Razorbacks make big push for Florida receiver | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

It looks like the University of Arkansas football program will be getting an unofficial visit from one of the best young receivers in the country this fall.

Denairius Gray, who has committed to Auburn, has been in contact with Razorbacks receivers coach Ronnie Fouch and they have worked on a weekend where he can come to a game.

“He sent me a few dates and I’m discussing with my family what date I’m going to come,” Gray said.

Gray, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound forward from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Boynton Beach, Florida, has scholarship offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Miami, Michigan, Georgia, Texas A&M, Penn State, LSU, Louisville and numerous others.

He committed to Auburn on January 1, but Fouch and the Hogs are hot on his heels.

“They've been really supportive,” Gray said. “They're very interested in me and I really don't mind. I really want to get on campus. This is my first time on campus, so I want to meet some of the coaches and see how it goes and then go from there.”

Gray had 25 catches for 372 yards and 11 touchdowns as a sophomore. As a freshman, he recorded 56 catches for 752 yards, 14 touchdowns and 42 tackles and an interception at Somerset Academy in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

While Fouch's regular contact with Gray is a plus for the Hogs, Arkansas can also count on the signing of receiver Kamare Williams, a good friend of Gray's from nearby Palm Beach Central High School.

“Coach Ronnie texts me and calls me every now and then. I always keep him updated on a lot of things,” Gray said. “Like fall camp, he asks me how I'm doing. A close friend of mine, my brother, is involved there. He's someone I can build a connection with. They really court me a lot. I can really tell they want me to be a part of what they're building there.”

Williams committed to Fouch and the Razorback on May 21 without visiting Fayetteville. He got his first look at his future school when he took an official visit to Arkansas from June 14-16.

“He said he really likes it,” Gray said of Williams. “He said he chose there because he really liked the school and they definitely treated him like family. That's the main thing he told me. It's like family up there.”

Gray, who is considering sports medicine, marine biology and culinary arts as possible majors in college, said he feels comfortable in his relationship with Fouch.

“He's really relaxed and open,” Gray said. “I feel like he's a younger coach, so he can communicate with me better than most older coaches. I felt that when I spoke to him on the phone.”

Ranked as a 4-star prospect by On3.com, Gray is the No. 36 receiver and No. 218 prospect nationwide for the Class of 2026. He is also the No. 41 recruit in Florida for his class.

The chance to play in Razorback offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino's all-open offense is enticing for Gray.

“I really don't want to go to a school where they run the ball,” he said. “I want to go to a school where they throw the ball because I play receiver and I don't want to block all day. Knowing that blocking is important is not the most important thing I want to do. I want to be able to make plays and catch passes.”

Email Richard Davenport at [email protected]

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Highlights from Denairius Gray

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