Hogs make strong impression on talented WR Ismael Cisse

FAYETTEVILLE — Former Stanford wide receiver Ismael Cisse visited Arkansas Friday and Saturday leaving impressed.

Cisse, 6-0, 180, caught 26 passes for 241 yards and 2 touchdowns for Stanford this season. Cisse provided feedback on the visit.

“Got in here yesterday, so just enjoyed my time, meeting the coaches, looking around Arkansas,” Cisse said. “First time here, so I love to travel and get around, so it’s good to be out here and just enjoy my visit.”

Since you had never been here and you are from Denver did anything surprise you about Fayetteville or Arkansas.

“No, I didn’t have any negative views or anything beforehand,” Cisse said. “I mean, where Arkansas is, it’s a calm little town, calm little environment. So I’m just enjoying it right now. I’m from Colorado, so I’m used to the atmosphere.”

You squat 550 and for a receiver at 180 pounds that seems pretty incredible. What do people say when they find that out?

“I love to squat,” Cisse said. “They’re kind of a little surprised coming from a receiver, but I know the power really comes from the legs, so just have to make sure I’m strong in that aspect. I’m hard to tackle, so that’s a big plus in my game. I just like to get the ball in my hands and do what I can do. Squatting 550 allows me to do more on the field than people think.”

Cisse isn’t revealing his other schools but did say he will visit others.

“I haven’t yet, I am this week,” Cisse said. “Just trying to enjoy my visit right now.”

Between the transfer portal and NFL Draft Cisse should have an opportunity to make a big impact immediately with the Hogs. He has taken notice.

“For sure, it does,” Cisse said. “Obviously it’s SEC ball so it’s a level up from where I was previously at. Not better, but sometimes more competition, I’ll put it (that way). So, that’s always fun, SEC ball. I don’t feel pressure. I’m ready to go whenever.”

Cisse is familiar with Dylan Cruz who is now at Arkansas and admitted that helps the Hogs.

“It definitely does, I already knew him previously too,” Cisse said. “Coming up here and meeting him again, having somebody that I already know, it’s definitely a plus.”

Cisse was asked if he has a timetable for a decision?

“Not really sure right now,” Cisse said.

Arkansas has signed four wide receivers from the transfer portal so far.W