Zach Atkins gives Arkansas visit high marks

FAYETTEVILLE — Northwest Missouri State tight end Zach Atkins is closing in on a decision.

Atkins, 6-3, 245, spent Wednesday and Thursday doing an official visit to Arkansas. Atkins is one of Arkansas’ top targets in the transfer portal. This season, Atkins caught 18 passes for 179 yards and 3 touchdowns. He talked about how his visit to Arkansas went.

“It has been great,” Atkins said. “The coaching staff has been awesome. I loved meeting some of the guys and everything. It has been a fun time.”

The Razorbacks have had three tight ends enter the transfer portal. The numbers are low so Atkins should have an outstanding chance to play.

“A 100%,” Atkins said. “That’s a huge factor in what I’m considering. Playing time. Obviously I want to go somewhere I can play right away and be the dude.”

The Razorbacks are one four schools in the hunt for Atkins.

“I got South Carolina on Friday and Saturday,” Atkins said. “Colorado then Sunday and Monday. I have been to Ole Miss. I will probably shut it down after that.”

One of the biggest draws to Arkansas in addition to playing time is the presence of Bobby Petrino as offensive coordinator.

“The dude is an offensive genius,” Atkins said. “Been knowing him forever. I feel like I can learn a lot under him. He will know how to use me. That’s a big factor for sure.”

Atkins is much more familiar with Arkansas than many of the recruits who visit.

“My sister went here,” Atkins said. “So I’ve been here a few times. The first time I’ve seen the football facilities and everything. Top notch, elite stuff.”

Is Fayetteville the size town you can enjoy yourself since not too big, but yet not so small nothing to do?

“For sure,” Atkins said. “We’ve been here a few times. It’s got a small-town vibe, but not a small town. I love it.”

Official visitors through the transfer portal mostly take a different approach to high school prospects doing it for the first time.

“It’s all football,” Atkins said. “I just wanted to watch film and see exactly how they are going to use me.”