Harding remains committed, still looking

Edmond (Okla.) Santa Fe three-star safety Khari Harding remains committed to Arkansas, but he has not completely shut down the recruiting process.

Over the last few months, Harding has continued to evaluate his options, and several college programs have continued their pursuit. He has not taken any official visits yet, but he has taken a few unofficial visits.

"Memphis was nice," Harding said. "Kansas State, I really liked it a lot and the coach talked to me for about 45 minutes and didn't talk football at all. He just talked about education and life after football because Kansas State is graduating all of their football players at like an 85-percent pass rate or something. Then Texas Tech, it was kind of the same stuff. They graduate their players and want to become a family and if you need anything you can come to them. They're hard on you, but they're family at the same time."

Official visits are in the planning stages with two programs expected to receive visits from the standout safety in the near future.

"I'm thinking about taking one to Arizona State next month (December 14) and Arkansas probably in January (January 11)," Harding said.

Earlier this week, Harding was visited by Arkansas wide receivers coach Kris Cinkovich. Harding enjoyed the visit and says the coaching situation at Arkansas will not impact his decision.

"I'm just trying to figure out what school is good in business because I want to do something in business," Harding said. "I'm just trying to see who the next coach is. They're talking about Mike Gundy, and Boise State's Peterson, and Gruden. So I don't know yet."

He has already seen two coaching changes since he committed to the Razorbacks in June, but much has remained the same including one of the big reasons he committed to Arkansas.

"It's in the SEC, I've always wanted to play in the SEC. I love the SEC," Harding said. "Then I'm physical. I'm a big safety. I like to be physical and come down and hit people."

Harding is currently ranked No. 12 in the Rivals.com Oklahoma Top 20 and in addition to the schools above has heard from Purdue and Oklahoma State, and has picked up an offer from Washington State.