Reginald Vaughn has locked in his college decision ahead of his senior season.
Vaughn, the No. 19-ranked defensive tackle in the country out of Madison (Miss.) Hartfield Academy in Mississippi, committed to Arkansas on Saturday. The Razorbacks edged out in-state SEC contenders like Ole Miss and Mississippi State.
After taking an official visit up to the Hill in June, the connection between Vaughn and this Arkansas coaching staff, and in particular head coach Sam Pittman and DL coach Deke Adams, proved to be too good of a situation to pass up.
Vaughn said it came down to the longevity of his relationship with the coaches in Fayetteville and the level of closeness they reached.
"This has been a difficult decision, but I'm blessed to be in the position I'm in and I'm just grateful to have parents to guide me through this process," Vaughn told Rivals.
"Arkansas has always been welcoming," he continued. "They have a good coaching staff."
The Hogs have hosted the 6-foot-3, 270-pound defensive lineman for a string of visits this off-season, including some unofficial trips during spring football in Fayetteville as well as an official visit over June 21-23 weekend.
Arkansas has been trending up with one of the best in the Sip ever since.
"Coach Pitt and Coach Adams give me old soul vibes, which I compare to my mom's cooking in the kitchen, if you know what I mean," Vaughn remarked. "I feel like Coach Pitt and Coach Adams coach with a purpose; you just know it comes from the heart."
"Arkansas has been pretty consistent," he added. "Their vibe is energetic."
The energy from the Arkansas coaches resonated on the field and inside the meetings room as it pertained to Vaughn, who was a close study as he navigated through his decision this summer.
Vaughn felt right at home on The Hill with these coaches at the helm.
"I liked the energy during the spring practices and the team meetings," Vaughn explained. "The team was like glue."
"They really push those guys a lot, but at the same time, it's a tough love," he noted.
