4-star OT JacQawn McRoy talks pledge to Hogs

FAYETTEVILLE — Former Oregon offensive tackle JacQawn McRoy chose Arkansas Thursday and then wrapped up his official visit on Friday.

McRoy, 6-8, 375, talked about why he chose Arkansas this time. Last year he chose Oregon over the Hogs and a long list of schools pursuing him.

“I made decision to come close to home and be with Coach Pitt (Sam Pittman),” McRoy said. “An O-line coach as head coach kind of a no-brainer for me.”

McRoy was a consensus four-star recruit last year in the Class of 2024. ESPN rated him the No. 55 recruit in the nation regardless of position and No. 4 offensive tackle. McRoy admitted Friday he already knew what his decision was before he stepped foot on the campus Thursday.

“Oh yeah,” McRoy said. “Coach Pitt already cool. I love the Arkansas fans. I’m thankful so much. Every day I wake up and look at that. I’m like this is home. I’m wanted here and I want to be here. I’m ready to work.”

Scott Fountain recruited him out of Pinson (Ala.) Clay-Chalkville and Eric Mateos will be his position coach with the Razorbacks.

“Coach Fountain has been a big part of the recruiting process ever since I was in high school,” McRoy said. “He does an amazing job recruiting guys. Coach Mateos I’m still trying to figure him out since he just got here taking Coach (Cody) Kennedy’s job. He seems like a good guy. I’m willing to work with him.”

McRoy is the first player to choose Arkansas for the Class of 2025 out of the transfer portal.