Arkansas could add speedy RB Tyreek Reed this week

FAYETTEVILLE — Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College freshman running back Tyreek Reed will begin his official visit to Arkansas on Thursday.

Reed, 5-9, 205, is a speedster who rushed 132 times for 833 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching one pass for five yards in 11 games. He also returned a pair of kickoffs for 22 yards. He is excited about the chance to take an official visit to Arkansas. A running back spot opened this week when Dominique Johnson opted for the transfer portal.

“They showed the love,” Reed said. “They want me to come up there. Especially being JUCO now it’s hard to get out at my position. This is my third time (to visit) obviously they’re taking a chance on me being JUCO.”

Kolby Smith is the new running back’s coach at Arkansas. He played and coached both in the NFL. That is something certainly appealing to Reed.

“Yes sir that is really impressive,” Reed said. “When I came on my first visit up there he was the first person I met when I came in the door. He had just gotten there like in the morning. I got there like an hour after he got there. I met him and he told me he was the new running back coach. We started talking about him being in the NFL. That really impressed me. I think he can help me get to the next level. Especially him, he was a smaller back too. He told me just keep grinding.”

Reed is obviously very fast, but has other strengths that have the Hogs interested in him.

“I would say my biggest strength is my elite speed,” Reed said. “I ran a verified 4.36 (in the 40-yard dash). I can continue to do that in my game speed as well. Also, with me having elite speed I’m a stronger back as well. Elite speed ability, but I can break tackles and I can make one cut and get vertical. Make someone miss and get to the end zone.”

An official offer hasn’t been extended to Reed, but it appears that will be a formality once he arrives around 2 p.m. Thursday on campus. If the offer is extended the Razorbacks will have a new running back.

“I’m going down there on Thursday,” Reed said. “It’s not technically been offered yet, but I’m just going to commit on the spot (when they do offer).”

Reed was a full qualifier out of Topeka (Kan.) Lawrence so he’s eligible to transfer immediately. He will have four years to play three at the next level. Playing in the SEC is something that’s very appealing to Reed obviously since he has aspirations to one day appear in NFL.

“Just playing in the NFL is the biggest level,” Reed said. “I feel good betting on myself. Just like going into Hutch, I wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school. I went into Hutch, this conference we’re in is like the SEC, it’s the JUCO SEC. I bet on myself. I came in here and bet on myself with eight running backs. I’m going to continue to bet on myself at the SEC and higher level. So I’m real confident coming in. Just play my role.”

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