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The five highest-ranked Arkansas signees from the state of Tennessee

Chase Hayden
Chase Hayden

Arkansas and Tennessee share a border but for some reason over the years, the University of Arkansas has had limited success recruiting the state. That has all changed since Chad Morris arrived in Fayetteville, with the Hawgs nabbing a commitment from Rivals100 wide receiver Trey Knox on Monday. The addition of Knox makes four four-star prospects who played high school football in the state of Tennessee (Knox, Shamar Nash, Adonis Otey, Eric Gregory) committed in this year's class and if they all stick it will quadruple the number of four-stars signed from the state in the Rivals.com era. With that in mind, here's a look back at the five highest-ranked players Arkansas has signed from the state over the years and how they panned out.

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As a recruit: A Tennesse legacy, Hayden long seemed destined to play for the Vols but changed course when the staff there saw him as more of a wide receiver at the next level. Michigan was also heavily involved but he eventually committed to Arkansas just prior to the start of his senior season.

At Arkansas: Despite not being the prototypical back for then-coach Bret Bielema's offense, Hayden made an immediate impact for the Razorbacks in 2017. Before he was knocked out with an injury, he rushed for 326 yards and four touchdowns in just seven games. Hayden is still finding his way in 2018 and has 27 carries for 91 yards and also three catches for 11 yards.

As a recruit: A product of Arkansas' last major push into Tennessee, Boyd was targeted early and committed to the Razorbacks over Vanderbilt, Ole Miss and others during the spring of his junior year.

At Arkansas: Boyd bounced between offensive and defensive line while at Arkansas and saw spot action, mostly on special teams. He never made much of an impact during his time in Fayetteville.

As a recruit: A high school teammate of Boyd's, Lewis burst onto the recruiting scene after a strong camp season following his junior year and committed to Arkansas that summer over Ole Miss, Mississippi State and others.

At Arkansas: Lewis has his best and most impactful season at Arkansas as a redshirt freshman in 2013, playing in 10 games and recording 13 tackles, including 2.5 for loss and recovering one fumble. As he career moved along he couldn't replicate those numbers and finished with just 16 more total tackles over the next three seasons while playing primarily as a reserve.

As a recruit: Wright committed to Arkansas late in his senior season and made the Razorbacks sweat it out all the way until Signing Day after he took official visits to North Carolina, Kentucky and Memphis.

At Arkansas: Wright was moved to defensive line upon arriving on campus and after redshirting took to his new position very well. As a freshman in 2009 he had 34 total tackles, including seven for loss. He improved those numbers as a sophomore, also his best career season, when he totaled 36 total tackles and six sacks. His playing time tapered off over the next two seasons thanks to a nagging shoulder injury and a position change back to linebacker. Wright is now Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning for the University of Michigan football team.

As a recruit: Arkansas was Thompson's first offer and he committed to the Razorbacks during the fall of his senior season.

At Arkansas: Thompson was a gifted athlete but his career at Arkansas never really got off the ground and he recorded just one career catch for four yards, which came during his redshirt sophomore season in 2004.

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