State fighting over Eason. Ole Miss was also in the mix for French and Eason and will now hope to land Eason in an effort to keep their Memphis ties in place. The Rebels have probably been hit hardest by Arkansas' efforts in Tennessee and especially in the city of Memphis.