FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas Coach Sam Pittman had about nine days to cobble together his first early signing class Dec. 18.
None of those signees was less expected than linebacker Kelin Burrle (pronounced Key-lin Burl) of metro New Orleans.
A longtime commitment to Texas-San Antonio, Burrle backed off from the Roadrunners after Coach Frank Wilson was fired Dec. 1. As a December graduate and early enrollee, Burrle had precious little time to find a new college destination.
Enter the Razorbacks. Pittman was at Burrle’s school, Helen Cox High in Harvey, La., checking on defensive back Donovan Johnson — who would go on to sign with Virginia — when opportunity knocked.