Hogs' Quarterback Commit Having Electric Junior Season
LITTLE ROCK — Time flies fast. Most Arkansas high school football players are nearly done with their regular seasons with just three weeks to go before playoffs.
However, Central Arkansas Christian quarterback Grayson Wilson won't be among those ending his season so soon. Currently a three-star prospect in the class of 2025, he is putting up record numbers and still has a season left in his prep football career.
He currently grades out at .8652 which rates him the No. 35 quarterback in the nation and the No. 5 prospect in Arkansas, according to 247sports. Wilson's current offer list includes the Razorbacks, Oklahoma State, Illinois and Central Arkansas. Kansas State, Auburn, Ohio State and Notre Dame have also contacted Wilson recently.
At 6-foot-3, 190, Wilson has torched opposing secondaries to a tune of 2,414 yards, 32 touchdowns and just one interception through seven games. The Mustangs sit at 6-1 with their only loss coming on the road by one point to Benton-Harmony Grove.
Wilson is a decorated three sport athlete as he has been named All-Conference and All-State in football, basketball and baseball during his time at CAC. Talking with his father, Doug, he feels that his son is developing as a leader.
"Being a multi-sport athlete benefits him with dealing with pressure, athleticism and knowing how to motivate teammates," Doug said. "He is motivated to win more than a desire to not lose."
Leadership qualities are sometimes indicative of future success in the professional landscape. Wilson's new coach is Ryan Howard, a former Missouri Tigers' assistant the previous two seasons. Howard has strongly encouraged to be more vocal in his leadership role this season.
"Although, [Grayson] is very humble and never wants to bring attention to himself," Doug said. "He is learning to be more animated with his teammates while honing his leadership skills.
One of the stronger parts to Wilson's game is his ability to drive the ball downfield quickly with his arm strength, but also pure touch on deep throws. There is one part to Wilson's game that is undervalued and that's an ability to scramble, according to his father.
"[Grayson] throws well on the run which allows him to scramble effectively," Doug said. "While scrambling, he likes to keep his eyes downfield in case someone comes open which makes him hard to game plan for."
Arkansas' current 2025 class sits no. 21 overall in the 247sports composite rankings. The top prospect committed is running back Jamarion Parker of St. Louis. Wilson and safety Marcus Wimberly are ranked in the mid 87 range which is considered quality three-star prospects.
Wilson made made Arkansas visits a priority in his recruitment attending Junior Days and visiting on his own dime multiple times. He made his pledge to the Hogs known during his visit to Fayetteville on April 15.
One of the biggest reasons that Sam Pittman is as popular as he is with recruits is his humbleness and caring attitude for potential Hogs. Mom’s want to feel safe about their son’s going off to college and being taken care of. While the players are looking to have a relationship that’s deeper than just a football.
The big thing with Pittman is he is family first,” Wilson said. “The culture background, putting players first and always gives mama’s a hug. It’s not always football with him. He cares about things outside of football.”
Wilson chose the Hogs due to offensive coordinator Dan Enos’ success of placing quarterbacks in the NFL. Enos has been known as a great developer of arm talent and that caught the eye of Wilson, who takes coaching very well.
“Development and improvement everyday. You have to come in and be better,” Wilson said.
The Hogs currently have one quarterback committed for the 2024 class in K.J. Jackson — a four-star in his own right — from Mobile, (Ala.). Arkansas missed out on top instate quarterback Walker Wilson of Little Rock Christian, who is currently committed to play for Hugh Freeze at Auburn.
Mustangs To Hogs
As for the school, Central Arkansas Christian prepared a handful of their graduates for football in the SEC. There are two notable Mustangs that made their way to Fayetteville to become Razorbacks. D.J. Williams and Joe Adams were instrumental in leading the Hogs to their very first BCS Bowl berth in the Sugar Bowl in 2010.
Williams, a 2007 graduate of CAC, was an exceptional tight end— ultimately being awarded the John Mackey Award for the nation’s best tight end in 2010. His performance was good enough to be named to the first team All-SEC by the coaches and AP alike. The talented tight end recorded 54 receptions for 627 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Adams was one of the most explosive players in Razorback football history in his four seasons in Fayetteville. The 2008 graduate of CAC was originally set to attend the University of Southern California before flipping his commitment to the Hogs when Arkansas hired Bobby Petrino in December 2007. Not only was he a threat as an athlete that could line up at multiple positions on offense but was a valuable return man on special teams. He amassed 3,352 all-purpose yards in his Hogs' career and 24 touchdowns.
Although a small amount of Mustangs have wound up as Razorbacks on the football field the impact of such players cannot be diminished. Wilson has an opportunity to carry the legacy that Arkansas legends achieved over a decade ago.
HOGS FEED:
THERE IS A REASON RAZORBACKS COULD PULL OFF A HUGE SHOCKER AT TUSCALOOSA ON SATURDAY
WHAT DOES HISTORY SAY ABOUT HOGS' CHANCES OF MAKING BOWL GAME THIS YEAR?
IS RAZORBACKS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR CLOSE TO 'MAGIC NUMBER' FOR SAM PITTMAN IN LOSSES?
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