Brody Lightfoot hopes Arkansas can ignite recruiting

FAYETTEVILLE — Among the recruits at Arkansas’ Linemen Camp on Wednesday was Willard (Mo.) Class of 2027 offensive tackle Brody Lightfoot.

Lightfoot played ninth-grade football at 6-foot-7, 300-pounds last season. He hoped to use the football camp at Arkansas working with Eric Mateos to help ignite his recruiting. He talked about his career as he’s set to begin high school football this fall.

“I feel like it’s off to a strong start,” Lightfoot said. “I hope to get some varsity reps this year.”

Lightfoot said Willard is close to Springfield. He and his father made the reasonably short drive down to Fayetteville so he could attend a college camp.

“One of the first major college camps,” Lightfoot said. “I came wanting to get some good looks.”

Lightfoot is still working hard to improve all aspects of his offensive line play, but did note an important part that he feels is a strength.

“Probably my pass blocking abilities,” Lightfoot said.

As far as what he needs to work on the most Lightfoot also had an area or two.

“Probably my speed, agility and coordination,” Lightfoot said.

Much of that will come with age since he is very big to be that young. Lightfoot doesn’t have any fat though and should grow into his body becoming more athletic and faster. Lightfoot was in awe of the facilities Arkansas had to offer.

“I think they are really cool,” Lightfoot said. “They were kind of nerve wrecking at first, but I like it now.”

Lightfoot saw the current Razorbacks working out and thus the nerve wrecking to perform on the same practice field they work on preparing for SEC games. Lightfoot talked about what an offer to Arkansas one day would mean to him.

“It would mean a lot,” Lightfoot said. “Especially coming out of my freshman year.”

Arkansas, Missouri and others may have a difficult time keeping Lightfoot in this area though if his dream offer were to come through eventually.

“I grew up a Georgia Bulldog fan,” Lightfoot said. “It looks really amazing.”

But Lightfoot is impressed with the coaches at Arkansas and other things about the school.

I’ve heard a little bit about Arkansas’ coaches,” Lightfoot said. “I was looking for a place I could get to and sharpen my skills.”

Lightfoot feels like Mateos and the staff can definitely do that for him.

Lightfoot and Willard will open the 2024 season on Friday, Aug, 30, at Ozark.