Razorbacks Opt for Speed with New Commitment

Three star athlete’s tape displays the raw speed the Hogs have lacked lately

Author:
Jacob Davis
Publish date:
Feb 4, 2024 10:00 AM EST

In this story:

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas has broken into the Texas recruiting trail for the class of 2025. The commitment of Atlanta, Texas, athlete Markeylin Batton gives the Razorbacks its fourth addition to the class. He chose the Hogs over the likes of Michigan State, Missouri, Oregon State and Houston.

A 6-0, 175-pound athlete, Batton plays both ways for the Rabbits. He's primarily a running back recording 1,270 yards and 18 rushing touchdowns the previous two seasons. His emergence as a playmaker in the passing game led to 16 receptions for 255 yards and four touchdowns.

Although offered by running backs coach Jimmy Smith, Batton can read defenses in the secondary as he recorded 17 tackles and two pass breakups as a junior.

According to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Batton runs a 4.46 40-yard dash. The Razorbacks initially offered on July 29, 2023, and were his second Power Four offer following the Woo Pig Cookout.

During his sophomore season, Batton was named his district's utility player of the year. Despite his Rabbits team finishing a modest 7-4 overall, he recorded 660 yards rushing and nine touchdowns while also making 18 tackles and two pass breakups.

Watching his HUDL film, Batton is a powerful runner with exceptional vision and speed to go along. He invites contact by delivering vicious blows to defenders. Once he finds open field, he has a fifth gear to breakaway from opposing defenses.

The addition of Batton brings Arkansas’ 2025 recruiting class to the No. 26 spot in the nation, per 247sports composite rankings.

Current 2025 commitments

4-star RB Jamarion Parker, St. Louis

3-star QB Grayson Wilson, Little Rock

3-star ATH Markeylin Batton

3-star K Evan Noel, St. Louis