DT Jay’viar Suggs gives high marks to Arkansas visit

FAYETTEVILLE — Grand Valley State defensive tackle Jay’vier Suggs has seen his recruiting take off like few have since entering the transfer portal.

Suggs, 6-3, 295, spent Saturday and part of Sunday at Arkansas for an official visit. He entered the portal on April 21 and since that time he has gained offers from 35 schools. If that isn’t a record it has to be close. Following the visit to Arkansas he talked about how it went.

“Really the education part,” Suggs said. “Just the resources they have. The ways they help you graduate. I think for football it was 100% graduation rate which is like crazy and really the second part was the atmosphere. I came in here and it just felt so welcoming. Like I said, it was just a great first visit.”

In 2023, Suggs had 21 tackles, seven solo, 7.5 for loss, five sacks, four pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and a forced fumble. He noted how important education is to him.

“I actually just got my degree Friday so I’m looking into a Masters program or a second undergrad with supply chain,” Suggs said. “Anyway, I know I have so much help here if I decide to come here or not but just the education was just really key with all the resources. I know I would be able to graduate with a Masters or a second undergrad so that’s important to me.”

He has two years to play despite being a grad transfer. The supply chain aspect of his visit was something he went into more detail about.

“All the Fortune 500 companies like if you graduate with a Masters here or a supply chain you should get a job like that,” Suggs said. “Like I said, the resources here are just like crazy and it’s just a good environment.”

Arkansas offered him on Thursday. In the six days he has been in the portal, Suggs has picked up offers from Central Michigan, Coastal Carolina, Miami (Fla.), Miami (Ohio), Purdue, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan State, Nebraska, Louisville, TCU, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas State, Arkansas State, Colorado State, Utah State, Indiana, Houston, San Diego State, UAB, Liberty, Georgia Southern, Temple, Ohio, Western Kentucky, Tulane, Eastern Michigan, James Madison, North Texas, FAU, Appalachian State and Old Dominion. With so many opportunities why was Arkansas your first visit?

“Really Coach (Deke) Adams,” Suggs said. “He got me on the phone and started talking to me early in the recruiting process. I feel like he took one of the first chances on me. I just wanted to say I appreciate him and everything in whatever decision I decide to make but that connection kind of happened a little early and what he was telling me, he helped me realize the business side of things and what I need to do for my future. So I feel like that was the right move.”

With the Arkansas visit now behind him, Suggs talked about what is next.

“Right now, scheduled Wisconsin will be Monday or Tuesday,” Suggs said. “After that it’s open right now, but there should be a decision by either today or tomorrow or Tuesday. The decision about visits.”

Arkansas is hoping to add two defensive tackles from the transfer portal in the Class of 2024. At this time, the Razorbacks have three pledges from April portal opening. That leaves them seven available scholarships.