Durant Coach, Colton Yarbrough’s parents pleased with decision

DURANT, Okla. — Durant High School Head Coach Todd Vargas knows what kind of talent he has in Class of 2026 four-star edge Colton Yarbrough who committed to Arkansas on Saturday.

Yarbrough, 6-6, 242, made his announcement in front of family, friends and his high school coach. Vargas was pleased with Yarbrough and supportive of his decision.

“Physically, he’s a specimen,” Vargas said of Yarbrough. “When you first look at him you go that guy is different. His work ethic, determination and he’s had all these offers since the eighth grade.

“All he has ever tried to do was prove he was worth those things and he has. He’s a great kid, a great human being, a great servant, he does everything you ask him to. He is going to be a special player.”

Yarbrough called the decision to choose Arkansas an easy one. Vargas expects good things for Yarbrough the next two years at Durant and then with the Razorbacks.

“I think Arkansas was one of the first ones who ever called me,” Vargas said. “He was just a freshman then. He felt at ease there with his position coach. They showed a lot of love to him. He had a great visit and just fell in love with the campus, staff and all of that.”

Many have said Yarbrough’s game reminds them of Landon Jackson, who is a standout senior for the Hogs at the edge. Does Vargas see that type player in Yarbrough?

“I don’t know what the future holds for him, but I know who holds his future,” Vargas said. “The thing is the kid has a work ethic that matches his ability. He has a desire to be good. There is no doubt he is going to be a really good player and it’s going to be fun to watch him.”

Vargas, like Yarbrough, doesn’t see a changing of his commitment as many fear when a recruit this young commits to a school.

“He has been everywhere and met everyone,” Vargas said. “He has got every offer there is. That is kind of like recruiting is. The greatest thing about this is it takes all the pressure away. He can be a kid. He can go out and play and have fun and not worry about the future. People can’t imagine the pressure these kids feel and I knew it was on him. I could see it on him. He will be a different tomorrow I promise you.”

As far as on the field, Vargas detailed what he feels that Yarbrough does well.’

“His raw speed,” Vargas said. “He has incredible straight-line speed. His wing span and range. He’s so strong. From his freshman year to now his body strength is really tremendous. We’re going to be playing him at the 5-technique and I think he will flourish there.”

Vargas notes that Yarbrough can defend both the run and pass.

“In our league you’ve got to take care of the run first,” Vargas said. “That’s just Oklahoma football. We’ve already worked with him last year and he’s going to be able to take hold of that. Serve technique, chase the run and counter down and box all that stuff in. In the pass rush he’s so quick and has worked with his hands so he will be fine with all that. He will end up being a complete player when it’s all done.”

Erika Winfield, Yarbrough’s mom, is pleased with his decision to attend Arkansas.

“It meant a lot especially going to Arkansas,” Winfield said. “That’s where a lot of our family is from and it really meant a lot to us. His nephew graduated from Arkansas.”

Winfield credited Sean Cooper and the C4 program helping develop Yarbrough to the prospect he is today. Cooper, a former college coach, owns the C4 and works with athletes.

“Whenever he started coming out here and being pushed,” Winfield said. “The C4 program. Sean, I don’t even know how to put it, he is like a dad to him.”

Clayton Yarbrough sees great things in his son’s future at Arkansas.

“Absolutely, the hard work has paid off,” Yarbrough said. “He has come from an uncoordinated no one ever thought would do anything to show you should have given that kid the chance when he was younger. Now, he’s got a great future ahead of him and we’re all very proud of him.”

The father accompanied Yarbrough to the Hogwild Hangout the previous Saturday and was impressed with everything at Arkansas.

“Last week when we went to do a visit up there we all fit in,” Clayton Yarbrough said. “We felt that is where he probably needed to be and where he is going to fit in the best.

“Arkansas never gave up or changed their tune from the first time they talked to him until now. That meant a lot.”

Yarbrough is rated a 5.9 four-star with Rivals.com. Rivals rates him the No. 112 player regardless of position, No. 1 player in Oklahoma and No. 9 edge nationally.