Greensburg, Louisiana wide receiver Ryan Byrd has already picked up nine scholarship offers but is hoping at least one more team steps up.
“Coach Willie Robinson came down to visit me.” Byrd said. “Coach Robinson said he thought that once Coach Petrino had seen my film that Arkansas would probably offer. I have also been contact with Coach Dann Kabala on Facebook.”
Byrd is holding offers from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Memphis, Minnesota, Kansas, Kansas State, Tulsa, South Alabama, and Western Kentucky. He’s also hearing from a few top level teams.
“Besides Arkansas, there are a few more schools I am hoping to hear something from.” Byrd said. “I am still being recruited by LSU, Nebraska, TCU, and Notre Dame, some of them at receiver and some as an athlete.”
The 6-foot-1, 170 pound prospect is working with a Baton Rouge speed coach in hopes of improving his forty, which he says is currently a 4.53. Byrd says an offer from the Hogs would vault Arkansas up his list.
“An Arkansas offer would be exciting,” Byrd said. “That would definitely put them in my top 5 along with Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tulsa, and LSU.”
Byrd, a soon to be senior at St. Helena High School, will use his summer vacation taking visits and hitting up camps.
“I’ll be camping at LSU and Mississippi State for sure,” said Byrd. “Ole Miss is another possibility. I’ve been to their campus before but I would like to see more of the school. I’ve never been to Starkville so I am looking forward to that visit.”
If Arkansas decides to join the crowd and offer Byrd, the offensive success of the Razorbacks will be beneficial in the recruitment of the wide out.”
“I love the offense they run,” Byrd said. “Arkansas likes to throw the ball and go three or four wide. They do a good job of getting the athletes involved.”
Byrd has researched the Arkansas facilities online and is impressed with the school. He also has high regards for his Willy Robinson. When decision time comes, Byrd says one factor will factor above all others.”
“Education is my biggest factor.” Byrd said. “I want to major in agricultural and I am interested in farming. I haven’t had a chance to check out the programs at each school but that will be big for me.”
When discussing the strengths of his game, for Byrd it depends on where he’s lined up.
“At wide receiver, I use my athleticism to create distance from the defenders.” Byrd said. “On defense, I think it would be being able to go get the ball when it’s in the air.”
Byrd plays mostly safety while lined up on defense but could likely also play corner. For this talented athlete winning is more important than position.
“I probably want to play receiver in college but I’ll do whatever it takes to help my team win.”
Heading into the summer circuit several teams have given Ryan Byrd the opportunity to come help their school, with his talent and attitude there’s little doubt he’ll be a major contributor at the next level.
